Marrying a Warhound (Cassian) novel Chapter 146

Chapter 146

Chapter 146

ATASHA’S POV

((39)‘

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“May I know if the Lord is simply too idle?” I asked, turning to him. Cassian walked shoulder to shoulder with me along the infirmary porch, matching my pace like a shadow with opinions. “Or… is there something else you wanted to tell me?” Somehow, that question made my heart skip a beat.

I swallowed and turned my head away, hoping he couldn’t see my blushing ears.

He didn’t bite. “Checking the infirmary.”

“Again.” I said. “For the third time today.”

He ignored that and took up position at my side bench like a sentry planted by the gods. We were outside the door, where the breeze carried the bite of herbs and boiled linen. I’d come out to rest my hands. He’d come out to stand next to my resting hands and glare at anything that moved.

Today, he’d decided to “check” so thoroughly that half the infirmary had adjusted its route to avoid my side of the hallway. Earlier, a junior healer tried to pass with a tray, Cassian stepped forward, took the tray, and handed it to me only after he’d personally tested the steam temperature with the back of his knuckles like an overqualified tea maid.

Then, when a guard with a bruised eye reached to hand me a flower as a thank you for the stitch work, Cassian shifted me one step and the guard froze, apologized to the air, then did a full detour around a potted plant.

When Grace came out to ask if I wanted water, Cassian answered “yes” before I could speak, then took the cup, tasted it, and only then handed it to me. Grace stared at him, then at me, then mouthed, Is he for real? I nodded. Sadly.

“I am just doing my job,” he said now, as if reading my thoughts. “After all, my dearest consort is gaining too much attention these days.”

I ignored that. “What is your job exactly? Blocking sunlight? You’ve been standing in front of it for ten minutes.” As far as I know, he is the Lord of the North. How could the ruler of the north, known for his bloody nature act like a guard?

As if to prove me wrong, the wind kicked up and snapped my cloak loose. Cassian moved in one smooth step, catching the edge and pulling it back around my shoulders, then angling his body to shield me from the gust. My hair only had time to think about escaping before it gave up.

“See?” he said.

“That was not an invitation to demonstrate.”

He pretended not to hear. “Did Agape tell you about… that thing?” I asked, keeping my voice low.

He tilted his head away and gave a small nod.

Right. Of course, Agape would tell him about the possibility of a corrupted fae that might be after me.

20:00 Mon, Oct 20

Chapter 146

39

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I slid my fingers into his, squeezing. “I’m safe here. You’re near, Grace is inside, and every second person in this yard owes you their life. You should focus on the North instead of following me around.”

He didn’t answer immediately. His thumb pressed once against my knuckles, thoughtful. “Or,” he said at last. “You can stay inside my office.”

I blinked. “I’ll do that.”

He actually looked at me this time, as if I’d suggested something reckless. “Really?”

“Yes,” I said, trying not to smile. To be fair, he didn’t tell me to stay with him after that meeting with the council members. So, I just went to the infirmary to help out. “I can’t let you worry yourself into wearing grooves on the infirmary floor.”

Chapter 146

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Sister Veris didn’t seem fazed. “Then I will have to trouble my Lord to accompany us,” she said, gesturing politely toward the carriage waiting by the steps.

Cassian gave a short nod and extended a hand toward me. “Let’s go.”

I blinked at his hand for a few seconds, still not used to how naturally he did things like this–as if escorting me everywhere had become part of his routine.

“Are you waiting for it to disappear?” he asked.

That earned a quiet laugh from me. “No. Just making sure it’s really an invitation and not an order.

His lips twitched, almost a smile. “You can take it however you want.”

I placed my hand in his, the warmth of his palm steady and familiar now, and stood. The movement was simple, but it drew every eye from the passing healers nearby. Cassian didn’t seem to notice or care. He kept my hand in his as we followed Sister Veris down the steps toward the waiting carriage.

The breeze picked up again, brushing through my cloak, but Cassian adjusted his hold and guided me forward before it could slip loose. Sister Veris opened the door, stepping aside with quiet grace.

“Thank you.” I said, offering her a polite nod before climbing in. Cassian followed immediately, his broad frame nearly filling the small space.

Inside, Sister Veris was already sitting, brewing a tea. “I apologize for being mysterious but there is something that I have to say to the Lady.” Her serious expression made me frown.

“Is there something wrong?” I asked.