Chapter 72: Court of Five

Ignoring Koray's protests, he helped put them on, then tugged Koray out of bed and got him on his feet. Though he was loath to let go of him, Sorin made himself do so and thrust Koray's walking stick at him.

The look on Koray's face was indecipherable, but it did not lessen an aching need to kiss him. But Koray's words were seared into his mind, and he would rather die than ever again give a kiss that was not really wanted.

Swallowing, briefly balling his hands into fists, Sorin asked, "Are you sure you're all right? It's not far, just outside of camp. After we're done you can go back to resting."

"I'll be fine," Koray said in a dull tone and drew himself up. But he made it only a single step before he stumbled, clearly still exhausted. Sorin moved without thinking, catching him up, holding him close. "Koray …"

"Let me go," Koray said.