Eli's body slumped to the ground after Damon cut him free from the post. Before anyone else could react, Athillia hurried forward and threw herself at his side, untying him.
"Sir Henderson!" Her voice shattered into sobs as she held him tightly.
Gasps spread among the men as, following Cassian custom, no maiden should hug an unmarried knight so closely.
Dazed and weakened, Eli momentarily forgot propriety and instinctively tried to soothe her.
"I-I'm fine, my lady…"
"No, you're not!" Athillia wept harder, arms tightening around his neck.
"I truly am—ah!"
Eli's reassurance turned into a sharp grunt as her hand brushed against the raw welts across his back.
Athillia flinched at once, horror flashing across her tear-streaked face.
"I'm sorry! Do… does it hurt that much?" she asked, worry emerging in her tone.
The young knight forced a faint smile.
"Not really. Just like an ant bite," he murmured, half in jest.
