Claymore’s fear washed over him. He could taste it in the air. Clenching his teeth together, he hated his father all the more for coming here and putting him in a place where he needed to explain this danger to her. The fear he was forced to bring up to her clenched through his stomach, making him sick with anger. Aranck would pay for this moment, as seemingly insignificant as it was, he would pay for the fear he instilled in others.

I wish you did not need to be afraid, Claymore. he said gently against her soft skin. He took a moment to inhale her sweet scent, wishing he could simply bask in it for a moment. But he is scary. He tried to kill my brother and I. The stallion stepped back, meeting her bright blue eyes with his dark ones. There are things you can do though, if he comes for you. You must convince him that you hate me. Lie to him, and bargain. Convince him you are valuable when you are unharmed. It was all Zharko could do to keep his flesh from twitching. He looked over her body, warmed by the idea of being pressed against her during the cold nights of the Inlet, feeling her warmth and breathing her breath. When he had first found her on Crossing and even as he had been given her here, he had not thought he would have treasured her nearness the way he did. Now there was the chance of losing her, or seeing her harmed, he would have sold himself for the chance of ensuring her safety.

Trying to smile, he moved towards her again, running his nose over her back. Don’t dwell on it. We don’t know if he knows about you. Ironclad and I will protect you.