Alaric's POV 

There was no way I could have heard him correctly! But the look on his face assured me I had. I hissed angrily, "Why the fuck did you not tell me before?!"

General Raed's expression was fierce as he replied pointedly, "She was protecting you, and you know it wouldn't have changed his decision."

Angry growls erupted from my throat. 

This couldn't be happening!

I had only agreed because I thought her pain would be limited to just a few minutes. Now, I knew she had days of unbearable agony ahead! I hastily pulled out my cell phone and arranged for our strongest pain medication to be delivered...