13. Eldrin

Chapter thirteen

Eldrin

S afe, I had promised her. I was keeping my word and would continue to do so. I promised her that tonight she would be safe.

But what about tomorrow?

I sat on a bare wooden chair next to the door in her room, letting her obtain what sleep she could. Thick blankets were draped over her, her hair spread loose over the pillows. The moon cast its glow, illuminating her in an otherworldly light. Her even breath was hypnotizing, lulling me into a dream.

But this was no time for dreams. I had to determine who was behind this attack. It could not happen again. If it did, and I failed… I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

The attack could’ve been meant to hurt me, if not directly, then by making me fail at the task my brother assigned me—of protecting the future queen. My failure would be an excuse for my brother to get rid of me. Amber had astutely noticed the difficult situation around me. My brother wanted me gone as a potential threat to his throne, that was no secret. The only issue was how he could do so without alienating critical members of his court.

Though, the attack could also truly have been for Amber. Humans were merely tolerated at best in the Woods, and there were more than enough fanatics who didn’t want the barrier to stand. There were others who were repulsed at the idea of a human joining with our magic. However, it was common knowledge that I was protecting her, which indicated that the idiot was hired by someone with more power. Someone who stood to gain from Amber’s death, one way or another.

I rubbed a hand through my hair, resting my head on my skeleton hand while an elbow braced on my leg, the bones pinching my skin.

What was I supposed to do now? There were few options available, and none of them good. And no matter what I did, the ultimate tragic outcome hovered in front of me like a lurking nightmare.

Even if I kept Amber safe, she would have to marry Vanir. She would have to be alone with Vanir. Lay with him. Touch him. And he would touch her…

Would Vanir be kind to her? Was Vanir kind to anyone? There were many rumors of discarded mistresses, bastard children who had disappeared, and serving girls who were suddenly never seen again. Why would he treat her any better? While kings and royals always attracted rumors, when the same rumor kept reincarnating itself, it was best to pay attention.

I fought down the urge to clear my constricting throat. I flipped one of my daggers in my hand to steady myself, the familiar leather hilt a comforting presence. The thought of what was going to come next was a bitter taste on my tongue.

Regardless, I couldn’t pretend that everything was fine, that there wouldn’t be any more threats. I couldn’t allow myself to be around Amber, only to betray her by giving her to Vanir. Every inch of my body recoiled at the mere thought. And if I felt this way about her so soon, how would I feel as the days and weeks passed, as I spent more time with this beautiful creature who placed absolute trust in me?

No, I had a sinking feeling that, no matter what, the dangers we faced tonight were only the beginning.