Page 38 of The Kingdom Cursed By Iron

But some things are more important. There’s lives at stake here, and people looking to me for something only I can give. I look around me and see Kaline trying to help a fellow Low Fae away from the square. Her usually rosy-pink skin has taken on a sickly gray hue, and I can see every step is a struggle for her. There are people here who’ve looked out for me. I can’t abandon them just because it breaks my heart to be around their king.

I look at the man in question, who’s still waiting for my response, wearing a smooth expression I know must hide much more.

“I’ll stay,” I say, and immediately his eyes soften, lips loosening into the trace of a smile. “It’s not what we agreed, but it’s clear I’m meant to help you fix this,” I continue.

“What about your father?”

I’m surprised he mentions Dad. I was sure he’d want to avoid anything that could make me change my mind and push me to return to Styrland.

“I didn’t say how long I’d be away. We didn’t know how much time we’d need to wake your mother. But I’ll send him a message…somehow.”

“You can use the ravens,” he says. “With the royal seal, they can come and go by the gates as they please.”

“Thank you,” I say.

“No, Eleanor…” He gestures to the jungle of iron around us. “Thank you.”

Chapter 13

Iwake wondering if the raven has reached Dad by now, imagining this curious creature from the fae world swooping into our kitchen by the back door and dropping my letter on the counter. I figured ink and paper were less likely to alarm Dad than suddenly having a bird talking to him.

There’s a knock on the door—I’m in my old room again, as beautiful and fragrant as it ever was. Assuming it’s Kaline, I call for her to enter.

But I reflexively pull the covers up over my nightdress when Ruskin strides in.

He smirks, allowing his eyes to linger over the shape of my body as I sit up.

“I’m not dressed,” I say pointedly, though I am at least in my nightgown.

“Yes, I noticed,” he says with a smirk. I hate myself for blushing.

“Well, enjoy the memories, because you’re not seeing it again,” I throw back, wrapping myself up in the blanket as I drag myself out of the bed, now swathed in a kind of makeshift cape. I’m aware I probably look ridiculous as I waddle, but I don’t let that stop me as I move towards the dress laid over the futon, waiting for me. It’s the blue one Destan gave me, the one that brings out my eyes, and I have to admit that I’ve missed it.

“Are you going to leave while I make myself decent?” I ask, waving at the wash basin in the corner.

He crosses his arms, leaning his back against the door.

“I’d rather not.”

I huff. These are exactly the kind of things I was worried about—the passing comments, the flirting. He might be powerful and intimidating, but I also get the other side of him: the one that enjoys teasing me and riling me up. It only annoys me because it’s so successful—making me want him to rile me up and get under my skin in other ways.

“I’m not your toy,” I say, trying to make it sound stern. “I’m not here to amuse you. I’m here to try to save lives. If you have something to say about that, go ahead. But that’s the only topic I’m willing to discuss with you. We have nothing else to talk about.”

For a second, he actually looks hurt—but the expression is soon masked. “That’s why I’m here,” he says, dropping the teasing tone. “We can talk while you get ready. Just business.”

“Fine, turn around,” I order. He turns his back to me as I cross to the basin, dropping the blankets.

“So what’s so important that it can’t wait?” I ask, wetting a wash cloth. I check over my shoulder to make sure Ruskin is still staring resolutely at the wall, then shimmy my nightgown off my body to start washing myself.

Despite the speech I’ve just given him, my body can’t help but react to the thought of being naked in a room with Ruskin. The warm breeze drifting from the window is enough to encourage the surge of desire, making parts of me tighten and come alive. Hypocrite, I scold myself, trying to keep my mind far away from the sweet relief Ruskin could offer me if I let him.

“I just think the sooner we start the better. You may be the only one able to influence the iron, but you’re still learning to use your magic, and I can help you navigate the process.”

“You think that’s really the reason I couldn’t stop the iron completely? I just need more practice?” I ask as I wring out the wash cloth.

“Mostly likely. We can examine the iron as a start and glean where your limits are from there.”

I dry myself and slip on my underwear, then step into the dress.

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