Page 66 of Scars and Burns

“Very well. But I will be watching. Very closely.” He says, glaring at me as he leaves.

That was a creeping way to say he will be watching to make sure I do not interact with the Shadowlings.

There is something else afoot here. Something with the Shadowland Prince that has King Elio on edge.

And I intend to find out.

I don’t have time now to head back to my chambers. So, I make my way over to Saphrina’s chambers.

She’s already waiting for me. Having dismissed the servants so she and I can discuss the Greeting in private.

33

Aeron

After being escorted to our chambers. I relieve the men and allow them to rest after the journey. Aemond comes and joins me in mine moments later.

“Do you think they could have given us lodging any further from King Elio?” He asks. Joining me on the balcony.

A small laugh escapes my lips, “No, most likely not. King Elio doesn’t want us anywhere near him or Princess Saphrina. Even if it is in celebration.”

I don’t look at him. Instead, I stare out into the forest beyond.

Standing by my side, he says, “She’s grown into a beautiful woman.”

“Yes, she has.” My thoughts are far away. Though I’m trying to stay true to the task at hand.

I feel Aemond looking at me. Giving me a questioning gaze, “Are you sure we’re referring to the same woman?”

“Princess Saphrina. Who else would we be referring to?”

We both know who.

“I saw you today. You faltered when you felt the pull. When you sensed Lady Dinalia was near. You went too far with King Elio. You allowed your eyes to wander to her and put her under suspicion andrisk. Barely even glancing over to Princess Saphrina. Aeron, Your Grace, I am asking you this as your closest friend. Can you do this? You have handled every mission, every task you have ever been given with excellence. But none of them have involved your mate. After rejecting her, this part of yourself, for so long I worry you won’t be able to resist. You know what everyone says about mates. They are blessed by the Triple Goddess. Fated together since their births, in life, and in death. Their souls find each other in this life and the next, for all time.It’s a bond that cannot be undone.”

“I know!” I spit out.

He slams his mouth shut. I shouldn’t have snapped at him. Shouldn’t have lost my composure. It all comes from a good place.

He speaks the truth about mates. They are rare. Our Goddess does not cast them out lightly. Each mated bond serves a purpose. Very few have been recorded throughout the history of the three realms.

I will not concede to the idea that she is my mate. Not with all I know. Not with what I keep from her.

Sighing, I say, “I’m sorry. I should not have lashed out at you.”

“It’s alright. I understand why you did. She is the only one that ever puts you in this dower mood.”

I inhale deeply. Trying to remain calm. Trying to resist the pull to her.

“You will infiltrate Princess Saphrina’s heart?” Aemond asks.

“Yes.” I say flatly.

“Without concern for Lady Dinalia?”

I contemplate what he is asking me. Will I be able to stay away from her? I want to say yes. I want to be as cold and malice towards her as I am to every other aspect of my life but I can’t. I’m not saying she is my mate but there is something there. Something I can’t explain. Something I must explore. I can still manipulate Princess Saphrina and all goes to plan. While I retain this small resemblance of my ownwants and desires.

I will because I must.

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