Page 34 of The Other Side of the Mirror

“It was just a nightmare,” Eva panted, her voice hoarse.

My heart clenched at the look on her face, and I handed her the water on her bedside table. She was shaking so hard she almost missed her lips before managing to drink one large gulp, then another.

Despite Rivan’s warning, and despite knowing how this was going to end, I took the glass from her trembling hand and settled in next to her, gently gathering her into my arms. She let out a shaky exhale, then sank into me like she was meant to be there.

I held her, whispering comforting nothings as I rubbed circles on her back, until her shaking subsided. When she drew back, I did my best not to notice that she was only wearing a scrap of silk that barely reached her thighs, one strap falling down her shoulder.

Clearing my throat, I forced myself to look away from that smooth expanse of exposed, tan skin. “What did you dream about?”

“At first it was that castle again,” Eva whispered, as if someone was listening, even in the middle of the night. “It was summer, and there were meadows full of white and yellow flowers. And a mountain town that my brother and I played in.”

I grimaced, still unable to think of a bronze castle anywhere in the realm. She frowned, but said, “I know what I saw.”

“Tomorrow, I’ll check the library. Perhaps I just haven’t been. Gods know stranger things have happened in Agadot than a secret castle.” I delighted at the sleepy smile she gave me in response, but her face still held a trace of terror. Gently, I tilted her chin up. “But that wasn’t what made you scream.”

“No…it wasn’t.” Her mouth opened, closed, then opened again like she was struggling to find the right words. “It was that nightmare again.”

I cocked my head, and as if realizing she hadn’t told me about this yet, her mouth fell open into a wide O. “I should have…I’ve had this dream before. But he was so close this time, telling me I was his. That I didn’t have much longer.” My fingers tightened on her chin at the dread in her voice, so unlike her usual fearlessness. “And when he grabbed me, it felt so real…that’s when I screamed.”

My other hand had slipped into hers without me realizing it until I noticed I was squeezing it a little too hard. “What did he look like?”

She furrowed her brow. “He’s been clearer every time I have the dream, especially since I crossed into this realm. Pale blue eyes, golden hair, handsome in a cold way, and a gold crown on his head.”

Something solidified in my stomach as I watched her realize the only person it could be. I already knew exactly whom she described, having seen him cut my father down in front of me all those years ago. And in every nightmare I had about him since.

“The False King,” we said in unison, our synchronization somehow ominous rather than comical.

I shuddered at the thought of him inside Eva’s mind. She reached down to rub the inside of her wrist, and I froze, a chill running down my spine.

“Eva…”

Her eyes widened as she took in the inflamed handprint blistering her skin. Blinding wrath coursed through me at the thought of his hands on her. I closed my own hand lightly around the mark as though my touch could soothe it away.

“In the morning, we’re going to find a way to fix this,” I promised her grimly. “For now, I’m staying right here.”

Pulling the duvet back over her, I tucked her in tightly. Then looked over at the couch, wondering if my feet would fall over the edge when she patted the pillow next to her.

When I stared at her, she sucked in her bottom lip. And I found myself unable to look away from her mouth, the insecurity of that act warring with her usual dauntlessness.

She looked away, yawning. “Just like the forest, right?”

I forced myself not to read into the innocent request, about the reality of being next to her in that bed. I had tried too hard to block out those thoughts. That damn near incessant want.

With my blood roaring in my ears, I laid down next to her trying not to face her, but unable to stop myself. Her fingers brushed against mine, little more than a glancing touch that might have been accidental, but I knew wasn’t. I tensed as though she could hear the way my heart stuttered.

Eva visibly took my measure before she moved closer with a soft sigh; her skin chilled as she leaned against me slightly.

She’s just cold. And in need of comfort. Keep your godsdamned hands to yourself.

Eva closed her eyes, and her breathing evened out so quickly I knew she was exhausted. Every part of me was aware of where our bodies touched, my chest tightening with longing for things I couldn’t have and shouldn’t want. But somehow, the soft sounds of her breathing lulled me back to sleep.

* * *

When I woke up, Eva had closed any distance left between us. Her leg draped over mine, face burrowing into the crook of my shoulder, her warm breath tickling my bare skin. Her peaceful, sleeping face was so painfully lovely that my breath caught in my throat.

I let myself hold her for just one more moment.

Then I slowly pulled myself out from under her, regretting every single movement as I snuck away before she woke, making it back across the hall to my room without being seen. The last thing I needed right now was Rivan’s concerned judgement or questions from my little sister. Though I was certain Yael had already filled her in on more than I wanted her to know.

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