Page 24 of Between Realms

I take a few shaky steps forward, wondering what nightmare awaits me.

Oakes announces, “Wynstelle of Betonie, you are in the presence of Prince Eldrin of Ryven and Jaden, his advisor of security. And I am Oakes, his diplomat advisor.”

Anger rises within me. What the feck? His advisor?

I dip my head and attempt another curtsey. My confusion stirs in my mind and threatens to make me collapse. Why didn’t Oakes mention his connection to the prince? How many times did I mention how worried I was about my court appearance or how they might treat me? He said nothing. Was our entire friendship a joke to him?

“You are the mortal raised in Betonie?” Prince Eldrin asks.

“Yes, sir.”

“YourHighness,” the prince corrects my nervous blunder, but his voice is absent of anger. “Look at me.”

“Yes, of course,Your Highness.” I raise my head slightly so I may match the face with the prince’s voice.

I’m right. The prince is the alluring blond elf from the portrait. He stands in the middle, just a couple of inches shorter than Oakes, who stands at his left. The prince’s straight, white-blond hair is pulled back in a tie, highlighting his pointed ears. His skin is golden tan, darker than his hair. Attentive stormy-blue eyes send a shiver down my spine. Compelled by his beauty, I want to step closer, just as with the painting, to get a better look.

But I quickly remember my fate is now his to decide, with Oakes and Jaden probably advising him to send me back to the human realm.

The prince says to Oakes, “She is even more vibrant than you reported.”

My heartbeat stumbles. Oakes finds me…vibrant? I question again what he had been playing at while on the road with me.

The prince asks, “You are of age now? For a mortal female?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“You were a sick foundling cured by your Elven keeper?”

“I was.”

“And you wish to remain in Elfhame?”

“I do, Your Highness. I am familiar with the fae realm. Elfhame is the only home I’ve known. I have no memory of the mortal world.”

“Why should I grant your wish? What can you offer?”

I am prepared for his question. “My keeper, Merlara, and her fallen mate, Roul, are honored names among your people. I have a letter from Merlara stating her willingness to keep me as her servant as she needs my help since her mate died. I can offer my hard labor to support the services she provides to your kingdom.” I decide to add a bit of flattery. “Though I understand that just because I’m a trained servant, my skills cannot rival your Elven citizens. I only wish to repay my keeper and your kingdom for my health.” My voice cracks. “However, I have no special talent, no magic, nothing else to offer you.”

“You havenothing?” The prince asks, cocking his head. “Not even your body and mind?”

“A uselessmortalbody.” I shrug. “Which I wouldn’t have had this long without the magic of the fae realm.”

“Are you bonded to anyone?” the prince asks.

Taking in his meaning, my eyes dart up in shock. All three males stare at me. My breath comes in ragged when I wonder what this means for me. “I… uh… no mate.”

“What would you offer for the privilege to stay among the fae?”

It’s now I notice I’m not in the prince’smeetingchambers. I’m in asleepingchamber. A massive bed is just off to my left.

My heart pounds in my chest, and I blink hard. The prince can’t have meant what I am assuming. It’s taboo for the two species to have sex. Merlara has told me that—consistently—since I hit puberty.

I lower my eyes. “I can’t offer a prince that which he doesn’t already have.”

“I haven’t known a mortal.”

The blood drains from my face and pools low in my belly. I dare to lock onto the prince’s gaze. “What… what do you mean?” My mouth is suddenly dry.

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