Page 33 of Between Realms

Eldrin glances at me, understanding my unspoken question of why they were part of exploring my body. “Yes. Usually, when I’m out of my private sleeping chambers, one of them is with me, acting as my bodyguard.”

“Why would you need a bodyguard?”

“Are you that innocent, or do you overestimate my immortality? Icanactually die. Royalty does so more often than most.”

“I know elves can die,” I scoff lightly, testing his promise for me to speak freely. “I just thought no one would try to killyou.”

“Do you know much about the mortal war?” Eldrin asks.

“Not really. Merlara didn’t talk much about the war. Her mate died shortly after he had rescued me as an abandoned sickling. From what I understand, the war ended around the same time I was brought to this realm. Besides Merlara, the elves in my village didn’t talk freely with me if they were so inclined to reminisce.”

“Well, as for your question. Some elves hate my father for ending the war. So, I am a target by extension.” Eldrin sighs.

“Why would the elves want to continue the death and destruction?”

“Humans had been growing in numbers, and our kingdom suffered for it. They encroached on our territory, and some fae believed we should have killed those humans at our borders and others even called for an annihilation. But my father negotiated with the mortal king, saving us from shedding more blood.” Eldrin shakes his head in disappointment. “The whole conflict drew more blood on both sides than is comfortable for my taste.”

“Agreed,” Jaden says, with what seems like firsthand knowledge. The sound of his voice bolts down my spine. Why are these males affecting me so much?

“I thought the fae and humans existed in different realms, so why would you need to keep the mortals away?” I ask, trying to distract myself from Jaden’s seductive presence.

“Both peoples can’t live in the same space,” Eldrin explains. “The human populations near our cities drain our magic. Then there is the potential thinning and cracking of the veil, which means a greater possibility of either species accidentally crossing over to the other’s realm.”

“What happened during the war that made the mortals stop and compromise?” I ask.

“The humans didn’t want to surrender to our needs even though elves existed first. Humans are stubborn creatures.” Eldrin realizes he is speaking to one of those stubborn creatures. “Of course, I admire that quality.” He smiles apologetically.

With a grin, I venture to add, “And elves have been known to exhibit the same trait.”

“True.” The prince chuckles, then turns serious. “Well, many in the Ryven Kingdom believed we should kill all the region’s humans because neither side wanted to concede.” Eldrin sighs. “There were overwhelming losses on both sides. Finally, my father made a treaty with the mortal king.”

“How?”

“He never speaks of the details. However, I’m sure our superior forces persuaded humans to withdraw from most of the areas they had infiltrated. We had to give up very little of our lands as a show of good faith.”

I raise my eyebrows. I know the elves are a force to be reckoned with. I also read that most humans have short lives, but are violent and multiply their numbers quickly. Which means they are a threat in a different way. “Seems your father could have told you the details of the treaty so that you would understand what transpired for when you eventually sit on the throne.”

Eldrin opens and closes his mouth, considering my words. “That is a very insightful point. Ishouldpress the issue. Although as the king, he is theepitomeof Elven stubbornness.”

I smile at his jest.

“It lightens my heart to see your genuine smile.”

“Your Highness.” Oakes steps forward. “The court expects your presence by noon.”

Prince Eldrin grumbles. “Of course. Sorry, Wynstelle, they won’t let me play all day long.”

13

WARNINGS

WYNSTELLE

Eldrin tasks Oakes with escorting me back to my chambers.

After he shuts the door to my room behind him, Oakes warns me, “Be wary of being over-familiar with the prince.” His voice is full of frustration.

“I planned on being careful, butwhyare you warning me?” My eyes narrow on him. “I thought you wanted me to trust him and become his sex toy.”

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