Page 52 of Between Realms

I smile wistfully at my days in their meadow, remembering their playful taunts about my swordplay. “I would bring them milk and bread to their grove.”

Eldrin’s mouth drops open. “Theyallowedyou into their private grove?”

“Yes. They were wary of me at first, but I developed a relationship with the little ones when I was very young. I’m not special… I’ve read they are fond of younglings more than adults. So that’s all it is.”

“No. I could see Lalo’s reaction. They are likely all fond of you—something about you.” Eldrin sits down beside me. “But I would have thought they all would have turned a mortal away from their sacred space. Especially when you grew into an adult.”

“Oh, really?” I smile. “They must have really enjoyed the treats I brought them.”

“No. Lalo was instantly taken with you. She landed on your hand with no hesitation. The faeries enjoy your company.” Eldrin shakes his head. “They do not endure those unworthy of their favor.”

“I suppose they put up with me,” I say, picking at the bedspread. His adoration is embarrassing.

“There’s something marvelous about you.” He squeezes my hand. “Thank you for reminding me that a powerful ruler is also a fair one.”

“You decided to free Lalo and her family on your own.” I smile wholeheartedly. “See, you aren’t asspoiledas you make yourself out to be.”

“Perhaps, perhaps not.” Eldrin snatches up my hand, brings it to his lips, and kisses my wrist. “I will let you sleep without me bothering you tonight. Until the morrow.” He nods and walks out the door.

I wonder if I have disturbed him more than he lets on.

20

SECRETS

JADEN

“It’s Jaden.” My voice comes out deeper than usual as it filters through Wyn’s door. It’s a primal instinct deep inside me, wishing to claim my mate. If ever an elf had a beast inside them, I would be that elf.

Wyn calls softly, “Come in.”

At the window seat, she runs her fingers through her mussed hair and straightens on her perch.

I enter, holding a cloth bundle clutched tightly in my hands so I don’t run over and snatch her up in my arms.Stars, she is a vision, maybe more so with her sleepy bedroom eyes.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.” I glance at the tossed sheets and pillows on the bed.Somethinghappened in her bed last night, and I hope it’s only her restless sleep and not Eldrin further claiming her innocence. I sniff the air to scent what transpired between Wyn and Eldrin the night before. He was here, but nothing more.Good.

“Did you fall asleep on the window bench?”

With a little frown, she answers, “Only for half of the night.”

Anger rises in my chest as I think the worst of Eldrin. Has he done something to upset her?

“Why didn’t you sleep properly?” I ask, concerned she might find me lacking—that I might not protect her. The mage’s warning has Oakes and me on edge.

“I just have too much tumbling through my mind.” Wyn stretches and yawns. She smiles shyly when she catches me staring hungrily at her.

I admire the grin that dazzles on her lips. “Would you like to get out of this stuffy room and join me for the day?”

“Oh, yes, please!” Wyn jumps up excitedly, ready to leave, and glances down at her nightgown. “I should change. I’ve already scandalized the castle enough as it is.”

“I suppose you have.” I unravel the bundle and hand Wyn a tunic and pants. “Wear this.”

She studies the ensemble with a quizzical look, probably trying to understand the change in attire. Then, with a shrug, she slips behind the changing partition and into the garments. “This definitely isn’t your shirt, much too small.” She steps out from behind the partition and giggles.

The top is snug around her full breasts and where it lands on her hips. The drawstring pants are loose-fitting to accommodate her luscious hips, and she rolls them up for her shorter stature.

I nod and catch her hand. “That works fine.”

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