Page 73 of Between Realms

“Didn’t you grant me the freedom to leave?”

“Perhaps you’ve forgotten that I also granted your freedom with your promise to attend the ball,” he snaps.

I rub my face in frustration. “Why are you so stubborn? What reason could you have to demand I remain here? Why do you demand that I attend a ball where I’ll be a joke, or worse, a target?”

His entire body tenses, but he doesn’t answer my question. “Why areyouso stubborn? I only requested you to attend a party. I didn’t demand you…” He stops himself from continuing.

“Please, continue…” I insist, then wait for just a quick moment before going on. “Were you going to say that you didn’tdemandthat I have sex with you?” I fold my arms over my chest, wishing this was all over or I had never left Merlara’s.

Eldrin breathes heavily as if he is holding back a crumbling wall of frustration.

When he doesn’t respond to me, I ask, “Will us having sex make you end this game of yours so I can go home? Fine.Takemy body. Get whatever vulgar, forbidden act you wish out of your system with acursedhuman, so you can focus on your futureElvenmate.”

Jumping up to my feet, I pull on my bodice’s lacing to undress.

Eldrin jumps out of his chair, rushes around the table, and captures my hands, stilling them with his strong grip. “Wyn, stop this. What exactly are you accusing me of?” He looks more saddened than angry now.

“That I’m just your latest toy.” My tears threaten to fall. I’ve done exactly as Oakes warned me not to do. I’ve become attached to Eldrin. “It isn’t nice to have me attend the ball, so you can use me in some kind of cruel jealousy game with your betrothed. Or manipulate the other kingdoms, or whatever the feck this is about.” I pull on his hold, ready to run. Wanting to run. Expecting to have to run for my life. I have beenbrutally honest. And I don’t know if the prince can handle someone telling him off.

“I don’t think you’re a toy.” He leans in and growls.

I flinch, worried I’ve pushed him too far.

When he sees my frightened reaction, he says, “I would never hurt you.”

“Please. Let me go.” I nod to the door, wondering if he will allow it.

He softens his voice and steps closer, stroking my hair. His stormy gaze pierces me. “I don’t want to take Alcina as a mate. I never did. That contract was forced upon me. And to be clear, I’m not using you to upset her or any other leader. It’s the opposite. I want elves to have a more favorable stance toward humans. I hope when the other leaders meet you, they will rethink their attitude about human relations.”

“Is that what you call what you did last night,human relations?”

“Well, yes, for humans to be free,” Eldrin says, “But I meant more than sexual acts. I want you to feel welcomed in our realm, to end the idea that our kind are so different.”

He finally releases my hands, and I relax my arms to my sides. Does he truly want me to be the mortal representative for positive human relations? I am only a young, simple servant.

“Please reconsider leaving before the ball. My intentions are pure concerning your attendance.” Eldrin kisses my forehead. “And I’m not ready to lose my… companion.” Swiftly, he leaves my room.

Companion?

This word makes it sound like I am more than a conquest or a toy. My head spins with new questions.

29

SEQUESTERED

WYNSTELLE

In the morning, Jaden arrives at my door with a food platter and a chagrined smile.

“Why aren’t you taking me to Eldrin’s dining hall?” I ask, opening the door wide to allow him into my room.

Rubbing his neck, he frowns. “I was ordered to bring your breakfast to you.”

“Oh, I see.” I shut the door behind him, and Jaden places the generous food offering on my small table. “So, I’m being punished.”

“What? No, the prince and Oakes had to meet with the arriving delegations this morning.” Jaden eyes me apprehensively as he sits down to join me for breakfast. “I thought you would be irritated with me for my rough warning.”

“No. You were right to insist I leave.” I wave off his concern. His assertive style of explaining things is the least of my problems.

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