Page 80 of Between Realms

All I have to do now is close my eyes and pass on to the spirit realm.

But as I do, I dream of another life where the elves and I could be happy together, gifting each other with laughter, love, and pleasure.

31

RALLIED

JADEN

Itoss my belongings into my travel pack, and let out a grunt with each item I add. Eldrin will be downright livid when he finds out that Wyn has left him. Add to that, his trusted advisor betrayed him and assisted her. Yes, our actions will send him spiraling.

But the punishment I will receive from Eldrin doesn’t matter. I can’t let anything happen to my lovely mate, even if she never wants me like that.

The mage said to keep Wynstelle safe at all costs and that the consequences will be devastating if I fail. The wise one asked us if we sensed how important she is.

However, Mage Neven already knew when she asked this question that I would do everything to keep Wyn safe. Besides, it being my job to protect the prince and his subjects, I have my own desire to keep her safe.

But is there something more to the Seer’s warning? Something personal?

Was the mage trying to convey to Oakes and me that Wyn is important tous? Both of us? Could she also be Oakes’ mate match? Does the mage’s cryptic words confirm this?

I curse when I reflect on my last conversation with Wyn. My heart aches that she thinks I only wanted to claim her for some sort of sport or entertainment.

Why would she assume that about me? Haven’t I shown her how much I care? Perhaps I should have done more to express my affection.

Can’t Wyn discern I want to be her true mate?

No. Wynstelle probably can’t wrap her mind around that idea. She thinks of herself as a second-class citizen—a servant—and she isn’t necessarily wrong according to Elven society. But haven’t I made it clear I don’t see her that way?

Apparently, I’ve failed.

Or have I misread all the signs, and she isn’t attracted to me in the same way?

Maybe she will never want me after having Eldrin. I hadn’t wanted to bring up the idea of being her mate. I didn’t want her to feel pressured into mating before she was ready to accept me. But I was afraid she’d leave without knowing I wanted her. I should have waited until we were on the road, but I was hoping she’d accept me and we could make Eldrin see our matebond was the best for Wyn. Besides, didn’t he owe it to me to allow me my chance at happiness?

I buckle my sword belt and pick out a sword. Then I snatch up Wyn’s dagger from the wall to give back to her. She’s owed that much. It’s her only true possession.

Taking a quick look around my suite, I decide I will take her to the furthest portal I know about so that I can take my time to convince her to stay with me. Then I’ll bring her back here to be my mate.

But will Eldrin let go of his interest in Wynstelle? Oakes might convince the prince to focus on his royal duties.

Walking back to Wyn’s room, I notice the patrols seem lighter than usual. But I’m not as concerned as I usually would be about my guards’ lack of follow through.

Wyn is a powerful distraction, and all I can think about is the rejection I received when I asked to be her mate. Did she misunderstand my offer?

I should have asked her why she doesn’t want me, but I know why. Wynstelle is in love with the prince.

Eldrin is inexplicably charming and powerful. Sure, she might be somewhat attracted to me, but that doesn’t mean it is love that she feels.

I grumble. Wynismore interested in Eldrin. She has chosen to be intimate with the prince. I don’t believe she takes the act lightly. She pulled away from me after our training—after I had touched her. She must have felt it was wrong, given how she feels for Eldrin.

I turn the corner to Wyn’s hallway and pause.

There’s no guard posted outside her chamber. My whole body goes on alert.

I hear someone walking behind me and I turn. It’s the patrol guard from earlier.

I ask him, “Where is the guard for Wynstelle’s room?”

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