Page 41 of Between Realms

She’s smart. I’m not certain I want to play it smart anymore.

“We thought you were lost,” the prince says lightheartedly as we enter the dining room, but I hear his bitterness and jealousy. “Wynstelle, I came by to visit you earlier, but you weren’t there.”

“Oh, I was with Jaden. He let me read some of his books from his library since I had grown restless in my room alone.”

Prince Eldrin shoots me a look of irritation as Wyn takes her seat. “Just letmeknow what books you’d like to read, andI’llhave them sent to your room.”

I suppress a grimace at the subtle warning.

“That’s kind of you… just as Jaden showed mercy on me earlier.” Wyn glances at me, and I see she has picked up the same insinuation. “It must be satisfying to have such honorable and virtuous advisors to match your own character.”

Eldrin raises an eyebrow and then succumbs to the compliment.

Oakes eyes me, and we both keep a straight face with Wyn’s crafted and brilliant comment. She has relieved any doubt in Eldrin’s mind that anything untoward has happened with Oakes or me. But if Eldrin thinks about it, he might realize she could be suggesting the opposite.

I’m even more impressed with this mind of hers.

I will do anything I can to protect her from more pain. I will even deal with Eldrin if it comes to it.

Shuddering from my past love life and how I failed before, I only hope it won’t be my own actions that cause her more suffering.

16

TRUST

WYNSTELLE

The following morning, I notice that a brownie fae delivered food and clothing and magically cleaned my suite while I slept. I make a mental note to leave a food offering for the secretive housekeeper to thank them. The brownies fascinate me, and I hope I might catch a glimpse of them while I’m here.

Also left behind is a new dress, one that sufficiently covers my chest and easily pulls over my head without the need for assistance. My travel bag has been returned, along with a modest, elegant nightgown and a lounging robe. I don’t see my cloak, which suggests I’m staying for a while longer. At least Jaden or Oakes must have talked some sense into the prince about my wardrobe.

A pile of books arrives with a note from Eldrin on top: “Don’t hesitate to ask one of theservantsfor anything you need.” The handwriting ofservantsis pressed harder on the paper than the other words. I roll my eyes. I suppose when one has everything, one can be jealous when someone glances at one’s toys.

Why does it bother Eldrin so much that Jaden spent a few hours with me?

After a brief struggle, I remove the bodice-style dress by myself that I ended up sleeping in. Then I brush my wild tresses and use the luxurious bathing facility in my suite. Afterward, I happily change into my new and improved dress.

None of the three males visit me throughout the day, and I am all right with that. Never having had much free time before, I keep myself busy by reading up on the mortal realm with Eldrin’s new books.

Yet, I find my mind drifting to Eldrin, Oakes, and Jaden, reflecting on their differences and similarities. I have never spent so much time around males, and my body and heart are responding to the new stimuli.

It’s been several hours since the sun has set. A lantern burns by my bed so I can finish the book on human traditions. I must prepare myself for whatever might happen. Soon, Eldrin will probably become disappointed by mynoveltyand banish me. Although, I hope Eldrin really isn’t that selfish to do something like that in frustration. Either way, I love learning, and it is a treat to discover more about my kind. Merlara didn’t have much in her library about mortals.

After a light tap on the door, it opens without my consent. I’m not surprised. I am a prisoner-guest. Prince Eldrin slips inside, his eyes downcast as if he were a naughty child.

“May I come in?” he asks before stepping further into the room.

“As if you don’t own the place.” I chuckle to take out the sting in my words, setting my book down.

Eldrin flushes pink, and I can’t believe my eyes. It’s rare for an elf to be embarrassed, and I can only imagine it is doubly so for royal elves.

“I can leave.” He turns toward the door.

“No. Stay. I am only teasing.” I lean forward and hold my hand out to show the sincerity in my words.

“I overstepped before. I am trying to make amends,” he explains, his tone somber and remorseful. “But I might be overstepping once again.”

I close my eyes and try to balance my conflicting feelings. I like him, even though we had a rocky start. “What can I do for you, Your Highness?”

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