Page 45 of Between Realms

The prince grins ear to ear and crawls back into bed, pulling me close.

And we both fall into pleasant dreams.

* * *

I jump back as I feel something shift beside me.

Prince Eldrin. I had forgotten he was here. It seems like such a strange dream to have a male in my bed. Or to have such a luxurious bed.

“Good morning,” Eldrin says as he stretches. “That was the best sleep I’ve had since my youth.” He leans over, kisses my cheek, and then hops out of bed. “Thank you for allowing me in your bed and also for our talk.”

“Uh, yeah.” My body is still registering the buzzing sensation where he kissed me. “I’m your humble servant.”

“You are neither.” He grins. “May I return tonight?”

“The elves in your court might not appreciate you spending so much time with me. Especially at night.”

“I don’t care what they think.”

“Maybe you—”

Eldrin slips out of my room before I finish my sentence.

As much as I like the prince, I have to remember he’s led a sheltered life just as I have, only at opposite ends of the spectrum. He still doesn’t seem to understand that not all of us are privileged or protected.

I’m unsure what to do about my time with him. He essentially owns my freedom, my future, my life. He doesn’t want to let me go yet. I’m not sure I want him to.

If I were to run, I would be a fugitive, and I wouldn’t likely make it far. Either Elven soldiers would kill me as a rogue human or ghouls would eat me. Even if I could make it to a portal, I don’t think I could open one on my own. I hear they only can be created with Elven magic and a chant. Then, if I got through, I might not survive alone in an unknown realm. I wouldn’t know what I could forage. I don’t think I could trust anyone either.

No. I have to stay here and try to stay alive long enough so Eldrin becomes bored with me and I can return to Merlara.

As I tell myself this, something deep inside knows it won’t happen.

But I hold on to the dream. It’s the only thing keeping me from falling apart.

17

SCARS

OAKES

Ishow up at Wyn’s door a half-hour before breakfast. My frustration with the prince is brewing, and I stand in the hallway for a moment to wrangle my emotions.

Why has Eldrin kept Wynstelle when he should let her go back home, where she will be safe? Of course, I want her around for my own selfish reasons. But my need to regain her trust shouldn’t supersede her safety.

He needs to let go of whatever is making him hold on to her so she can leave before she draws more attention. Rumblings of anger in the castle about her presence have reached my ears, and not always through my empathic sense. That isn’t a good sign. I can sense the ebb and flow of the castle inhabitants, but I have rarely heard their complaints in the halls before now.

Pulling myself together, I knock.

Wyn opens the door to her chambers with a satisfied smile on her beautiful face. “You’re early for breakfast.”

My frustration rears up again. Eldrin spent the night with her. I don’t even have Jaden’s keen senses, but I can smell the prince’s scent all over her.

Jealousy takes hold. I wish to be in her bed at night. She might have invited me in if it weren’t for Eldrin’s making me keep the truth of who I am from her. She may never trust me again. Yet he’s the one who gets to reap the rewards and take advantage of his privilege?

I rush forward, making her step back clumsily. I corral her into a chair, dropping to my knees before her.

Goddess, I want to drop my head into her lap and hold her. Or perhaps lift her skirts and bring her the pleasure she craves. I doubt very much Eldrin concerns himself with her needs and enjoyment.

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