Page 57 of Between Realms

I have never seen an elf this angry.

“No. Mage Neven said she would monitor the situation.” Oakes coughs and cants his head in my direction. “Neven said that she would focus her attention around the castle in particular.”

Eldrin’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise, then his eyes dart to me again.

“I believe Mage Neven wants to keep your special guest safe,” Jaden adds.

“Good. Good.” Eldrin rubs his chin. “Next time, don’t let something this important slide by, even for a moment.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Oakes says to soften his error in keeping the news quiet too long.

* * *

That night, as I am about to surmise the prince has forgotten about me, Eldrin slips through the door. “I was wondering if you’d like to take a night walk with me.”

Tired but wanting to explore the castle more, I nod yes, but remember the cooling weather and I don’t have my cloak to keep me warm. “But it’s chilly outside.”

“I had your cloak cleaned and mended.” He points to my wardrobe cabinet.

“Oh.” I hadn’t noticed it being there earlier. A brownie must have recently snuck in and left it. Instead of changing, I slide a dress right over my thin nightgown for extra warmth.

Eldrin holds my cloak out to place on my shoulders, then leads me down the halls.

As we enter his garden, I pull my cloak tight and stare up at the night sky. “I always loved to stargaze when I was a youngling.”

“You don’t enjoy it anymore?”

With a frown, I explain, “I’m usually exhausted by nightfall.”

“Merlara worked you that hard?”

“I earned my keep.” I shrug—proud of my abilities, but also a little sad. “What else could I do? I was hers to do with as she asked.”

Eldrin squeezes my hand in understanding. His empathy seems to be developing because of my presence.

My head spins with the craziness of it all, and the thought reminds me I need to leave here soon. My attraction to all three elves is becoming too much to resist. Jaden’s training session alone has me questioning the sexual taboo. Not to mention what Oakes’ healing touch stirs up within me. And those are both innocent interactions. Aren’t they?

“Are you sure you want to return to your old life?” Eldrin asks.

“I don’t mind hard work. Also, Merlara can always use my help.” I bend to sniff a delicate white rose that glows in the moonlight. “This adventure has been interesting, and you have been very generous, but I can’t get used to this luxury. Soon, I’ll need to wake up from this strange dream and return home, so I can finish out my days being productive, not a nuisance.”

“You aren’t a nuisance,” Eldrin’s voice sounds hurt, as if I had calledhiman annoyance.

“I fear that if I stay much longer, I will be a problem.”

I wonder, would I say no if Eldrin asks to explore my body again? That might cause a stir in the castle, but should I care? Perhaps I should let him, so he will allow me to leave before my presence attracts any more negative attention. Then maybe I can have a pleasant memory to keep me warm throughout my lonely days after I leave them all behind.

“Hmm. I don’t think your presence is a problem. On the contrary, I believe it’s a solution.” Eldrin stops walking and turns to face me. “But I understand your anxiety. I know Oakes doesn’t approve of our friendship.”

“I believe he is more concerned about how my presence appears to the rest of the castle, especially to your father.” My shoulders pull forward in anticipation of him being frustrated.

“I don’t care what anyone thinks.” Eldrin waves the worries off with a gesture. “Or even care what Oakes thinks.”

“But isn’t Oakes your advisor?”

Eldrin frowns. “Yes. He wants what is best for me, but—”

“But he’s right, isn’t he?” I dare to interrupt.

---