Page 65 of Between Realms

“Unfortunately, you will have to spend your day with Jaden.” The prince laughs when Jaden presses his lips into a thin line.

Returning my focus back to the conversation. “I don’t want to be a bother. I can entertain myself with the books in my room.”

“If she doesn’t want to—” Jaden protests.

Eldrin interrupts, falling back into his commanding voice, “Nonsense. You can take Wynstelle down for her dress fitting while Oakes and I take care of the arrangements for the event.”

The prince stares at Oakes, who isn’t eating. “I can’t believe you’re shying away from your food.”

Oakes doesn’t respond.

Is Oakes not eating because he is upset about seeing me naked with Eldrin?

Or maybe he has lost his appetite because my mark means Iamcursed. Is he trying to figure out a way to remove me without drawing attention to the fact that they allowed a cursed female so close to the royal heir?

26

DELEGATION

OAKES

Eldrin and I wave goodbye to Wyn as Jaden escorts her to her dress fitting.

I sense a nervousness within her that wasn’t there the day before. I don’t probe deeper than that, attempting to allow her some privacy. However, I suspect she’s nervous about a number of things. One of which is Eldrin pushing her into a sexual experience last night. Or she may be nervous about attending a ball full of the most powerful elves in our realm.

I hope she didn’t overhear Eldrin and I speaking of her mark.

Stars and stones, I hope it’s nothing. Fortunately, it is inconspicuous and hopefully the dress maker won’t notice the slight unevenness in her skin.

Perhaps Wyn has a simple explanation. She did work in a foundry, after all. Isn’t it plausible that it’s just an old scar?

“Out with it,” Eldrin grumbles.

I startle, realizing I’ve been standing and staring after the place Wyn disappeared from our sight. “What do you mean?”

“You are going to lecture me about Wyn.” He crosses his arms defensively. He’s expecting me to admonish him, but I doubt he will listen to a damned thing I say.

“Do you deserve a lecture?” I ask, cocking my brow and waiting for an honest answer.

He bristles, but quickly defuses his irritation and lets his arms drop to his side again. He moves to leave, and we briskly walk the short trip to his personal chambers. After we are inside, beyond prying ears, he answers, “I hope I don’t deserve a reprimand. Oakes, you must believe me when I say that I’m trying to be my best with her.”

“Did you force her or coerce her in any way?” I ask softly.

“No. If anything, she tried to pressure me into more. But I told her we should take things slowly.” He shakes his head with a wistful grin. “She’s more than I’d ever hoped for. Goddess, she’s a dream come true.”

I pace slowly, working up to what I need to say. “Your affection for her hasn’t gone unnoticed. Commander Turgon questioned me last night about the nature of your relationship.”

Eldrin looks properly alarmed by this news, as he should be. Turgon is his father’s right hand and I sense only cruelty brews under his skin. He’s even more arrogant and heartless than the king. No good will come from being in his sights.

“Turgon? Feck! What did you tell him?” Eldrin fists his hands at his sides.

“I told him the same thing that I’ve been telling all the rest of the castle—that this is only some short-lived fun with a mortal.” I watch his face as it contorts into disgust. Does he really expect there can be something more than a few evenings of pleasure?

Finally seeing the implications of his actions, Eldrin pulls on his white blond hair, yanking it from its tie. “Oakes, I don’t believe it’s as simple as that. I really care about Wyn. I want her like no other.”

I sigh wearily. Perhaps Jaden or I might be allowed a relationship with Wyn, but not the crown prince—not for any longer than a few days of harmless fucking. “Your father won’t permit this…situationto go on much longer. Especially with the delegation coming tomorrow.”

“But I plan to make Wyn an ambassador for human relations.” He throws his hands in the air as if I’m dense.

---