Page 72 of Between Realms

“Why? I’m human. My name is already worthless.”

“I wouldn’t go that far, but if there are political repercussions, the prince will outlive them. You probably will not. And as horrible as it is, they will blame you for tempting him.”

I balk. “Temptinghim? With what? My short legs and pasty skin?”

Oakes’ forehead furrows. “Is that how you see yourself?”

“Uh, why yes, of course. How can I not, living amongst you?” I throw my hands in the air, gesturing at my entire person. “I’m not some gorgeous, magnetic elf who radiates sex, grace, and magic. I really don’t get why the prince wants to roll in the dirt with me at all. Is it just to be salacious?”

Oakes rushes across the room and holds my face in his powerful hands. I gasp and stupidly and briefly believe that he might kiss me. But no, his passion must be about the threat we all face.

Why are Eldrin’s advisors so very riled up over my intimacy with the prince? Perhaps the danger is far greater than even they are letting on.

Now I wonder if that is what the mage told them in private.

Maybe the prince will recover from this controversy, but maybe Jaden and Oakes will take the blame for this situation. It can’t be that royal elves truly care about a mortal servant’s well-being. Can it?

Oakes gazes into my eyes. “Just because you are human doesn’t make you any less magical or attractive. On the contrary, you have a power uniquely your own. So do not underestimate your value.” His thumb brushes over my cheek where my scars used to be. His attention drops to my parted mouth.

I snap my mouth closed, feeling a fool for wishing to kiss Oakes. I’m a mess. My body is so confused, believing these gorgeous males could be my matches. It’s forbidden.

However, the desire has stirred within me now after meeting them and makes me crave a mate. I suppose I should insist on returning to the mortal realm so I can find someone to share this passion. But I also fear no one will satisfy my cravings like any of these males could.

I study Oakes’ face, looking for clues to his motivations in saying such sweet things to me. Why does he need to be so close, clutching my face while he tells me this?

I open my mouth, ready to ask, but he flees the room before I can.

* * *

Left alone again to drive myself insane, I pace my room for what feels like an eternity. Round and round I go, debating my limited options. Do I offer myself completely to Eldrin tonight? Or is it for his own good, and probably mine, to keep him away? I was kidding myself last night, thinking I could enjoy his body in the way a mate does. Should I break my promise to attend the ball and run away at this very moment?

But the news today put it all in a different light. Eldrin has a promised mate. One who will probably have me killed because I dared to touch what is hers to claim.

Then there are the implications outside of my worthless life. What if the fragile alliance with Alcina’s kingdom falls apart because of my indiscretion? My poor choices shouldn’t be the reason thousands suffer.

Eldrin gave me the power to say no to him. Maybe he gave me that power so that Iwillsay no, forcing him to behave when he doesn’t trust himself to stay away. He isn’t used to establishing boundaries or limits. Oakes suggested as much about the prince.

A knock on the door jars me out of my reverie. Eldrin slips inside the room before I can ask who it is.

Thankfully, Eldrin sits at the table instead of approaching me. “How was your day?”

Using the table as a barrier, I sit down on the other side. “I had my dress fitting. It is an absolutely lovely gown, but it’s far too much for me to wear to the ball.”

“I can have Pamina remove some fabric,” he says with a wink.

“You know what I mean. It’s too extravagant,” I protest, trying my best to convince him his entire plan is folly. “The party attendees will think—”

“Think that I like you?” Eldrin interrupts. “That I enjoy your company? I do.”

“But—”

He grinds his teeth and closes his eyes in irritation. “You’ve been talking to Jaden and Oakes about this, haven’t you?”

“Well, yes. They do have a point about the dangers of this deal between us. You don’t need the problems I will cause just by me being here. I’m a liability, not an asset to your kingdom as a diplomat for humankind.” I clench my fists in my lap, and steel myself against his powerful will. “I’m not going to the party. I’m leaving before yourbetrothed,Alcina, arrives tomorrow.”

Stars and stones, why does my heart feel as if it’s cracking? Is this jealousy and loss destroying my heart? Unfortunately, I believe it is. I’m in more trouble than I realized. I’ll never recover from this experience.

Eldrin’s eyes flash with hurt, then with indignation. “No, you’re not leaving.”

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