Page 54 of Chaos Tempted

With Wyn on his horse, Oakes rides behind everyone, flanked by our Elven guards, Corwin and Baelen. The imposing barrier they present keeps any overly nosey humans at bay.

Our group rides on a freshly created dirt trail edged by a thick forest of trees.

After a short while, Rhys positions his horse to ride at my side. “How have things been in Ryven?” he asks, his eyes dart directly to Wynstelle.

Surprised by his forwardness, even though I should have been expecting it, I raise an eyebrow. I don’t hate the young man. In fact, I admire his tenacity and intelligence. However, right now, it doesn’t help my situation.

“Princess Wynstelle has officially been declared the human ambassador for Ryven.” Quickly changing the subject, I inquire, “How has the mortal realm been faring after the attempted uprising to start a war?”

Rhys shifts uncomfortably. “Fortunately, there has been no more activity in that arena.”

“At least… not openly?” I guess from his awkward response.

“True.” Rhys inclines his head in agreement. “Although, I believe we captured or killed most of the war movement leaders on the day of the abductions. Hopefully, we have crippled their cause.”

“I’m happy to hear it.” I sigh. “I do not wish for any conflict between our realms.”

“Neither do I.” Rhys looks at Jaden, then back at me. “Perhaps we can keep our communication open. Do you feel King Magnus and the other courts would be in favor of that?”

“I would like to keep an open flow of exchange, and I’m actively advocating for that among my people. However, I can only speak for myself at the moment.” I frown and lower my voice. “King Magnus might disapprove of such openness. And until I can make certain no one in his ranks is in favor of a war, then I would rather you not offer information freely to the Elven King.”

Rhys considers my words. Hearing the warning, he nods his understanding. Then he glances over at Wyn again and makes sure no one is too close. He whispers, “Why does the princess seem so… preoccupied?”

“I’d rather speak of it behind closed doors,” I say with a tight jaw. “And with yourking.”

Rhys stiffens with the implications. “I understand. It appears the only way I can help is by getting you to the castle quickly.” Rhys calls out to his men, “Let’s pick up the pace.”

“Thank you.” I adjust my speed so I can move closer to Oakes and Wyn.

Jaden pulls his steed to Oakes’ other side and asks, “Any change?”

“None.” Oakes squeezes Wyn tighter to his chest. “But at least it’s not worse.”

24

NIGHTMARES

WYNSTELLE

Iscan my surroundings and find myself alone on the isolated road between Ryven and my old home of Betonie. I’m not facing either direction, instead I’m on the ground, flat on my back, and staring up at the twilight sky. It’s where I encountered the bear and the ghoul. The place where I first met Oakes.

The last thing I remember is curling up next to Jaden in bed. What has happened since then? How did I end up in the middle of the road? And why here?

My head aches, and my thoughts are muddled. I feel my scalp, but I can’t find a wound or a bump that would be reason enough for me to have been knocked out.

I don’t see any fresh tracks on the ground, neither horse nor Elven. Not even my own shoe prints are visible. That’s odd.

“Jaden? Oakes? Eldrin?” I repeatedly call as I head off the road a bit and wander the surrounding forest, searching for any sign of tracks or trails.

“Help!” I call out to anyone in the area.

Nothing. Not even a faerie or creature stirs in the forest—again, odd.

Since I’m closer to Betonie than Ryven or any other town, I decide to return to my former home in Betonie. Even without supplies or water, I will be able to make it that far. At least I’m dressed. I had been naked while in bed with Jaden. Did he dress me while I slept? That makes no sense. I don’t sleep that soundly.

Have I been drugged?

If not, how could I forget how I ended up in the middle of nowhere?

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