Page 59 of Chaos Tempted

“She was unable to interact with those around her,” Oakes explains. “Her spirit was prevented from being inside her own body. We believe it was a spell.”

“Are you alright now?” King Nathaniel asks as he grips me tightly to his chest.

“I think so,” I say, though it lacks confidence. “I somehow fought my way out of it. But I worry I might fall back into the spell again.”

“Wynstelle just now recovered as we approached the castle. Thank the Goddess,” Oakes says, his eyes also fixed on Twyla. “We can’t say what kind of damage was done yet. Unfortunately, until we can confirm the source of the attack, we can’t say if it won’t happen again.”

The changeling squirms in her seat ever so slightly.

“Do you know who could do this?” the king asks Oakes, accurately assuming he’s our group’s expert.

“We have an idea,” Eldrin says with a hint of accusation.

“You are here…” The king hears the insinuation, glancing back and forth at the elves and then Twyla. “Because you believe it’s someone in the mortal realm?”

“We do.” Eldrin glares at Twyla. “Do you have any ideas?” he asks her pointedly.

“I would never hurt Wynstelle!” she says with a pained voice.

“I didn’t accuse you,” Eldrin says evenly.

“What about your connection?” Oakes asks. “Has it felt any different in the last few days? Did yousenseWyn’s episode? Oranything else?” His tone suggests that she knows something and she better come clean.

Twyla’s eyes dart to her adopted father.

Nathaniel grimaces. “Days ago, the mark on Twyla’s back changed.Glowed.”

“But I had nothing to do with it.” Twyla clasps her hands in front of her, as though begging us to believe her. She obviously senses how close she is to being ripped apart by my mates. Twyla looks at me. “I sensed the new mate bonds with you and your elves. That must have been what made my mark change. I felt that much. But your episode today has nothing to do with me. I swear,” the changeling insists.

“Is it true?” Nathaniel looks at the elves. “Did you claim my… Wynstelle as a mate?”

“We did,” Eldrin admits. “We also noted the mark changed afterward.”

“Then perhaps it isyouwho have harmed her.” King Nathaniel puts himself in front of me protectively.

“I don’t think it’s them,” I say. “I have had visions of Twyla. They… worry me.”

“Visions?” Twyla whispers.

I nod, and my father asks, “Why did they worry you?”

“Twyla is conflicted about a decision she must make.” I stare at my changeling twin, daring her to argue with my vision.

Twyla is quiet, clenching her hands. Her gaze drops to her lap.

“I wondered…” I hesitate, afraid of making a damning statement that can’t be unsaid. “If she will be asked to betray you.”

“Father, I would never betray you.” Twyla stands up in protest. “How can you listen to this nonsense? It’s obvious the prince wishes to unravel your kingdom. He claims your…flesh and bloodas a mate and then fills Wynstelle’s head withaccusations of me?” She glares at Eldrin. “Do you wish to start the war again? To dismantle the treaty that King Magnus and King Nathaniel created?”

Through our bond, I sense Twyla doesn’t believe any of this, but is acting out instinct to protect herself.

Nevertheless, the hostility in the room grows.

“I am trying to prevent such a thing.” Eldrin stands up himself and stares her down. “Youare the infiltrator. And likely working to undermine King Nathaniel’s kingdom.”

“How dare you!” Princess Twyla scowls, having completely lost her composure. She steps closer and raises her hand as if to strike.

Eldrin catches her wrist before she can complete the gesture.

---