Page 100 of Keeping Sarah

“So, now that we are paddling the boat in the same direction, as you might say,” he said amicably, “do you think I might be able to get to know the Queen of Faithless better?”

Instantly on alert, I stepped up to her side. “And in what way would that be, Xylic?”

He smiled kindly. “She reminds me of my daughter who remains on Orhon. Spirited, smart, cunning. Perhaps we could discuss a ruling strategy over banwine sometime? You included, of course. I do not mean to disrespect your union.”

I was relieved to hear his agenda. “That could be agreeable. If my consort is interested.”

Sarah smiled and nodded. “That sounds like fun, Xylic.”

Now that a treaty had been established, I caught Sarah’s eye and asked, “May I see you privately?”

“Excuse us,” she said, and we found a nearly quiet corner away from everyone. “I think it’s going well.”

“As do I.” I was immensely proud of her, and equally worried for our companion. “Now, where is Jac?”

CHAPTER 28

Sarah

The mention of Jac brought all the elation I was currently feeling crashing to the ground. “Last I saw him, he was in the dungeon beneath the manor.”

Deacon blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

I had so much to explain, but before I could even start someone knocked on the door. We all fell silent. Since we had been in the throne room, no one had bothered to politely knock at the door.

“Who is it?” Tiger asked, equally cordial.

“Tiger, it’s me, Jac!”

My heart jumped in my chest after Tiger threw open the door. Jac and Omen stood there, both smiling. Jac’s eyes searched the group until they found me and Deacon. He barreled past Tiger and ran straight to us. I wasn’t sure which one of us grabbed the other two first, but I was wrapped up in my men before I took a breath. When I did, my lungs filled with theircombined scents, and for the first time in hours, I had hope that everything was going to be okay.

But then, Jac held me at arm’s length and looked in my eyes. “You’re alright?”

I nodded. “I am.”

“And Rex?” he insisted.

I looked back to where his ghost had been, but there was nothing left of him. “Dead and gone.”

“The remnant—"

“Out of me before he was killed,” I assured him.

He searched my face, still looking distraught. “And…and yours?”

“I’m me again, Jac.” I reached up and pressed my hands against his jawline, my throat tight with so many emotions, including regrets. “I’m so sorry about everything I said in the dungeon—"

He gathered me against his mid-section and held me tight, then kissed the top of my head. “Long forgotten.”

I pushed him back so I could look into his eyes. “No, I mean it, Jac. I…when Rex was in my head, he blocked my memories of what he had said and done. Anything that he didn’t want me to think about or remember, I didn’t. And—"

“He did?” Deacon asked incredulously.

I nodded. “Yeah. I couldn’t exactly remember what you had told me about Ode’s family and Rex’s part in their deaths. I couldn’t remember the depth of my love for both of you…I couldn’t rememberme. Not in any real way. It was like I was just empty inside.”

“Rex was a strong force,” Jac said sadly, but then he beamed at me. “But you were stronger. How did you do it?”

I blinked up at him. “Do what?”

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