Page 123 of A Bond in Blood

Chapter 26

Seven months.

Two weeks since the Rite.

Two weeks of constant torment for my soul with the whispers following me wherever I now went. The fingers, pointing, calling me a coward.

The demands for justice and death.

So. Much. Death.

I leaned back against the sand of Ulrich’s private beach, allowing the sun to warm my skin. My fingers dug into the surface, wriggling under the grains. Reminding me of home.

My eyes went out across the water and the peace of the lapping against the shore.

Gods, how I missed home.

Winter was beginning to end with the snow across the island melting. And while the earth grew warmer, the melting ice meant my water was colder.

Just how I liked it.

I stood from the sand, jumping into the water like a child. Letting out a scream, hoping to release some of the angst in my heart.

My back floated upward, and my hands splayed up while I closed my eyes.

I’d been waking earlier since the Rite. Opening my eyes to find the bed empty and Ulrich gone but the sun high in the sky. The afternoon sun acted like my morning now.

But the few hours of sleep wasn’t troublesome. Not with disappearing to the water each day. Turning my one hour of freedom to two.

Without Ulrich’s approval.

Yet, he hadn’t mentioned it during our meals or wandering through his palace.

No, we’d barely spoken beyond my lessons on his fortress. Followed by silent meals. Well, silent unless Olen joined us. Those meals were usually louder with the man indulging in his liquors and meats.

My hands wove through the water, turning me to a weightless being on its surface when my head bumped something wet and large.

I jolted up, finding dark, soaked fur before me.

Olen’s head lifted from the water, his black eyes filled with glee.

“Princess,” his voice rumbled.

“Oh my Gods,” I exclaimed. “How will you ever become dry?”

His paw came out, splashing me. I shrieked, swimming backward but was unable to miss his attack and the water collided with my face.

“The water is freezing,” he growled. “What is wrong with you?”

My covered arms continued to move. “I would think thick fur like yours would keep you warm.”

His teeth dragged over his thin, black lips. “Observant.”

I shrugged and returned to my back. “We have white bears wandering our hills. Their physiques reminds me of yours. Your face is more beastly though.”

His paws pressed on my stomach, pulling me up and almost under the water.

“Hey!” I shouted.

---