Page 194 of A Bond in Blood

My father’s expression was blank, and he pointed to the walls around him.

“He sent them to me. The notes and scribbles at first. Telling me he was sure you wouldn’t miss them, but I saw you in them. The quiet thoughts you always keep inside of your heart.”

He turned his gaze back to mine.

“I saw something else too.”

I stepped back.

“I saw love.”

“Stop it.”

I leaned against the wall behind me, holding my hand to my heart, unable to understand what was happening.

“Do you?” my father whispered.

“Do I what?” I snapped.

“Love him?”

“No!” I shouted. “Gods no!”

I fell to the ground, sobbing heavily. “I can’t. Papa, you do not understand.”

He approached, dropping to my level. “Explain it to me.”

“My heart is conflicted. I cannot care for them. I cannot want to know what they are doing. If he is well.”

“They?” his brow rose.

I sighed. “Ulrich and the beast who claimed me, Olen. They have both caused me torment.”

“Two?”

I laughed. “Olen is like the friend my soul has longed for. He is rough but as soft as your smallest canine. He is brash in all the wrong ways, but he has protected me. Ulrich—” I sobbed again. “He is the cold and heat my body longs for. The poison I cannot stop myself from ingesting. He is everything I should not want, yet I yearn for him.”

“Do you want two men?” My father cleared his throat.

“I want the friendship of one and possibly the very soul of the other,” I admitted.

My father’s hand rose, passing the letter he held.

“Read his words, Brenna. Understand why I did not come.”

I ripped the letter from his hands as my legs found their strength again and I pushed myself up off the floor, pointing at him. “Were anotherman’swords more important than your daughter’s pain?”

Guilt flashed across his face, and I continued.

“Why?Why did you allowhimto persuade you to stay away? Why was my begging, my pleading, and rage not enough for you to come for me? Are another king’s words really so much more significant than those from the daughter of your own blood?”

His shoulders slumped with shame. “Brenna, please understand.”

“I cannot understand,” I sobbed. “I cannot understand why after so many years of my unquestioning duty and obedience, you could not gain the confidence to come to me when I needed you most.”

He took a step back. “I see I have made a grave, foolish error. One I will now spend my days to beg your forgiveness for. But please, try to understand.”

“I understand you are a coward. I understand no matter what I do for you, you will always choose whatyoubelieve is best for me. I’ve fulfilled my duty, father. I’m leaving you and this island. I am never coming back,” I snapped.

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