Page 43 of The King of Frost and Shadows

My heart thundered. Eldrin stared at me with such hatred.

“I figured Lira might want to know what a sword looks like before tomorrow.” Finnian raised both. “Now she does. You know how she doesn’t remember the fae and likes to play with toys.”

Eldrin arched a brow, but instead of responding, he stalked over to me. He gripped my arm tightly and dragged me across the room toward the door.

“What are you doing?” Finnian called out, his voice strained.

Cold tendrils of fear tightened around my heart. I didn’t want to go anywhere alone with him.

“Something you won’t want to miss out on.” Eldrin smirked as maliciousness danced in his eyes.

14

LIRA

Worse than not knowing where he was taking me was Eldrin’s cold hand clutching me, his fingers digging into my wrist. His skin was frigid, reflecting the essence of his soul.

My heartbeat quickened, and my stomach tightened, urging me to get the fuck away from him.

I dug my heels into the ground, though the smooth soles had me slipping along after him. He opened the door, and I noticed four additional guards standing in front of Torcall and Finola.

When the two guards turned toward us, they grabbed the hilts of their swords, readying to protect me.

Some of the tension ebbed from my body as I realized that they intended to obey Tavish about no one taking me anywhere.

“Where do you think you’re going with her?” Finnian asked loudly.

“I don’t answer to you.” Eldrin’s nose wrinkled.

Finola moved to block us from leaving the room.

For the last several days, I’d wanted to get the hell out ofthat room, and now, I’d do anything to remain in it. The irony clamped down on my shoulders.

“You may not have to answer to him, but you have to answer to us.” Finola lifted her chin and glared. “She’s underourprotection.”

Eldrin stopped, dragging me beside him in the doorway so that my body was crammed between him and the frame. My side ached, and when I attempted to take a step back, he yanked me against him even harder.

My skin crawled, but I clenched my teeth, not wanting to make him feel more powerful. He already had an inflated ego.

“This has been done at the request of King Tavish.” His jaw worked, and I could feel a faint shake in his hand. “So, move aside before these four guards make you.”

Torcall removed his sword. “King Tavish said that if the sunscorched is needed anywhere, he will personally tell us.”

“And King Tavish informed me that Caelan and I are to handle the gauntlet, did he not?” Eldrin’s fingers dug in deeper, though it didn’t seem intentional.

In fact, I was certain he held a lot of rage, more than I’d realized.

“But that’s not until tomorrow.” Finola pursed her lips.

“That’s what King Tavish said last night, but this morning, Caelan and I decided that to ease the tension among our people, the games should begin today.”

I flinched, and Eldrin’s smirk blossomed into a malicious smile.

Right now, that was the least of my concerns. Finnian and I had only begun defensive strategies, and I needed more time. Time Eldrin was determined not to give me.

“Caelan is notifying the people now that they’re finished with their daily chores.” Eldrin rolled back hisshoulders. “And the prisoners are being prepped as we speak, which should include theSeelieprincess.”

The four guards he’d brought with him wrinkled their noses at the reminder of my supposed heritage.

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