Page 33 of The Court of Thorns and Wings

“We will.” Eiric leaned against the wall in the corner of the room.

Sorcha bowed her head slightly to me before stepping into the hall and shutting the doors behind her.

As soon as the door clicked, Eiric fluttered over to the spot next to me. She leaned back and asked, “What was the sudden change of mood back there? You were all gung ho about not leaving him, and now we’re just going to chill in your room while they do whatever they want?”

I had to choose my words carefully. The last thing I wanted was to get Eiric involved in my escape plan. However, I couldn’t stay here, Seelie or not, with Father and Mother more than willing to hand me over to the dragon prince. “Insisting on staying would have made things worse for Tavish and Finnian. I didn’t realize it at first.” My voice had thickened, and I paused, trying to hold myself together. “So I walked away to make the king feel as if I was obliging his command, hoping to eliminate some of his wrath.”

Pain shot through the connection, stealing my breath. It wasn’t the worst pain I’d ever felt, but they were hurting Tavish.

A lump lodged in my throat.What’s going on?

Nothing I can’t handle,he replied.Stay in your room, please. Don’t come here, or neither of us will get free.

Tears rolled down my cheeks, and I took a shaky breath.

“What’s wrong?” Eiric asked, taking my hand in hers. “You’re suddenly crying.”

Another jolt of pain had a sob breaking from my chest. “They’re hurting him.”

“What?” She glanced around the room. “How could you know that?”

I gripped my chest. “I feel his pain. It’s coming through our fated-mate bond.”

“That’s both fucking cool and terrifying.” Eiric wrapped her arms around me. “But I’m sorry. You heard Dad—they won’t kill him.”

As if that made it better. I didn’t want him to feel any sort of pain.I’m sorry.I didn’t care if I shouldn’t say those words to Tavish. He was hurting because of my father, even though the king knew what Tavish was to me. What sort of parent could hurt their child in such a way?

You tried to protect me, sprite,he replied as another jabbing pain shot between us.That means more to me than you’ll ever know. I love you. Nothing will ever change that.

I buried my face in Eiric’s shoulder, holding on to the one person from this kingdom who seemed to be on my side.I love you too, thorn.

Our bond warmed from the love he felt despite the agony still coursing through me.

I wasn’t sure how long it lasted, but eventually, fresh pain stopped flashing through our bond.Tavish?

I’m okay. I just need sleep,he replied, and the bond cooled further, but the part in my chest that had the warm magic flared to life.

It had to be due to the lack of warmth from Tavish.

I lifted my head and Eiric frowned. She wiped a tear from my face and asked, “What can I do? I don’t know how to fix this.”

“You did the only thing you could, and I love you for it.” I squeezed her hand, unsure what I would’ve done if she hadn’t been here. She’d been my protector all my life, and now it made sense since she was the child of the Seelies’ two strongest guards.

She pressed her lips together. “You know I’ll always be here for you and on your side.”

“And the same goes for me too.” I bumped her shoulder to lighten the moment. I didn’t want to worry her, or she’d watch me more closely. I needed to play a part with her from thismoment forward and not involve her in our plan. In order for my plan to work, I had to ensure that she remained unaware and innocent so she didn’t get accused of anything.

Someone banged on the door, and my stomach dropped. I reached up, wiping the tears from my face, needing a moment before letting them in.

The doors opened, revealing Father’s towering frame.

His gaze landed on my face. The warmth in his eyes was still gone as he stalked into my room.

“I need to speak to my daughter alone,” he commanded, not bothering to acknowledge Eiric’s presence beyond that comment.

She hesitated, unsure whether she should go, and Father’s calm demeanor snapped.

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