Page 46 of A Promise of Peridot
Pride swelled in my chest. Brave as ever, and thoughtful, and determined—
“Good,” I said.
We resumed the walk toward the darkened cavern, Griffin at the front, Mari slightly behind him, and Arwen in step beside me, a few paces back.
“So, who will watch over Shadowhold?” she asked. “With Dagan here?”
A half smile curved at my lips. Perhaps she still cared for the keep. For my home.
“We sent word to Lieutenant Eardley after the battle of Siren’s Bay. He has the Onyx army divided among my largest cities, the palace in Willowridge, and Shadowhold.”
Arwen stayed silent, mental wheels clearly turning.
“By now my father must know we made it to Citrine. I’m less concerned about Onyx falling than I was that day in the Shadowhold gardens.” I swallowed against the memory. I’d stared at her face then like a lovesick teenager and battled every instinct, every bone and fiber in my body, not to touch her. Not to kiss her. I had gone and done it anyway, of course, like the selfish bastard I was.You are bad for her, my mind chanted on repeat.
“How come?” she asked.
“Our army is the fiercest on the continent. Beating them would cost Lazarus many of his men. He lost at least a hundred due to a certain powerful Fae outburst. And he knows Onyx would never bow to him the way Peridot has. He only wanted to take Shadowhold to get to me... and you. But now we’re here.”
“Except we’re going to be in Peridot.”
“Right. But he won’t know that. Not if we keep a low profile.”
“Right,” she said, eyes on the grains of sand moving under her feet. “Good.”
The ocean lapped pleasantly against the sandy shore. I wouldn’t have too many more opportunities to say this in the coming days in such close proximity to Griffin and Mari. I braced myself and stepped in front of Arwen, cutting us both off.
“Arwen—”
“Don’t.”
I swallowed thickly. “I just want to say one thing.”
“What part ofdon’tis confusing to you?”
That smart mouth. I tried not to think of our kiss last night. Of her hurried lips on mine. Her hot hands in my hair. My fingers itched to reach for her, so I clenched them into taut fists at my sides.
“You were right,” I said, trying to keep my voice even.
She pursed her lips, waiting for me to continue.
“We shouldn’t be together. It was wrong for me try, after... Just know I will never lie to you again. I care for you and...” I shook my head.“The point is, I’m sorry for yesterday. For everything. I’m not going to harass you anymore. Or kiss you anymore.”
It was all true. Every inelegant word of it. I wouldn’t hurt her again, and I’d change my behavior to ensure it. No more depression beard. Or depression drinking. No more flirting. Fighting. Impromptu kissing...
“Kane—” she began.
“Wait up!”
We both whirled around at the eager voice, only to see Prince Fedrik bounding toward us.
Dear Gods, he was carrying a pack.
“Wow, Arwen,” he said once he reached us. “You look beautiful.”
“Fedrik, we’re right in the middle of something.”Leave. Now.
“The king and queen have requested I join you on the expedition for the Blade of the Sun.”
