Page 91 of Enchanted Kingdom
“And they believed you?” If they would’ve told me one of the other women fell ill, I would’ve definitely thought something nefarious happened.
“Everyone but Renna,” Keir amended. “She said she was also feeling ill, and I should take her to wherever you are.”
I smirked for the first time since waking up. “I knew I liked her.”
Prince Krewan rolled his eyes. Which I found odd, considering he also seemed to enjoy spending a lot of time with Renna.
“We’re not going to force you to go to dinner here in a few hours either,” Keir said. “You’re off the hook.”
I sat there doing the math, wondering if I had missed my weekly trip to Nerede.
“We will go to Nerede in the morning only if you feel up to it,” Owen added as if reading my mind. “So you will have three nights total off from evening dinners.”
“Thank goodness.” I sighed. “I’m not sure I’m ready to face your daddy dearest.”
“Me either,” Keir said forcefully.
“Oddly enough, he had been somewhat nice right before he attempted to knock me out,” I admitted.
“Was there anything suspicious he was asking you?” Owen asked. “Anything about having Iron Will or Nerede? Anything at all?”
I thought back to the entire conversation we had once Owen had left and before Prince Krewan had come in. “No. We mostly talked about Keir. Honestly. And he might have alluded to the fact that I would never be queen, but he wasn’t a total prick about it. Not like I would have expected.”
Keir’s forehead creased with that. “It’s not up to him who will be queen.”
I shrugged. He might be lying to himself right now, but even he had to know that only a Savaryn woman would become queen. Someone powerful enough yet also gracious and regal. I fit none of those descriptions.
“Thank you for getting me away from the king,” I told the three of them. “I don’t know how you did it but thank you.”
Keir grinned. “A forged stolen letter between Dra Skor and Agria. Got us out of a bind and also got father fired up for long enough just to get you out of there.”
I had no idea how they had managed that, there was a whole lot in that statement I didn’t understand, but I was still too groggy to ask. I also selfishly wanted to ask why Keir didn’t come for me, why it was Prince Krewan instead, but I decided I probably shouldn’t ask with Prince Krewan standing right there, lest I sound ungrateful.
“Well,” Prince Krewan stated. “I need to head out to get ready.”
“Don’t remind me,” Keir grunted.
Owen went with Prince Krewan, and I wasn’t sure if it was to stand outside the door or to give Keir and I a moment.
Keir never let go of my hand but moved in closer to sit next to me on the bed. His bed. He looked at our joined hands and then his misty blue eyes found me. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry you were with him for even a fraction of a moment alone. It won’t happen again.”
I didn’t know how he could promise me that; it seemed that the king got whatever he wanted. So I didn’t say a word.
He leaned in and kissed me on the temple. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’m so sorry that happened. And we got you out of there, but not fast enough.”
I squeezed his hand. “It wasn’t your fault, Keir.”
He closed his eyes and took a breath. “But it was. He’s my father.”
I put my hand to his cheek to find it scratchier than usual. “You didn’t choose him, Keir. And you are actively choosing not to emulate him, to be different than him at every possible turn.”
His eyes met mine, still full of emotion. “You’re going to have to move up here with me. There are two extra bedrooms attached to my wing. Take your pick. Our little act will be over because my father will know, but I truly believe you’ll be safer that way.” He paused. “Plus, I’m tired of ignoring you.”
“Okay,” I said simply. If the last day had taught me anything, it was that I was still too easy for the king to get to. If moving in next to Keir would help make it harder for him to grab me, then so be it. Because after he tried to knock me out, I didn’t for a second think that he would do nothing if I left to go home to Nerede. I’d probably become another one of those missing people that vanished without a word.
“I have to go get ready,” Keir stated. “I am so damn sorry, Jorah. And I will return to you as fast as I possibly can.”
After he had gone and Owen returned, I slowly stood and walked to a lavatory before heading for the window. Prince Keiran’s room was higher up and toward the back of the forest but still had a stunning view. I took it in a few moments and took some deep breaths.
