Page 80 of A Queen's Game
“For not only giving me hope but following through on it. To think—” her words choked. “Thank you,” she whispered into his chest as she leaned into him.
“Thank you for surviving this long, for giving me this chance to be with you,” he murmured into her hair.
And she felt Brynden meant it, that he truly was thankful she was alive and there with him. The pain and torment she experienced were contrasted by the brightness her future offered. Elyse could be a mage, wife to a male who adored her, and free from Satiros.
As Brynden gave her one last kiss, closing the carriage door, she saw her father in the townhouse’s doorway. Thankful didn’t describe how she felt towards Brynden when she saw her father’s expression, the pure malice swallowing his features. Elyse had only seen that expression once before.
The day her mother died.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Elyse
Warmth filled Elyse’s chest as she combed through King Wyltam’s bookshelves and collected her notes on Fulbryk’s principles of magic. Brynden only mentioned one night at their townhouse, but she had the inkling that it would be longer.
After pacing in the suite for an hour, Elyse had decided she would need her notes and books. Unsure of when the Chorys Dasians would arrive, she has hastily ventured to the library.
The reality of the situation hadn’t hit her yet, that she was to marry Brynden. That he would take her away from that gods forsaken palace. The hope of a better future made everything look brighter, her steps lighter.
The choice was a touch impulsive, Elyse had to admit. She didn’t know him well, knew nothing of Chorys Dasi. But it would all work out, because anything was better than her current life.
A knock sounded, bringing Elyse out of her thoughts. Curious, she cracked the door. “Brynden? How did you find me here?” With furrowed brows, she attempted to block the doorway.
Still donning the ridiculous ruffled shirt, he gave her a wide smile, picking her up with a hug. “There’s my future wife. I arrived at your suite only to realize you weren’t there. Where else would my goddess be if not in the library? The guards pointed me in the right direction. Now I am here.” A soft kiss met her lips as he set her back down.
“Gods, you reek of alcohol. Are… are you drunk?”
Brynden shrugged with a smile. “We had a drink celebrating our betrothal. Or maybe more than a few drinks, but I’m fine.” He kissed her on her forehead.
Based on smell alone, it was many drinks. She sighed with a shake of her head. “I’ll be ready to leave in a moment. Wait here while I collect a few things.” She hurried back into the room.
In the desk drawer, Elyse searched for her notes onThe History of Lyken Fulbyrk.The information in her next book dove deeper into the third principle and wanted to refer to it as she read.
Brynden staggered through the doorway. “What is this?”
“Not mine, and you’re not allowed in here.” Elyse walked to him, pushing him out with a gentle effort. “Please, just wait out here.”
His strong arms wrapped around her, his gaze missing nothing. “But I wish to see where my dear goddess spends her days. Let me indulge in my curiosity.”
“It’s not my rule, Brynden,” she said, trying to push him out. Somehow they ended up further in the room, his eyes scanning the books. “I will get in trouble if we don’t leave.”
“By who?”
“By… the person whose room this is.” She attempted to push him towards the door and horribly lost.
“Interesting,” he said, grabbing an unfamiliar object on the bookshelf. Geometric glass with a series of symbols on its face.
“Please put that back. You need to leave the room.”
Brynden placed the object in her hand, causing a series of symbols to glow. “Fascinating,” he said as he craned his neck to watch. “I wouldn’t have thought that.” He spoke under his breath, a smile spreading wider on his face.
“You need to leave, Brynden,” Elyse said, pulling her hand back. She glanced at the door, nervous that someone would catch him in here. The King had been clear—no one else was allowed. Now Brynden ignored her as she tried to usher him out. Her stomach dropped, feeling helpless against the situation.
With a sly grin, he grabbed the object from her hand and dropped it, the glass shattering at her feet. “Let’s keep that a secret.”
“Brynden!” Elyse took a step back, her mind racing at his behavior. “What are you doing? Why aren’t you listening—” Shards littered where she walked, causing her to lose balance. Elyse slipped backward, glass tearing into the skin of her forearms as she landed on her back.
“Oh, fuck. Elyse, are you alright?” Brynden said, kneeling to offer his hand.
