Page 8 of Fate of Echoes and Embers
“Our intelligence places the Wind Crystal in those caves.” Mev’s eyes were pleading. “But there is no way to be certain. Marek could be risking his life unnecessarily. If you were to accompany us, we could be certain.”
My shoulders dropped. The battle I prepared to fight fled my body instantly. Without revealing my thoughts, I listened, already knowing the outcome.
“When Terran attempted to stop me from taking Mev north, Adren was among the men. He defected and joined me,” Kael said. “But after learning what had to be done, he agreed to return home and attempt to locate the Wind Crystal.”
Kael’s right-hand man was as loyal as any in Elydor, so Kael’s story did not surprise me.
“He was welcomed back?”
“Mostly. Some suspicion remained. All know of his loyalty to me, but pledging myself to King Galfrid, partnering with his daughter, was the excuse he needed to publicly sever ties.”
“This is an extraordinary turn of events,” I admitted.
“You were right, Issa, to have criticized me over the years. I allowed my father’s hatred of humans to influence my thinking. I never agreed my mother’s death was the fault of your entire race, but I did unjustly believe humans were inferior to native Elydorians in many ways. For that, I owe you an apology.”
Princess Mevlida had influenced Kael’s thinking more than I could have thought possible.
“You owe none to me, Kael, as well you know.”
He inclined his head. “I offer it nonetheless.”
By the way Mev grinned, I could tell she was proud of him, as she should be. Changing one’s thinking after so many years of influence by your own parent was not an easy task.
“Thank you,” I said simply, unable to stop myself from glancing at Marek.
He was no longer smiling.
If anyone in this chamber owed me an apology, it was him. But I doubted one would be forthcoming. Nor would I accept it anyway. There were limits to my ability to forgive.
“If I refuse to help?” I asked, knowing his answer already.
Without warning, the memory of our first kiss popped into my mind. It had been summer, the garden at Hawthorne, once a source of my mother’s pride, in full bloom. He’d taken me in his arms, and I went willingly, even knowing by then how many women he’d courted—or seduced, to be more accurate. That kiss had been everything I’d expected, and more.
How long had it been that I dreamed of Marek’s kisses?
You know the answer to that already, Issa. It has been precisely the same number of years since the day you met him.
“I pledged to my queen,” Marek said, “and to Mevlida, that I would attempt to retrieve the Wind Crystal. When I arrive in Gyoria and meet with Adren, if he still believes it is hidden in the Maelstrom Depths, that is where I will go.”
Our eyes held each other’s as Kael and Mev fell away. It was just the two of us, and the crackle of the fire.
There was no hope for it. “I would speak with you alone.” Gritting my teeth, I stood and made my way to the door. Opening it, I found Edric there, as expected.
“Will you see Prince Kael and Princess Mevlida to their chambers. If they need anything at all?—”
“I will see to it, my lady.”
Kael and Mev were already standing.
“Also, my lady, Lord Draven would like a word.”
Mev stopped before walking past me.
“He is here, in this keep?”
I looked between her and Kael. “Aye. He resides at Hawthorne Manor,” I said, curious. “Did you meet him on your last visit?”
“I did. Briefly.”
