Page 33 of To Sway a Prince
"It isn't over though," I said. The tears stung, and my body ached. It felt like I had a fever, and my shoulder throbbed, the pain beneath the scars almost as strong as it had been when I seared my flesh. "Why would you give up?"
"I'm not giving up." He cupped one hand along my cheek. "I chose the wisest course to protect what I love. Sometimes, Astraia, all we can do is our best and then we must let go and allow what is to be what is."
He said it so gently, and yet I wanted to sob.
His hand closed around mine, warm and solid as he brought it once more to his lips. I leaned closer, drawn to his warmth as his other arm moved around my waist.
"If there was no curse, I would ask you to stay," he whispered, his breath tickling my ear. "Not for the dragons, not for duty. Stay because?—"
The balcony crumbled beneath my feet. Ramiel's hand slipped from mine, and I fell, screaming into darkness.
Then came the familiar nightmare—the one that haunted me since childhood.
No. No!
All right. The darkness engulfed me. I knew what to do.
Just a dream.
Just a dream.
I held myself tight, shaking as the air became thick and stale. Threads spun in the darkness and curled around me. I was alone in a pitch-black space. Invisible cords wrapped around my chest, my throat, my limbs. With each breath, they tightened.
I tried to scream, but even my voice abandoned me.
It didn't matter.
This was just a dream.
A dream where I was alone.
No answer came. No one ever answered, but it would end. I could endure until it ended.
The cords constricted further. I couldn't move, couldn't breathe. But I couldn't stop fighting.
I strained and gasped. Knots appeared before my eyes.
I woke, flailing, my hands seizing the covers. Blankets and sheets covered my face. Where was I? Wait— the Eye of the Needle—the Sentinel tower. Zephyrus. Ramiel.
My shoulder throbbed and ached even more. I pressed my hand to it, wincing. Why was it getting worse? I'd scourged myself years ago. Couldn't it ever be done hurting? It was like one final indignity, an even more present reminder of my mistake.
My breaths ragged, I lay there. Was it the bed that had made it worse? I swallowed hard, my mouth dry. Maybe. Or maybe it was because I was still separated from Zephyrus. The binding spell didn't hurt, but its pressure remained steady.
Still, I needed to get this day started. The sooner I finished restoring my magic and eliminated the knotted curses around Ramiel's heart, the sooner the binding spell would be removed and I could ensure Zephyrus and the others were safe.
Time to get dressed.
As Ramiel had promised, the wardrobe did in fact hold numerous garments. As soon as I reached inside, a shimmerof silver light passed over my hand and into the garment I touched. The mossy-green fabric shimmered a moment as well, transforming before my eyes. When I removed it, I found it to be a soft woven gown with an embroidered neckline and sleeves that depicted dragons weaving through clouds and mountains. The silver sash hung low on my hips, and it smelled of lavender and cedar with just a hint of green tea and chamomile. It made me think of the tea we had shared yesterday.
That memory comforted me somehow, almost as much as being with Zephyrus. Funny. It had only been a couple days, and Ramiel was now the closest friendship I had with someone other than a dragon. Caein too, though certainly different.
I made my way out, smelling melting butter, warm cinnamon, and yeasty dough. The scent guided me to a kitchen several doors down. When I pressed my hand to the door, it gave way easily.
Inside I found a charming kitchen with stone walls and a wood floor. The large fireplace dominated the back wall with a massive cast-iron stove positioned to the left. Herbs hung from the hooks in orderly rows along with strings of onions and garlic. Slices of crystals hung in the window as wind chimes, singing and humming softly. The cupboards were all polished walnut with intricate runes etched into the panels. Blue porcelain bowls sat on the counter, a few eggs rolled up against one. The air shimmered and wavered over a lump of bread dough situated in the middle of an uneven circle of flour.
"Caein?" I hoped it was him. Usually there was only one Nolche in a single building.
"Ah, you're awake." All the utensils jolted and shuddered as Caein's voice rose in pitch. I had no idea what he had looked like in his fae form, but the image of an older man smiling flashed into my mind. "I wasn't able to offer you breakfast yesterday.And you did not eat dinner either. You and Ramiel can be so alike."
