Page 38 of The Promise Born
“None of this really matters, does it?” I felt the tears building in my eyes but kept them from falling. Finally, I lifted his hand into mine. “Just get better. Please. Your time with me may not be one of your favorites to look back on. But heal and get better to live long enough to regret it. And please know that I never will.”
“How touching.”
My attention snapped to the doorway where Domin stood with a disinterested expression, rolling his eyes.
“What are you doing here?” I dropped Asante’s hand and stood as Domin approached me.
“I should ask you that. Do you really think we're gonna believe that story?” He laughed. “I heard it all. You ran away from home because you didn't want to be queen? That makes no sense. Many would kill to be in your position. And now? Is it just a coincidence that you're here when our prince is injured?”
“You can't think I did this.” I pointed at Asante. “I brought him here. Why would I hurt him only to bring him back to be healed?”
“Maybe this is all a ploy to throw us off.” He stepped around to the side of Asante’s bed. “Here you are, the ice princess, baking your poisonous sweets for our prince. Weakening him and making him fall for you until he lets his guard down. And now, just look what you’ve done.”
“I did not do this.” I insisted. “Why would I hurt him? I had no reason to!”
“Then who else did it?” Domin spit the question at me.
“Kiala.” My name crossed Asante’s lip in a dry whisper.
“I knew it.” Domin reached across the bed and pointed his ashy finger in my face.
“You knew what?” I slapped his hand away. “All he did was say my name. That’s not a proclamation of my guilt.”
“Or did he tell us the person who hurt him?” Domin narrowed his eyes. “I asked a question, and he answered.”
“For the last time, I am not the one who did this.” I shook my head. “You care so much about him, but instead of investigating this, you’re accusing me.”
“You’re so smart, you claim you aren’t the one,” he lifted his chin. “Prove your innocence. Tell me who did it.”
I felt a surge of panic, then recalled the sight of the fleeing trolls, their grotesque forms retreating as I carried Asante to safety. “Trolls!” I blurted out.
“Trolls?” He scoffed.
“I saw trolls running from where I found him. When I flew above.”
“You expect me to believe that? We would know if there were trolls in our territory!”
“You can believe what you want, but I’m telling you the truth!” I held my ground. “I watched Asante fall from the sky, ran to his side, and found him hurt. For the first time in years, I shifted into my dragon, and I did that to save him. When I carried him away, I saw those trolls running away.”
“Or is it that you’re working with the trolls?” Domin seemed to grasp at straws as he shot another accusation at me. “Is that why they visited your side of the island?”
I shook my head. “You're out of your mind.”
“No, I think my mind is just right. And it'll be even better once you're locked away.”
“That is enough, Domin.” Asante’s uncle entered the room. “Don’t you think you’ve done enough?”
“Eivek, are you really going to protect her?” Domin scoffed.
“From you, yes.”
“She hurt him, your own flesh and blood, and you’re saving her from me.”
“I did not hurt him.” I turned to Asante’s uncle. “You have to believe me. That is not something I would ever do.”
“No one thinks you did, except this fool.”
“I am no fool!” Domin was done with words. He darted around the bed and lunged for me, his hands poised for my throat until Uncle stepped in the way. He swatted at Domin, and the old man fell on his back, yelling in agony as his spine snapped against the floor. Just then, Uradis burst into the room.
