Page 120 of The Nymph Prince
“Reif went with him.”
“Oh, that makes me feelsomuch better,” I snarled, using the sarcastic tongue Father hated so much. After pulling on trousers and throwing on a tunic, I charged toward Malik. “Why didn’t you wake me? As my personal guard, you are—”
“I am bound to protect you,” Malik interjected and the orange in his eyes grew brighter. “That is precisely what I’m doing. Alek is a grown man and can make his own decisions.”
I had the urge to punch something. Losing my calm would serve no purpose, however, and thus I refrained from doing so. Taking deep, calming breaths, I found my satchel and started shoving things into it—my favorite dagger and an extra pair of trousers for if I had to transform unexpectedly and ripped the ones I had on.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Malik asked, grabbing my shoulder.
I shrugged him off. “To find my mate.”
“You cannot go alone, my prince. You are fortunate that the king is even letting you journey with the army today. If it were up to me, you’d be locked in this room until all of the danger had passed.”
“I’m not a child! Stop treating me like one.”
“Your Highness?” Dathan entered the room and bowed. “I’ve brought your morning meal.” He placed the platter on the table before looking around. “Where is Alek?”
I glared at my guard. Placing all of the blame on him wasn’t fair; Alek had chosen to leave without a word. But with Alek gone, I needed to direct my anger somewhere. I snarled as I stormed into the washroom and slammed the door.
Once out of sight, I bunched my hands into fists, pressed my back to the door, and slid down to the floor. The tears I’d blinked back finally fell and I quietly cried. I was angry and hurt. But most of all, I was worried. My mate was walking into dangerous territory with only himself and a former assassin for defense.
What chance did they have against hundreds of dark mages?
I didn’t favor their odds.
“Damn you, Alek,” I whispered, putting my face in my hands. “How can I protect you when you leave me behind?”
Alek was the type of man who put other people’s needs above his own. Although stubborn, he was also selfless when it came to those he cared for. More tears pooled in my eyes when something became all too clear.
If Alek couldn’t stop the battle before the armies arrived, and if the darkness threatened to consume him, he was going to end his life. If he didn’t exist, he couldn’t do the evil deeds I’d seen in my vision.
“This is not the time to cry like a child,” I told myself, wiping my wet cheeks and standing back up. “You have a battle to win.”
I decided to have a quick wash in the tub. The army wasn’t set to march for a while, so I had time to spare—unfortunately. The rose-scented soap I’d added to the water made me miss Alek even more. He’d often mentioned how much he adored the scent on me.
The only thing keeping me from completely breaking down in that moment was Alek hadn’t made it to Black Hallows yet. But if we didn’t get moving—and fast—he’d be there much earlier than us.
After drying myself off, I dressed and left the washroom. Malik was still in my chamber, his arms crossed as he stared out the glass wall. He looked at me but didn’t say anything.
“I need to see to preparations before the army takes its leave,” I said, reverting to an authoritative tone.
“Yes, my prince.”
As I left the room and moved down the hall, I had four guards in tow. The threat on my life was high, but I refused to let that stop me from my daily duties. And in the livid mood I was in right then, I just dared anyone to attack me.
Troy met me near the grand staircase and walked with me outside the palace. I needed to meet with Captain Orta and ensure everything was going according to plan. Provisions had to be packed before we took our leave.
“I’m going with you,” he said as we walked the path toward the barracks. “And do not think you can change my mind. If you can choose to give your life for our home, so can I.”
“Very well.” How could I argue with him after that? Telling him he had to stay in Avalontis to stay safe would be no different than Malik saying the same to me.
It didn’t mean I was happy about it.
“Your Highness,” Captain Orta greeted me. “The men are nearly ready to march. We only need to gather a few more supplies for the journey.”
“Good.”
I examined the surrounding warriors. They were in leather armor, their shields strapped to their backs and their blades tucked into their belts. Some had seen countless battles. Others hadn’t seen any. Yet, they all looked prepared. Lethal.
