Page 125 of The Sea of Zemira (The Zemiran Chronicles 1)

Nola sat next to Lincoln, who rested against the castle’s central courtyard’s stone walls. The overgrown shrubs reached through the open windows—the gardens filled with radiant colors, so bright it was hard for them to look at anything else. The walls stood tall with three pillars, two creating an arch over a tiny bridge that reached over a creek running across the city.

That courtyard was the only place they could have a quiet moment in the Eastland Forest—well, besides the Whispering Woodlands—a place where the trolls dwelled.

They needed to speak alone.

The siren sat in complete silence, reflecting on the recent events; she still felt reluctant about trusting the Fae. Especially after that morning’s spectacle—a merciless, brutish battle between Mazie and the giant.

“Why do I have a feeling like we are being manipulated, Lincoln?” Nola asked. “The queen suddenly wanting to help us?” She turned away and watched the slow current of the creek. “What happened with Mazie—that is not the way my father spoke of the Fae; not what I imagined them to be like.”

The handsome captain wrapped his fingers over hers and ran his thumb gingerly over the top of her hand.

“I’m always cautious, my love. I do not trust easily. I, too, have suspicions about the Fae’s willingness to help.”

The siren was not convinced the Fae were on her side. When she arrived the morning after being stuck in the Marsh Wetlands, the fairies had bathed and dressed her but regarded Nola as a trespasser. However, once the queen learned who Nola was, a sudden shift in acceptance happened a little too quickly. The siren was still a stranger. The crown they laid upon her head meant something more than a long-lost princess coming home. She had not proven herself to them yet.

Queen Cassia had told her she was home.

Home.

This place will never be home, Nola thought. Never. Especially after what I had just witnessed.

She could not become used to such barbaric culture—one that found pleasure in watching humans and magical creatures die for sport. The siren did not want to kill anyone. War was inevitable to save Zemira, but she did not desire a bloodbath. Nola wished there was another way—there would be no celebrating the fallen.

Lincoln stretched his arm around her waist, holding her tight. The touch of his hands on her hips, blanketing her body into his, was inviting. Nola felt the heat of his breath in her hair as he nuzzled his nose near her ear.

“I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe,” he whispered, then caught her up in his stronghold, tightening his hands around her.

Oh, my, her thoughts mangled a bit in her mind. She did not even try to free herself from Lincoln’s possessive hold. This is all I needed.

As he held her, the captain ran his fingers gently down the back of Nola’s arms. His touch was sudden, seductive, and had taken her completely off guard.

She let out a sigh.

“Okay, what was it you wanted to talk about?” Lincoln said in her ear softly, withdrawing his hand from her hip.

“Did I say you could let go of me?” Nola said teasingly, feeling his lips part into a smile against her ear.

The pirate’s hand went back on her waist. His fingers inched around her hips and rested on her belly.

“Ever since the first moment we locked eyes,” he said, “I have had this desire to protect you. I nearly lost my mind when Wentworth stole you from me.”

Nola turned to face him, his hands slacked from her waist, and dropped to his side. “You make it sound as if I was doomed to fail,” she said. “I may not be a warrior like Mazie or the elves, but I will fight for the people of Zemira. If that means sacrificing my life to do it, then so be it.”

Lincoln lowered his brow, turning away from her.

“Do not say such things. The king’s army is strong, yes, but—”

“I can’t deny I am afraid, but I would die to save Zemira.”

A moment of silence followed as she looked heavenward. Suddenly, a line appeared between her brows.

“As the Elven warriors risk their lives for the queen, I will do the same for my people. And for you.” Nola reached up, running her hand down his broad chest. “Your brother’s power frightens me, Lincoln. He was in my head. I couldn’t escape him.”

His heart ached at those words. The siren’s life was too precious to him, though trying to talk her down into listening would not be easy.

“I know,” Lincoln said. “I know the magic my brother holds. Leave it up to me. I will protect you, my love. Not the other way around.”

Nola tried to look away, but he lightly gripped her chin, guiding her gaze back to him.

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