Page 105 of Pretense

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Edmund sprawled on the bed, eyes closed, as he waited for Jalissa to return. He probably should be planning out his next moves. After all, he would be going into Mongavaria blind. It was just the sort of unprepared, last-minute mission that caused a spy to make mistakes and get himself into trouble.

But all he could think about was Jalissa. The way he had woken to find her sleeping in the seating nook next to the bed. In sleep, she wore her serene expression, though it was even more gentle and peaceful. Her fingers had felt so small and delicate in his, yet her grip had been strong enough that he hadn’t been able to ease his hand free without waking her.

And her forgiveness…he had not expected it. Had not dared to hope.

He had meant what he said. This time, he would treat her heart like the precious thing it was. He had wounded her far too many times already. This time, he would do things right.

Perhaps this was the reason they had never managed to make their romance work before. There had always been too much between them. They had needed to fail so many times to strip away his secrets.

That, and for him to grow up a little. He had been barely more than a boy, back when he had first fallen for her. While he was only a handful of years older, he was ages wiser. Heartbreak, years of spying, and a war had matured him into the man he was now.

Quiet footsteps padded into the infirmary and scuffled around the main room a moment before tiptoeing down the hall.

He opened his eyes and pushed back into a sitting position. Pain flared deep inside his stomach, lancing from his middle all the way to his back. He breathed through it, thankful when it faded after a moment. He was not as healed as he should be for a mission like this. But, hopefully, he would be fine by the time he had to cross the Hydalla River at the Tarenhieli border with Mongavaria.

Jalissa entered the room with a small pouch in her hands. Her skin seemed paler than it had been before, her hands a little shaky. Behind her, Sarya trailed after her, carrying a larger pack.

Edmund raised his eyebrows. That was the standard issue elven pack made of canvas and leather straps, including the green blanket tied to the top.

Sarya met his gaze, shrugged, and held it out to him. “I will not need it.”

“Linshi.” He took it, feeling its heft. It was full, but they had done well in not packing too heavily.

“Since the palace kitchen burned to the ground, we scrounged food from my cold cupboard, as well as some items from Elspetha and Farrendel’s rooms. I did not think they would mind.” Jalissa toyed with the pouch she held in her hands rather than look at him. “We also added some jars of juice laced with elven healing magic. They will not be powerful enough to heal you if you are near death, but they will help if you are injured.”

“I’m sure they will be useful.” Having elven magic on his side was convenient. He stood and shrugged into the pack, wincing as the movement tugged at his healing middle. If he were smart, he would wait until he was fully healed before leaving.

But he wasn’t sure what Averett or Weylind would think of this mission. It was probably better if they had plausible deniability, if he were caught.

Besides, he didn’t want to give the Mongavarian king time to regroup and come up with a new plan.

Jalissa’s shoulders straightened, and she held out the pouch. “Here. I made these for you.”

He opened the pouch and peered inside. What looked like five balls made from an ivy, glowing faintly green, filled the pouch. “What are these?”

“Do not touch them except with gloves.” Jalissa bit her lower lip, her gaze flicking to him, then to the floor. “As soon as they touch skin, they will spring to life and immobilize whoever they are touching. They are strong enough to withstand knives or swords. But they will only last an hour. Then they will wither away into dust, leaving behind no trace. I am sorry I could not make more. My magic is not strong enough.”

“Your magic is plenty strong. These are amazing.” Edmund carefully closed the pouch and tied it to his belt, which he had found next to his boots and a pile of his weapons at the foot of the bed. He would have to use these sparingly, but they might solve his problem on how to get close enough to the Mongavarian king to deliver his threat. He stepped closer to her again, resting a hand on her waist. “Linshi. Truly. These could save my life.”

Behind Jalissa, Sarya silently stepped from the room. She halted outside the open door, giving them some semblance of privacy while also protecting Jalissa’s reputation.

“I hope they help.” Jalissa smoothed her hands down the leather straps of the pack he wore. “I want you to come back safe.”

“I will.” He probably shouldn’t make such promises. But, if he made a promise, he would be even more determined to keep it.

How he wanted to kiss her. What if he were caught and killed? What if this was his last moment with her?

No, he would return. He refused to dwell on any other option. A spy who thought he might fail would make that reality come true. A spy only succeeded by having the supreme confidence that he could pull off his mission.

Still, he forced himself to stick to business rather than give in to the temptation. If he was going to do this right with Jalissa, then there would be no kissing until after they were properly and officially courting.

He laced his fingers with hers. “In the morning, tell Weylind where I have gone. He will pass the news on to my brother.”

“All right.” Despite the pain in her eyes, Jalissa held her back straight. There was steel in her, hidden beneath the serene exterior.

“I think Farrendel should do that thing with his magic that he did along the Tarenhieli-Kostarian border. The one that prevents the trolls from sending raiding parties into Tarenhiel anymore.” Edmund dropped his gaze, shifting. “I don’t think I’ll start a war with my warning but it wouldn’t hurt for the borders of both Escarland and Tarenhiel to be secured. Just in case.”

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