Defending her all his life? And he knew where she was for years… had he watched her from a distance? The thought made her shiver. Layala stared at him a moment, trying to decipher his meaning. Aside from his mother and sister’s wicked tongues, what could he have been defending her from? They’d been hundreds of miles apart, and if she guessed correctly, they were further apart in idealism.
He tilted his head as if to say, follow me, and she cautiously started walking beside him, tense and ready to defend herself if need be. She couldn’t let her guard down around him. All this niceness could be an act to draw her in.
With a guarded expression, he said, “Whether we chose it or not, you’re my mate, my betrothed. I will defend you against anyone.”
She didn’t want to believe him but had he not done just that? He stood up for her against his own family. But she hated the mate word. Hated what it meant and that she was branded with the symbol of it. And he said it so casually, as if she belonged to him already. She belonged to no one. “I tried to kill you and you’re my mate.” She anxiously picked at the dry skin around her nails.
“Clearly we have different ideas of how to treat one’s mate. But it wasn’t the first time someone attempted to slit my throat. I can hardly hold a grudge.” He smiled and she snapped her eyes away. He thought her attempt was laughable at best. “Although I am curious what you planned to do after you killed me?”
This conversation was amusing to him? Did he enjoy talking about her attempt on his life? As if it was nothing but entertainment for the evening, something to liven up his night.
She didn’t want to admit to her other plans, then he might lock her up. “Leave.” All she wanted to do at the moment was get away from him and get to her task.
He arched a dark brow. “And where would you have gone? You would have had to kill Piper, Fennan, and Aldrich to be able to go back to your home. And my mother would hunt you until the end of her days.”
She glared at him. “I wouldn’t have left any loose ends.”
“Vicious she-elf.”
“I wouldn’t say I’m a vicious person.”
“What would you call it then? I’m dying to know a more fitting word for the murder of several people who haven’t wronged you.”
Layala rolled her eyes. “Haven’t wronged me? You and your sister may not be responsible for making me an orphan as your mother so nicely put it, but she was there that day, standing at your father’s side. And your friends are just as responsible for abducting me. Besides, it would be self-defense.”
“I’m confused. Who came into whose room and held a knife to whose throat?”
“Don’t act so self-righteous.”
“Now you presume to know my motives. You must be a mind reader.” He shoved open the double doors that lead down a set of stairs to blooming flowers, a large pond with six pillar fountains, three on either side. She scarcely paid attention to any other details.
“When I say I’ve been defending you, I mean I had to keep you away from my father. He’s the one who would have used you.” He paused and let his green eyes roam over her face. “I don’t trust my mother or sister, so keep this little detail between you and me.”
Layala stopped at the top of the staircase and stared at his broad back as he went down the steps. Her heart slammed against her chest, her throat tightened with anxiety. What if she’d been wrong? All her life she’d trained for this time, thinking of the ways she could make Thane and his father suffer. Thought of Tenebris dying to rid the world of his tyrannical leadership, to stop them from using her for their nefarious motives, to get revenge for killing her parents, and she’d never once thought Thane might care about anything other than himself.
If he was telling the truth, she’d severely misjudged everything. But if he wasn’t… This changed nothing. He could be lying, could be trying to get her to fall for him so he could take advantage of her power. It could all be a lie to stop her from breaking the spell between them.
He stopped halfway down the steps and turned back, looking over his shoulder. He was more beautiful than any male; anything should be to her, as if it were some sort of sadistic joke from the Maker to have her attracted to the elf she hated.
“Are you coming?” His attractiveness made her more wary of him. Sometimes the most gorgeous things were the most deadly.
Recovering, she lifted her chin and slowly made her way down the steps, wishing she had her daggers on her person. She felt safer with them. She had so many questions for him, like why hadn’t he been on his father’s side, if he indeed wasn’t? Why choose a stranger over family? Why didn’t he come for her sooner? Why, why, why… but she didn’t trust him to give an honest answer, however, so she asked nothing at all.
“Where do I start with removing the mate rune?” she asked.
“That’s for you to figure out. You’re the one who wants it undone.”
“You don’t?” She felt stupid for asking. Of course, he didn’t. He needed her. She didn’t believe him when he said he would simply set her free in the end. This alliance they had at the moment was only temporary. She had a feeling she’d have to kill him to get away.
“I haven’t thought about that in a long time.”
Eyebrows furrowing, she watched him skeptically, “I’m surprised you’ve even thought of it.”
“When my father beat me for not being able to find you despite our connection, yes, I wanted to be rid of it. But now… how could I want someone as stunning as you gone?”
“Does that line typically work for you?” She all but rolled her eyes again. And yet she pictured the blond king she’d seen portraits of hitting a small boy and anger bubbled in her. Even if Thane was grown now, no child should be beaten.
He offered a sly smile, and Layala gritted her teeth. That line or one similar probably had the females ready to drop their dresses, given who he was. He needn’t any lines at all. He could have anyone he wanted.
“It’s only a line if it isn’t true. You are stunning.”
Every man at the training yard in Briar Hollow loved to tell her how beautiful she was once she hit about nineteen. The creative lines they came up with became ridiculous. It was a game to them after a while. Compliments meant little now. She needed to get back to the main goal here. “Is there anything about the spell in the library?”
“There is a copy of the spell. You’re welcome to look at it.”
“I’ll start there then.” They paused on the far side of the pond between short hedges and stared at the water. A few frogs sat on the lily pads. Their ribbits and the water spilling into the pond from the pillars were pleasant, relaxing sounds. The smell of jasmine and eucalyptus filled her nose. This environment could put her into a trance. She needed to get out of there before she caught any feelings besides the bitter ones she harbored at her core.
“I’ll show you where it is.”
She shook her head, taking a step away from him. “Given that you are leaving it up to me, I can go alone.” Someone could give her directions. A guard or maid. She could find Reina and Pearl.
“You’re free to go where you’d like within the castle. With an escort. But stay inside.”
Her eyebrows furrowed as she tried to decipher his placid expression. “Why can’t I go alone? And why can’t I go outside?”
He lifted a shoulder, but she saw worry through his mask of calm. “Number one: I don’t trust you. Number two: I don’t trust everyone within these walls or outside them as previously stated. And number three: you don’t know where you’re going.”
“And I suppose you’d like to be my escort?”
“I do have other things to do, you know. I am High King. But I can make time. Unless you’d prefer Piper.”
“I would prefer Piper.” She folded her arms. Why was she standing here still? She should walk away even if he’d follow.
He smirked. “She is pretty…”
“I didn’t mean in that way.”
“So you do prefer me.”
She cleared her throat. “I’d like my weapons back.”
He rubbed his chin, grinning. “After you tried to kill me, you think I should give you weapons? Should I hand over my balls on a platter as well?”
“As if you have any.”
“Vicious, like I said.”
“I’m not going to try to kill you. That was before I knew it would kill me, too.”
He laughed with real humor. “At least you’re honest. But no, you won’t get them back. I know I’m not the only one you’d like to kill. As you said, no loose ends; that could be a rather long list now. I hope I don’t have to give you the katagas serum again.”
Her cheeks flushed with anger. “I haven’t used my magic against anyone, and I don’t plan to. There is no need to threaten me.”
“And why haven’t you? You didn’t even attempt to use your power when you came into my room.”
“That’s none of your business.” Balling her hands into fists, Layala tore her gaze away. She should have kept her mouth shut. She turned and strutted off having no idea if she was going the right way to the library or not. He was at her side so fast it startled her. Shivering, she kept her eyes forward, not giving him the satisfaction of looking. They didn’t travel far before Piper rounded a corner.
“Sire,” she said, dipping her head. “There are emissaries from the dwarves of Fang Peak here to see you. As well as two male elves from Calladira.”
He nodded. “Piper, please escort Lady Lightbringer to the library.”
“Of course, sire.”
As he started walking away, he looked over his shoulder, “You’ll join me for dinner, Layala.”
Layala found it difficult not to spit a nasty comment about him ordering her around. She’d never taken orders from anyone well. “So your mother can ridicule me more?”
“No.” He met her stare. “It will only be you and I tonight.”
The walk to the library was spent in silence. Layala didn’t know for certain if Piper was upset with her but the frown and angry line between her brows as she stomped was proof enough. Thane and Fennan might have taken her attempt on Thane’s life with a grain of salt but would Piper?
When they stood before an archway with a sign carved into the wood “knowledge is power” she knew they had arrived at the library. There were many staircases, some swirling to upper shelves, some leading to the next levels and the next. Plants sat in blue and silver vases. One she recognized; when held, it helped retain information. Yet most of the plants here she couldn’t name, though they were familiar. Maybe something she saw in Aunt Evalyn’s plant diary.
Books filled the bone-white shelves. To the left, a small rock waterfall spilled into a pond. Piper led her by it. Layala peered inside to see various colorful fish swimming among the water plants and rocks. They stopped in a small room with nothing in it but a single high table with a scroll rolled open on top.
Piper gestured toward it. “Don’t touch it. It’s old and must be handled properly.”
Annoyed with more orders, Layala strutted by and stared down at the parchment. It was torn in some places and yellowed from time. A brown stain splattered over the bottom corner. The script was old elvish, a language no one she knew spoke anymore. She understood a couple words; “binding” and “eternity”. Good heavens, was she bound to Thane for eternity, not even until death? She couldn’t even get away from him when she died. The idea made her stomach ache. The mate rune on her wrist was marked at the bottom of the page.
She turned back to Piper. “Can you read it?”
“No,” Piper answered sharply.
Layala stared at it a while longer. Aunt Evalyn taught her some of the old language but not much. “Is there a book in here that will translate the words?”
“I don’t know. Why do you want to read the spell anyway?”
“I’m curious.”
“Your mate could read it to you. He’s been schooled in the old language.”
“I’m curious if there is a way to undo it, and he won’t tell me.” Maybe that would give her some motivation to help. After what Layala did, Piper would be glad to be rid of Layala.
Piper’s stiff posture didn’t change. She gave Layala a lazy glare. “You should be more concerned with the war at our southern border against the pale ones than trying to get out of something that cannot be undone.” Her eyes narrowed. “I know what you did to Thane.”
Frowning, Layala turned back to the parchment. It’s not as if she could deny stabbing him. “Life force bonded,” she mouthed. So he wasn’t lying. Not only could she not kill him, but she was stuck at his side. It was truly break the bond, marry him, or turn into a pale one. She held a small amount of hope that he’d lied and she could still get away.
Taking a steadying breath, she read “Magic-coupling” but wasn’t sure of the second word. Maybe it wasn’t coupling or magic. If it was then wouldn’t that mean both of them would need magic? No, she must be mistaken. Layala was the only elf mage born in recent history. She searched the shelves looking for a book to translate so she could do more than pick out a few words, while Piper sat in a chair, chin resting against her fist. She looked bored to tears.
After a few hours of scanning the shelves, searching for a book on the Black Mage or runes, she found nothing. The library attendant said that such books were illegal, and any rune spell books by the Black Mage had been taken to a secret location that only the High King knew. Any old Elvish books were written in that language and there wasn’t a manuscript to translate it, at least in the castle library.
Piper had dozed off, mouth hanging open with her head leaned back into the chair. Layala tapped her shoulder and then headed for the exit. Piper jumped up, rubbing her eyes and was quickly at Layala’s side.
“I’d like to go back to my room,” Layala said. Without speaking to each other, they made it through several hallways and up two sets of stairs. While passing a window, Layala stopped. From here she could see the bridge and it was full of elves. The guards didn’t allow them in. “What’s going on out there?”
Piper leaned against the frame on the other side. “You’re the mysterious child with magic no one has seen in nearly twenty-five years. There are shrines in your name around the city. There are also those who think you are dangerous and should be killed because of the sign at your birth. The dark sign… some said it looked like black smoke circling around you with poisonous black lilies.” She paused. “Both groups want to see you.”
Layala stared at her trying to decipher if she lied but all she saw was the truth. Layala had no idea that all of this went on. Shrines? How disturbing. And they lined up to see her? Now Pearl and Reina’s reactions to her didn’t seem so odd. “That’s why he said not to go outside,” she said more to herself.
“And you better listen. Your life is connected with his. If you’re in danger, he’s in danger and that cannot happen.”
A chill ran through her body as she moved away from the window. When they arrived at her room, she left Piper outside and dove onto the soft bed. She’d never felt silken fabric so soft. Even the feather pillow was like lying on a cloud. A part of her could get used to this luxury even though she always lived with meager things. She stared up at the ceiling, peering through the vines and sheer ivory fabric that dominated the center above her. Through that, she gazed at the midnight blue mural with silver and white splashes that looked like stars. The Starlight room, Thane called it.
The only useful thing she got out of the trip to the library was seeing for herself that nothing in the spell said how to undo it as far as she could tell. “Binding for eternity” said it well enough. The words “magic-coupling” nagged at the back of her mind. Did that mean Thane would be given access to her magic once they were wed? Thane said they must finish the magic by getting married or they’d turn into pale ones. If he could access her power, he wouldn’t even need her to comply. That must be why the former king wanted them bound in the first place.
And the war Piper spoke of… Layala knew there were constant skirmishes with the pale ones but had something changed? She didn’t want any part of the war, or of the elves clamoring outside the gate to see her. Feeling antsy she stood, wandering around the room. A shelf on the wall held a set of statues, carved from a marbled white-gray stone. A female with long hair and a flowing dress and the male counterpart opposite of her, both reaching toward the other. As if they wanted to take hands but something kept them apart. Beside that was a fertility fern; she thought about tossing it out the window. There was absolutely no need for that thing. It made her wonder if this room was always meant for Thane’s mate, for her.
She tried to focus her mind on anything but him and his words, this thing between them—his beautiful face haunted her. Where was Tif to distract her? Instead of conversing with the missing gnome, her thoughts drifted to what he said about always defending her. Why would he have any sense of loyalty to her? He hadn’t chosen her himself. They didn’t know each other, and yet, she was supposed to believe he cared for her. Her gallant mate set on keeping her safe. It sounded like a farce.
A knock at her door made her jump.
“Lady, it is Reina and Pearl, here to dress you for dinner,” Reina said.
She lost track of that much time pacing and pondering? “Come in.”
They entered one at a time, Pearl with a huge smile, Reina more demure. “Good evening, Lady,” Pearl said with a dip of her head.
“I suppose you’ll want me to change my dress for dinner.”
“It’s customary to change clothes for each meal.” Reina went into the closet and returned with a glittering rich-blue gown over her arm. “We would have gotten you for luncheon, but the High King said not to bother you in the library.”
Her stomach growled as if to tell her she indeed missed a meal. She eyed the dress Reina held up. “Will this do?” she asked.
It was floor length, fitted at the waist and perhaps slightly loose around the hips and thighs. It looked more like a dress for a fancy ball, not that she’d ever been to one but she could imagine. “It’s a bit much, isn’t it?”
“For dinner with the High King?” Pearl put a hand to her chest. “If he’d asked me to dinner I’d find the most beautiful gown I could. This is certainly not too much.”
Spending a casual week on the road with Thane and fighting with him the night before took away how spectacular one might see dinner with the King of Palenor.
Tapping a finger against her lips, Reina said, “Perhaps not good enough.”
“No, it’s beautiful. I’ll wear it.” She didn’t want them to come up with something even more audacious.
After slipping out of the cotton dress and stepping into the sparkling evening gown, she stood in front of the full-length mirror. It was without a doubt the most stunning thing she ever put on. She wanted to hate it, wanted to complain and say she’d rather wear her pants, but the way it hugged her curves, and brought out her eyes, she reveled in it. She looked like royalty. The V neckline hit at just the point where a slight bit of cleavage showed. Her shoulders were covered but barely. Pearl handed her a pair of white silky gloves. She slid them on to just past her elbows. They added to the elegance.
“You look marvelous,” Reina said. “Can I do your hair?”
Layala slowly nodded. “Yes.”
When Pearl and Reina were finished, her hair was half up in a braid crown while the bottom was left to tumble down in curls. As a final touch, Pearl opened a black velvet box to show her a necklace with a blue teardrop surrounded by diamonds on a silver chain. “A gift from his majesty.”
“The king told you to give that to me?” Layala asked.
“He did, Lady. Isn’t it beautiful? A perfect gift for a future queen.”
Layala turned and headed for the door. “Put it on the shelf over there.” She couldn’t wear a gift so precious from him. It might be seen as wanting to accept their bond… she tried to murder him for Maker’s sake.
“But my lady, it matches your dress.” Pearl looked genuinely confused. “Won’t you wear it?”
“No but thank you.” Layala pulled the door open and stepped out to find Piper waiting. “Did Thane assign you to watch me?”
“Yes.”
“All the time?”
“You won’t be allowed to go anywhere alone after the stunt you pulled last night and rest assured the servants’ entrance to the king’s room isn’t accessible anymore.” She faked a smile. Her eyes fell to Layala’s chest. “Where is the gift King Thane sent you?”
“In the room.”
Piper said nothing more as she led the way to the dining hall. When they stopped outside the door, Piper turned to her before reaching for the handle.
“Let me guess, I should give Thane a chance?” Layala drawled. She didn’t need Thane’s friends telling her what a great person he was. Of course they were on his side.
“Actually, I was going to say Queen Orlandia was right.”
Layala’s brows pulled down. “About?”
“About you being an ungrateful wench.” She jerked the door open and then stepped back. “Have a wonderful dinner.”
She turned and stalked off before Layala could even muster a retort. Layala glared daggers at her guard’s back. What did they truly expect of her? To be thankful for everything? To be grateful her parents were murdered and she was bound to a male she didn’t even know? With her fists tight at her sides, she stepped inside the dining room. She hated that the sight of Thane made her nervous.
