“Our king is strong.”
My eyes lift to his, and it takes me a moment to reply. “I know.”
Running a hand over his dark scruffy hair, he takes a step closer. “I want to apologize for everything that happened with Kian. He was my partner, and I should have picked up on what he was doing.”
Going back a month, Tristan would never have apologized to me. When we first met, he didn’t like me very much. He especially didn’t like the fact I had slipped past him on a couple of occasions.
“None of this falls on you. Kian acted on his own for his own reasons. Though I don’t completely understand them, I am willing to push them aside for now.”
Tristan narrows his gaze. “But he betrayed your trust. The Seelie Prince used him to get inside information. Not to mention, he allowed the prince access to the castle. More specifically, these chambers.”
“All valid points.” I sigh, looking over to where Zaria is now curled up on the bed sleeping. “I’m not saying what he did is right, but you need to find a way of pushing the anger aside.”
Tristan looks ready to argue, but I hold up my hand. “You were here in this room with me when Alivar showed up. I was ready to storm the castle when I realized someone was betraying Maxon, that they had allowed an outsider access to these chambers. I will keep an eye on him, on everyone but for now we are all on the same side.”
Tristan draws in a deep breath, his expression hardening. “Why did Alivar take you to the Winter Court and not back to his castle?”
“To hide me,” I grumble, crossing my arms. “He had my magic and presence concealed. Didn’t want anyone knowing where I was, in case it got back to the Shadoweaver or his pet.”
Tristan’s eyes sharpen with suspicion, and he steps closer, his voice low. “Did he?”
My brow furrows as I blink at him, unsure what he’s implying. “Did he?”
“Make a move on you. Try to steal you away from the king with his silver tongue,” he clarifies, his gaze never wavering.
Heat rushes to my face at the suggestion, and I snort despite myself. “I don’t think he would’ve had much of a chance with all my yelling and complaining.”
Tristan visibly relaxes, the tension leaving his body as he exhales. “Good,” he breathes out, relief softening his features.
Chapter fifteen
Everly
Stepping from the bath, I wrap a towel tightly around myself, the warmth of the water lingering on my skin as I pad across the cold stone floor. I make my way to the mirror, wiping my hand across the fogged glass until my reflection begins to take shape. My eyes immediately trace over the mating mark on my temple. The intricate vines weave together in an elegant, almost delicate design, intertwining like living threads of magic. The mark is unmistakable—a perfect replica of Maxon’s.
I reach up and trace the outline with my fingers, a lump forming in my throat.
“I hope you’re okay,” I whisper, a tear falling down my cheek.
I quickly swipe it away and draw in a ragged breath. I need to stay strong. I can’t allow myself to fall apart, because if I did, I’m not sure I could put myself back together.
“I miss you,” I whisper down the bond, hoping he can hear me.
I finish drying and slip on a nightdress before running a brush through my hair. It’s really grown over the last month, and now my blonde locks sit at my waist, thick with a slight wave.
Slowly, I open the door, tiptoe over to the large bed and sit down, pulling a pillow into my lap. Asrai nestles on my pillow and is now fast asleep, completely exhausted. Nymeria occupies the lower half of the bed, while Anika rests on my right side and Zaria on my left. It’s impossible to ignore the beauty of Zaria’s leopard as I carefully reach out and run my hand over her sleek fur. A loud purr rumbles from her chest and her ears twitch.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you, but I’m here now. We are, after all, ‘Anam Cara,’” I whisper softly in my native tongue.
The words meaning soul friend roll off my tongue by surprise.
I’m struck by a feeling of déjà vu when I hear those words, and I make an effort to capture the sensation, hoping it will trigger another memory, but it fades away before I can recollect that familiar feeling. I let out a heavy sigh, placing my hands in my lap and leaning back against the headboard. The engagement ring Maxon gave me catches the light, and a knot forms in the back of my throat. It’s only been four days since the city of Skora was attacked, since my mate was taken from me, but it feels like an eternity. I lift my hand and tilt it back and forth, watching the gems sparkle and shimmer in the light. The sight is both beautiful and painful, a reminder of what I’ve lost and the uncertainty of what lies ahead.
Nymeria lifts her head and whines, looking over at me.‘I sense your heartache. What can I do?’
“Nothing to be done, but I will find Maxon, and I will bring him home.”
Nymeria shifts closer, nudging my hand with her cold, wet nose. A silent request for comfort—or, perhaps, reassurance. I give her a faint scratch behind the ear, and with a quiet sigh, she lays her head back down on her massive paws.
