No. I dug my nails into my palms, the sharp pain cutting through the fog. “Get. Out. Of my head.”
His eyes gleamed. “You’re strong. Most humans fold after the first push.”
The door slammed open.
Elwen stood in the doorway, her expression thunderous. “Uther. Step away from her.”
Uther didn’t move, his gaze locked on mine. “We’re talking.”
“You’re interrogating her without my permission.” Elwen stormed in. “That’s overstepping.”
“The clans have questions.”
“The clans can wait.” She marched straight to my side, her topknot bouncing and a thick gold necklace glinting at her throat. “Or better yet, they can bring their questions to me. Like they’re supposed to.”
Uther folded his arms. “You’ve been dodging us for days.”
“I’ve been managing the shift in power while you lot sharpen your swords and bellow about honor.” Her eyesflashed. “So forgive me if I didn’t make time for every single warrior.”
“This isn’t just about me being nosy, Elle.”
“Then maybe start by not terrorizing the one person he gives a damn about.” Elwen turned to me, her brows knitted. “Are you alright?”
I nodded, not trusting my voice.
“Did you use compulsion on her?” Elwen snarled.
Uther shrugged. “Barely. She broke through it fast.”
Elwen fumed. “Donotdo that again.”
“I need answers. Kairos brought a human from Skaldir. Carried her in his arms, from what I’ve heard. Sat vigil at her bedside.”
The image of Kairos beside my bed churned in my gut. I didn’t want to be someone he watched while I was too weak to stop him.
Elwen’s jaw tightened. “Keep that to yourself. The last thing we need is the entire camp speculating.”
“Too late.” Uther’s gaze cut to me. “Half think she’s a spy. The others believe his mind is broken.”
“He’s my kidnapper,” I snapped. “In case that got lost in your gossip.”
Uther studied me for a long moment.
“Kairos has his reasons for taking her,” Elwen said carefully. “Even if I don’t agree with all of them.”
“Then we need to get those reasons. Now.” Uther’s tone left no room for argument. “Before the clans decide Kairos isn’t a king they’ll follow.”
Elwen sighed. “Fine. But don’t push him too hard.”
“He can try to kill me. Won’t be the first time.” Uther headed for the door, then glanced back at me. “You’re coming too, love. Since apparently you’re what this is all about.”
21
HEARTS OF IRON
Elwen led the way. Uther walked on her other side, and two guards flanked us, making it clear this wasn’t a casual stroll.
The grounds spilled out like a living tapestry. Towering evergreens wrapped in silver moss. Wildflowers sprouted in tangled clusters—deep violet foxglove, firebells, blood-red columbine. Rheya would’ve loved these. She’d press flowers between book pages, saving them like treasures, then dry them for her strange teas.
