“I wasn’t about to.”
“Good, because if this had been about Arielle, you wouldn’t let her goanywhere.” My throat tightened as I swallowed. “You wouldn’t allow her to go and marry someone else because itopened a way into the enemy’s mind, or for any reason. And you’d know the safest place she could ever be is with you.”
Arielle trembled. She looked at the Fae warrior, who had only just opened up about his feelings for her weeks ago, and waited for his answer.
Though, neither of us truly needed it.
He’d just openly defied me, defied duty and everything he had bound himself to for her.
So, when he nodded, relief cut through me. Someone supported me.
“I would have done the very same thing,” Bastian agreed. He wasn’t looking at me. He was looking at Arielle.
This time, when he reached for her, she didn’t pull away. He touched her cheek, and she leaned into his touch.
“Go back downstairs. I’ll find you,” he said softly.
She held his gaze for a heartbeat, then turned and walked out the door.
When it clicked shut, Bastian looked back at me.
We stared at each other for a long moment before he spoke.
“I’m bound to you by blood, but…I will always choose her.” The strain in his eyes told me how difficult it was for him to admit that, even knowing what the oaths demanded of him.
“You don’t have to explain anything to me. I would expect no less of you when it comes to her.”
He dipped his head, resolute in his agreement.
I leaned against the edge of my desk, feeling a slight drop in my energy. A reminder that I wasn’t fully myself yet. “When did you know? That I was going to keep Elariya.”
“The instant we put the idea in your head.” A warm, understanding smile tugged at his lips. “You forget how well I know you.”
“I haven’t forgotten. I just…wanted to know. I’m sure Alaric will not be as understanding.”
Garrick had agreed with me all along, so I wasn’t worried about him. That aside, I knew he’d follow me blindly.
“No. Alaric will definitely not be as understanding. Your absence was an eye opener for all of us but especially for him. He saw things for what they were and had to put everything in perspective to lead us.”
I sighed, my gaze drifting to the floor. “Maybe he should still be leading you.”
“You know that’s not what I mean.” Bastian stepped closer, the floorboard creaking under his weight.
“I know what you mean. But perhaps I’m compromised because I have more than an interest in keeping Elariya here.”
“She is your reason. So, you did what you thought was right,” Bastian said quietly. “I understand that. The Gods know I would’ve done the same for Arielle. But be warned: make sure you know what you’re doing. Everything comes with a price, friend. You can keep your girl safe and still lose her. If that happens, it won’t be Thayden who takes her from you or anybody else. It’ll beyou.”
The words hit deep, settling the cold truth in my chest.
I breathed out a ragged sigh and nodded. “I hear you.”
“You have my loyalty and blade. I will do my best to help you.”
I dipped my head. He did the same and left.
Finally alone, I was left to my thoughts and the weight of everything pressing down on my shoulders.
I moved over to my chair and sat. There I mulled over everything.
