“Are you all right?”
“I need air.”
Ariel watched as Valteri left the room. She started to go after him, but in spite of all the drink he’d imbibed, he seemed rather stable on his feet.
He’ll be fine.
Besides, she had preparations she needed to finish.
You have to do this.
More and more, she felt as if time was running out for them.
Hours later, Ariel crept silently through the hall, making sure everyone was asleep. She pressed her lips together, afraid that each trembling breath rattling in her chest might awaken a nearby sleeper.
This was her only chance to save Valteri. She must leave him behind, no matter how much her heart ached for him. No matter how much she yearned to remain by his side.
If she stayed, he’d die.
A man spoke in his sleep.
Ariel froze, her heart hammering in her ears. He turned on his side and began a steady snore. Releasing a quiet sigh of relief, she tiptoed toward the door.
How she wished Valteri had sought their chambers to sleep after he’d left to think about what she’d told him. But after hours of waiting, she’d given up hope of his return.
All Ariel could do now was pray he wasn’t sleeping in the stable.
She pushed open the hall’s door, flinching as a tiny squeak echoed, a squeak that sounded louder than thunder to her anxious ears. A nearby woman spoke in her sleep, but no one awoke enough to question her. Taking a deep breath for courage, she wedged herself out the door, then closed it tight.
Frigid winds whipped against her cheeks, numbing them before she’d taken no more than a few steps. An early, light snow fell against her face and hair. Ariel drew her fur-lined cloak tighter, trying to banish the cold from her body.
With any luck, the snow would cover her tracks and Valteri would never find her.
Pain swelled inside her breast, but she forced herself not to think on it. She must do this.
For both their sakes.
She entered the stable, then paused.
Damn her luck! Valteri lay just inside the first stall. In spite of her sense that told her to grab a horse and leave, she moved closer to him.
Through a crack in the planking, a rushlight shone, illuminating his handsome face.
Now that she knew who he was, she saw just how much he favored his father. They were almost identical. Same angle of brow. Same perfectly sculpted features.
The only difference was that Jaden had dark hair, and an aura of intolerance even thicker than Valteri’s.
Other than that, they could pass for twins.
But what tugged at her heart was how very vulnerable, so very lovable he looked while he slept.
Her body burned for him, for one last touch of his flesh against hers, but it could never be.
Closing her eyes, she savored the memory of his kiss.
If only she could stay with him, be his wife like a normal mortal woman, she’d gladly pay the price of her own soul.
But how long until the curse worked its treachery and she damned him forever?
