I let a long sigh out. “So now what? What’s to be done with me since I won’t be saving my uncle? Are you going to lock me in this chamber?” I pointed to the closed door.
“I’m sorry.” His eyes blazed as brightly as the Stone’s emitting starlight. “By the gods, Prim, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry about everything, but I have to. My orders are to see you safely inside.”
I stilled. It was the first hint of any remorse he felt, other than the guilt that had pounded through him when he’d taken the Stone from me.
Hope twisted my heart, and I gazed up at him pleadingly. “You could choosenotto follow that order, Kole. You could return the Stone to me and let me return home.”
Since it was the first time Kole and I were alone following our night together in a Stonewild cave, maybe, justmaybe, he would choose me and not the Council, especially now that he didn’t have Jamie breathing down his neck.
“Please, Kole. You could choose to give me the Stone. You can return what’s rightfullymine. You have the ability to do that, and if you ever cared for me, you would.” I held my breath and willed him to do the right thing.
Kole’s entire body turned rigid, and his hands fisted. Anguish distorted his features. “By the gods, Primelle, I wish I could do that, but things aren’t as simple as they seem. I’m sorry.” He placed his hand on my lower back, and the feel of him touching me again caused my magic to respond.
It tingled and vibrated inside me, wanting to connect with his. Disgust rolled through me that he could still create a reaction in me, after once again refusing to do what was right.
I sidestepped him, and my heart broke all over again because he wasn’t going to choose me.
He wasn’t going to let me save my uncle.
And that hurt so much I could barely breathe.
I closed my eyes, forcing myself to take deep breaths.Enough, Prim. Stop hoping you were anything but a job. You never were more than that, and you were a fool to have trusted him.
Opening my eyes, I replied in a wooden tone, “I suppose I have my answer then.” It felt like the final nail in my coffin.
His breath left him, and his eyes blazed. “I can’t even tell you how sorry I am.”
But his apology fell on deaf ears. I refused to look at him.
Energy soared in his aura, pounding from him in violent waves. He opened the door to the chambers, standing stiffly as he waited for me to enter.
Since I’d made up my mind about not commanding him, I stepped inside the room but stopped mid-stride.
A beautiful bedroom chambers spread out before me. A huge bed with an elegant crimson duvet and a mountain of pillows sat against one wall. The large one-room chambers also had anopulent sitting area and a vanity. And in the chambers’ corner, there was also a private bathing room and a decadent wardrobe.
I faced the warrior again. “Here? Truly?”
Kole still clenched the door handle, and he held it so hard I feared the handle would crack. “Yes, this is where they want you.”
They. Once again, whoevertheyare.
I huffed, and a muscle ticked in Kole’s jaw.
From the hallway, a pattering sound of feet came, and a wildling in a servant’s attire came to a careening halt in the doorway.
Panting, she smiled at me. She was animptuswildling, evident given her blue skin, four arms, and six-fingered hands. Like me, she walked on two legs and had a face that looked startlingly similar to a siltenite’s. However, instead of fae-tipped ears, hers were rounded and placed lower on her head.
Imptus wildlings often held serving positions since they could work much faster than other wildling species. The extra hands definitely came in handy.
I nearly snickered at my internal joke, and under better circumstances, I would have, but I was finding it difficult to grasp my usual cheer and positive outlook.
“Good evening.” The wildling dipped into a curtsy. She was still breathless from her run, and her chest rose quickly. “Lady Hollaran, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Betsee. I’m to be your lady’s attendant.”
“My lady’s attendant?”
“Indeed. I’m truly sorry I wasn’t here to greet you when you arrived, but I only just received word that you’d breached the?—”
Kole cleared his throat, and Betsee flushed scarlet. “Oh dear. I almost...” She shook her head and abruptly stepped into the chambers. She closed the door, then whispered a spell. A mist of magic washed over its frame, and I didn’t have to ask to knowthat she’d just activated the chambers’ sealing spell upon its rim and locks.
