Falken lowered our arms and reluctantly let go of my hand. “Thank you for your patience throughout this terrible time. We will look back on this as a test of our strength and fortitude—a test we have passed!”
They cheered louder.
“But may this also be a warning to us. We are a proud kingdom, and we have a right to that pride. But we must not let it blind us ever again. These villains infiltrated my court. No one suspected them, not even I. That will not happen again! I promise to be more vigilant in the future, but this attack has shown me that I need your help. I cannot ward against what I cannot see. So, help me. Be my eyes and ears. Report anything you find suspicious to the Talons. Together, we will keep Eberein safe!”
Another round of cheering came.
The King waited for silence, then said, “A court of teeth will try these men and women. The trial will be open to the public, and if you'd like to give your testimony, your words will be welcome and valued. Distribution of the cleaned belongings will begin immediately. If there is a record of your items, you may claim them now. Those whose items were taken without record may come to the Hall of Talons and submit a detailed list of their belongings. We will do our best to return those items to you.” He motioned at a group of Talons, and as they marched the sorcerers away, he added, “We've lost some important things, but we've saved much more, and what was lost can be regained. The city still stands, and so do we!”
Amid the final cheering, the Dragon King drew me to his waiting carriage. Smiling and nodding at the citizens, he strode through their midst, his knights following. After one last wave, he helped me into the carriage and then climbed in after me. Only when we started moving did I let out a relieved breath.
“You did it!” Falken pulled me into a hug. “You saved the city.” He bent his head to bring our foreheads together. “Thank you, Sevi.”
I leaned back to smirk. “You can thank me by paying my wages.”
Falken burst out laughing and then pulled me into a kiss so thrilling that it scared me. It was then that I knew it was over. I wanted to stay badly, and that was the very reason I had to leave. I'd been making excuses, but it was time to face the truth. My work was done, and the King hadn't mated me. I couldn't wait months for it to happen. By then, I'd be irrevocably in love with him. No, I couldn't risk it. I had to admit that we weren't meant to be together, and staying any longer would only draw out the pain.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Although I had cleared the city, there was still much to do. Not for me, but for the King. We parted at the lifter, now working. I went up to my lab while he went to deal with the aftermath of the purge. I tried to smile as I memorized his radiant face, but it was lacking. I saw him notice, so I put more effort into the expression.
“I'll be done in a few hours.” Falken lifted my chin to kiss my lips. It was just a quick peck, and then he was gone.
I watched him walk away, surrounded by knights and with Torli at his side. It would be the last time I saw the Dragon King.
Sighing, I went into the elevator. I had teased him about payment, but I was going to leave without it. I couldn't accept anything from him now. It felt wrong.
In the lab, I packed my things. Most of my belongings were still in my wagon, stored in a locked room of the stable. I hadn't had the time to unpack more than the necessities and my alchemy kit. When I had those items stowed in a trunk, I took it into the lift and headed up to the royal apartments. I packed a satchel of clothes, and then hesitated, my hand on the talisman Falken had given me. But no, I couldn't leave it. It had been a gift without expectation. It was mine. The only thing I'd have toremember him by. With one last look around the space I had shared with the Dragon King, I left.
Standing before the lifter panel, I squared my shoulders. I had never wept over a relationship, but I would weep for Falken.AfterI had left. If I let even a single tear fall now, I would crumble to the floor and never get up. I just had to make it to the stable. I'd have to steal a horse for the wagon, but considering what the King owed me, it was nothing.
Then I frowned. The lifter should have been waiting on the fifth floor, but the panel wasn't opening. Just as I began to worry about the trunk I had left in it, I heard the lifter stop, and the panel opened. I lifted my head, hands tightening on my satchel. Then, eyes wide, I stepped back.
The Dragon King stepped out of the lifter carrying my trunk.
Falken sighed as he took my trunk past me and into his suite. Looking from him to the lifter, I contemplated leaving the trunk behind.
“Do not make me chase you, Sevarin,” his voice came out of the doorway.
He was right. I was wrong. I shouldn't have tried to leave like that. At the very least, I owed him a goodbye. Tail curled under in shame, I trudged into the front room and over to the sitting area.
Falken had chosen a high-backed chair, my trunk set on the floor by his feet like a hostage. He narrowed his eyes when I sat on the couch across from him instead of the chair beside him. But his voice held only anxiety when he said, “Sevarin, don't go.”
“I've let this continue too long.” Setting my satchel on the cushion beside me, I folded my hands in my lap and curled my tail around my leg. “It's time to return to my wandering.”
“Is it your wander years or cowardice that is taking you from me?”
I sighed. “My job is done. I have to go, Fen.”
“I haven't even paid you.”
“Keep it. I just need a horse for my wagon.”
“Keep it?” His eyebrows lifted. “That's very unlike you, Master Alchemist.”
“Yes, it is. But this is my kingdom too. It was my honor to help you save it. And it was my honor to share your bed while doing so.”
“It's more than that, and you know it. You want to stay. I can see it all over your face.” He motioned at my leg, where my tail was curled tightly around it. “In your tail. So, why go?”
