Page 100 of Kingdom of Betrayal and Unknown

“Why?” I ask.

“Because when I kiss you for the first time, I don’t want to have to hold back. I don’t want to have to worry about someone catching us. I don’t want you to get into trouble,” he explains.

“So you are going to make me wait until you are set free?” I raise an eyebrow. “What if that takes years? What if I die before then?”

Kieran cups my face with both hands. “You are not going to die before we get freed.”

I lean forward, pushing my face into his hands as I look at him. “You have found a way to get the curse broken?”

His face falls, and I know the answer to my question right there.

They haven’t.

“No,” he quietly says. “We have not. We know the witch is still in town, but we don’t know what she looks like. She is an extremely old woman, but she could have changed her appearance. She could be walking around the town, and no one would know.”

I groan and close my eyes. “There is no way I will be able to tell who it is then if you can’t. Is she the only one who knows how to break the curse?”

“I’m afraid so,” Kieran replies.

I pull my face out of Kieran’s hands and lean back in the chair. “We are doomed. What are we going to do then?”

Kieran shrugs. “I’m going to figure it out. I don’t want you anywhere near this. I want you alive and well, so stay away from danger.”

I blink several times as I look at him, not saying a word.

“Adeline.” His voice rumbles as he gives me a sharp look. “Promise me you won’t put yourself in harm’s way. Promise me.”

“I.” I take a deep breath and shake my head. “I can’t do that.”

Kieran takes a deep breath this time and closes his eyes for a couple of seconds before looking at me. “Why?”

“I won’t… Wait what?” I look at him, confused.

I was certain he was going to tell me to stay at home and do nothing.

“Why can’t you promise me that you won’t put yourself in harm’s way?” he asks.

“Well.” I clear my throat and look anywhere but in his eyes.

“Eyes on me,” he commands. “I want your eyes on me when you tell me why.”

I take a shaky breath in as I look at him.

“Good girl,” he purrs. “Now, tell me why you can’t promise me you won’t put yourself in harm’s way.”

“Because I’m starting to realize that what they are doing to you is wrong. I’m questioning everything I’ve learned about the Fae trying to take over and make us slaves all those years ago. I’m. Questioning. Everything.” I take a deep breath as I look at him. “So, that means when I see an opportunity to help you, I’m going to take it. It’s the least I can do for you and your people.”

Kieran places his hands over mine. “And your people. You are my mate. These people are also your people now. They would do anything for you. They will die to protect you.”

I wiggle in my seat. “I don’t… They don’t have to do that. I am just a human who happens to be your mate. While I said I believe you, I’m also still a little skeptical, but I do believe you. I don’t want you to think that I don’t but everything is so new.”

“Shhh,” he gently says. “I know what you mean. They know they don’t have to, but they will if it comes down to it.”

I don’t know how to feel about that. What am I supposed to do with that information?

“We do it for each other. I can’t tell them to stop because they won’t,” Kieran tells me. “I know it’s something to get used to, but you’ll learn eventually.”

Taking a shaky breath, I nod. I’m going to have to forget about it or it’s going to consume my life.