Page 42 of Kingdom of Betrayal and Unknown

“Adeline,” Kieran gently instructs. “Relax and go to sleep.”

I let out a groan of frustration and open my eyes to watch the fire dance. “I’m trying,” I whisper, my voice cracking at the end.

I desperately want to sleep, but I’m so worried. I came so much closer to death this time, and I’m not ready to die. My mother needs me. What would she do if I had died? Would she have been able to do everything that needed to be done?

“What’s got you all worked up?” Kieran asks.

I hesitate for a second. Does he really want to know?

“Tell me,” he urges. “Tell me what’s keeping you from getting the rest you desperately need.”

“What if I get cold again and this time you’re not there to save me?” I whisper before I can stop myself.

Sucking in a breath, I close my eyes and try to calm my racing heart but fail miserably as I wait for Kieran to say something, anything.

“I won’t allow that,” he declares. “You are not going to die, not when I’ve only just found you. I’m going to keep you warm the whole night, so you don’t have to worry about that. I’m here for you.”

He wraps his arm around my stomach, pulling me closer to him.

CHAPTER 10

Several minutes go by and I’m still not asleep. Worry flows through me as we continue to lay there.

“I don’t think I can fall asleep,” I whisper, tears pooling in my eyes. “I’m sorry.”

The guilt building inside of me increases as the seconds go by. It’s the middle of the night, and he has to work tomorrow, yet he is lying in his tent talking to me. I grip his shirt, and take a deep breath without looking at him. I can’t bear this anymore.

Kieran gently cups my face, and I look up at him.

“You’re okay. We’ll lie here for a while until you feel safe enough to fall asleep. You have no reason to be sorry. You’ve just been through something traumatic,” he gently says.

“But you have work in the morning.” I blink several times, letting the tears fall.

“I do, but so do you. It’s okay. We’ll get sleep tomorrow night.” He smiles.

I lean into his touch and close my eyes, loving the way his hand feels against my cheek.

“I never want this night to end,” I mumble.

Kieran kisses the side of my head, and I sigh with contentment, snuggling into his chest.

“Soon, it won’t ever have to,” he replies.

I blink up at him, fighting sleep with every ounce of energy I have. “Soon?”

He nods. “Soon things are going to change, and we’ll be able to be together.”

“Like what?” I slur my words as he runs his hands through my hair.

He hums and doesn’t say anything, but continues to massage my head.

“I know what you’re trying to do.” My eyes are closing.

“And what is that?” There’s amusement in his voice.

Moving my hands, I pry my eyes open to look at him. “I’m not going to fall for it. You are trying to put me to sleep, and while I feel guilty that you are staying up, I also don’t want tonight to end.”

“Okay, you got me.” He chuckles. “I was just trying to help.”