“Alina!” I shouted.
In the large, brightly lit room, on top of the thickly covered bed was a frail looking man with curly, paper white hair and fright in his eyes. I went straight to him as I extended my arm, leading with my sword.
“Where is my wife?” I spoke slowly so he could understand through his fear.
I took another step closer, shortening the distance between us. I could clearly feel the agony and panic in the old man’s eyes. But, all I could see was his son. Another Rutherford coward who only looked noble.
“Your last words?” I snarled, focusing on his shaking, wobbly neck.
A sudden movement jolted me as Alina stepped between me and old Rutherford. My blade pressed against her throat and a drop of crimson appeared on her smooth, porcelain skin. Her bright eyes were full of fire and disapproval. Her coral lips parted and I caught myself forgetting why I was even here.
“Alina?”
“Remove your sword!” Her voice sounded cold and commanding.
The impossible pressure left my body. Only then could I release the breath I had been holding.
“Father!” Augusta immediately darted to Rutherford.
“Milord?” Denis stepped to my side.
I could not take my eyes off Alina. She met my gaze, furious, and even more beautiful. Slowly, I lowered my weapon, not taking my eyes off her.
My mate. My Queen. Storm and fire to my soul.
“Lord Rutherford has agreed to surrender his title to his older daughter. Everything is set. We are going to announce it in the morning.” Alina raised her chin.
“Milord, what are your orders?” Denis asked.
Alina did not take her eyes off me. She was angry, fuming. She had a right to be furious. I left her to deal with the court, on her own, and she had solved everything. She worked out a deal. She talked to the daughter and convinced her to form an alliance that worked for both clans.
“So be it,” I said, sheathing my blade.
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
FRID
The balance of golden light and the almost translucent veil of fog that billowed up from the pool looked like something seen only in dreams. Carefully, I lowered myself into the water. I immediately dunked under and quickly resurfaced. The light tingling traveled through every inch of my body, returning all the strength I lost. The warmth of it soothed my skin and removed the ache in my bones.
“Argh!” Victor’s voice sounded in the silence.
I gently unplaited my braids and placed the ribbons on the edge of the pool. From the corner of my eye, I watched Victor struggle to remove the piece of glass from right beneath his eye.
“Do you need help?” I asked.
“No, thanks.”
He continued working on it without any success. Streaks of blood ran down his cheek and neck as he kept reinjuring himself.
“This thing is so fucking small,” he muttered.
Slowly, I made my way toward Victor. The light ripples of water traveled all the way to where he stood, brushing against his skin.
“Let me.” I stepped closer, not giving him any opportunity to turn me down.
He stilled, lowering his arm. As I leaned against him, I saw something in his eyes that resembled a flicker of panic.
My chest was pressed against his. The coils of my damp hair touched his shoulder. He made a point not to meet my gaze and for some reason, I was disappointed that he did.
