CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
TYNAN
The dim light of the moon entered through an open window as I stirred awake. Alina faced me, her hand under her cheek. The strap of her nightgown slid off her shoulder. Pale blue light drew lines on her creamy skin. She looked so peaceful as she slept. I leaned closer, adjusting her blanket. She did not move. Slowly, I sat up and pulled on my flying suit.
I was used to being quiet in the morning. I enjoyed the peace and solitude before the start of the day. No one I knew could function with only three or four hours of sleep per night. I could accomplish a lot before the others were even awake. While I was growing up in Darragh, I spent those hours throwing knives, practicing, training to become an expert in flying, fighting, and killing. As it turned out, there were other skills I neglected. Quietly, I washed up and dried myself with a hand towel, glancing back at Alina.
There were so many ways we were complete opposites. I only knew how to fight to survive, but all her life, she had been prepared to rule, to inspire, to lead. I could never forget how she looked when she took the throne of Alsaard. Her brilliant eyes traveled from warrior to warrior as if daring any of them to protest. Her posture, straight shoulders, head lifted up high. She was the heroine I read about in ancient books about faith, dignity, and honor.
I stepped closer to the bed, taking in the soft lines of her back, the curve of her hip, the dark copper coils of her hair on the pillow. I could spend every moment of my life trying to become a better man for her, but I knew it was not possible. She had something I would never have. Despite everything she went through, despite every struggle she faced, her heart remained pure. I pressed my lips to her forehead, careful not to wake her up.
Outside of the room were five clan warriors guarding the doors. Sage did not exaggerate when he said that he took our safety seriously. He meant, of course, Alina’s safety and I could not blame him for that. I would do the exact same thing.
I walked through the empty palace, memorizing the pathways through galleries, halls, and staircases. Finally, I found the room filled with weapons stands, soft punching bags and wooden walls for archery practice.
I picked up the weights and did a set of exercises to expel the energy that was overfilling my body. Then I unsheathed my sword and practiced several forms.
“Sir? Great leader, Sir Darragh?” The voice came from the door.
I turned, lowering my sword. Mayer looked disheveled and sleepy.
“What is it?”
“I’ve got the information you asked for.”
“Yes?”
“He’s on the fourth floor, on the right from the main stairs. I took the liberty to draw the letter ‘T’ on his door.”
“Good work.”
Mayer still remained in the doorway.
“Something else?”
“Nothing, sir. I was wondering if I could join you for practice, sir.”
I extended my sword inviting him to come closer. We spent some time going through basic forms and Mayer surprised me with his progress. He really worked hard since the last time I saw his technique.
“There you are!” Sage’s voice thundered in the room.
“Good morning, sir.” Mayer lowered his blade.
Sage only frowned, not responding to his greeting. It was obvious that he saved all his politeness for Alina.
“You’d better make sure Lady Alina is safe,” Sage said, immediately confirming my thoughts.
Mayer gave me an inquiring look and I nodded, releasing him.
“Right away, sir.” Mayer secured his sword to his belt.
When he was gone, Sage turned to face me.
“I’m surprised you’re wasting your time training when you need to find a way to solve the issue with old Rutherford.
“What do you know?” I traced my fingers along the edge of my weapon.
Even in the dim light, I could admire the craftsmanship of the smith who made the blade. From afar, it reminded me of a natural piece of steel. Like a huge chunk of metal had broken into multiple pieces, and the longest, most deadliest one had found my hand. But in bright light, the surface of the steel looked almost opaque black.
