“You will find a way,” Warna said.
“I appreciate your faith in me,” Verice paused in his pacing. “Since I have no idea of how I am going to do that.” He stared down at her. “But one thing is clear. We are being watched.”
Warna’s eyes went wide. “But you said—”
“They can’t hear us,” Verice assured her. “But they can see us. And it would appear that we have been arguing.” He shook his head. “So, we need to address this issue,” he knelt before her, and reached for her hand, pressing it to his chest. “I will ask forgiveness, as a proud elven warrior should when he has offended his lady.”
“And as a gentle human lass, I will forgive.” Warna smiled. “This isn’t your fault.”
“Nor is it yours,” he replied.
“I never intended—” Warna started.
“I know,” Verice murmured. “We’ll discuss this at another time. But in order to hold true to our story, there’s another thing we must do.”
Warna blinked. “Yes?”
He leaned in, his lips hovering over hers. “With your permission?” he asked.
“Yes,” Warna whispered and pressed her lips to his.
Chapter Forty-Three
Warna melted into his body, bringing her arms up to wrap around his neck. His mouth felt so good on hers. When his tongue danced over her upper lip, she parted them and let him in.
They kissed for long moments, until Verice pulled back slightly. “Not sure we’ve convinced them,” he whispered in her ear.
“I agree,” she said solemnly, and captured his mouth again, eager for more.
A clearing of a throat came from behind them. “Forgive me, Verice, Bearer of the Blood of Tethnar, but I’ve been sent to escort you to the King.”
Verice broke the kiss, breathing heavily. “Give us a moment, if you would.”
“But of course.”
Verice helped Warna with her veil. “They will separate us,” he said into her ear as he helped her to rearrange her veil. “Remember the three rules. And if it comes to that, seek out my old weaponsmaster. His name is Arthrano. He would aid you.”
“How would he know who I am?”
Verice’s chest rumbled in a deep, quiet chuckle. “After our little announcement? I suspect the entire Elven Kingdom knows who you are.”
Warna took a deep breath to still her shakiness. “Once we are free of this place, we will discuss this further,” she said. “And in more detail.”
Verice’s face stilled, all humor gone. “You have my word, m’lady.” With that he rose to his feet. “We are ready now.”
The guard advanced and bowed to Verice. “This way, Bearer of the Blood. There is a small sitting room where your ward can wait. You and the King are to have words.”
“We will indeed,” Verice said mildly.
“You always werethe unconventional one,” Barathiel said in the privacy of his chambers. “Wine?”
“No, thank you.” Verice followed Barathiel into the room. He’d been forced to leave Warna in the care of one of the handmaidens down a distant hall. He chafed at the separation.
“Charrin has told us that you were attracted to the human woman.” Barathiel poured himself a glass. “Polluting your blood line even further than it already is.”
Verice stiffened.
“Have her if you will,” Barathiel continued. “For the time she has left. But no children, Verice.”
