Page 49 of Of Shadows and Blood

We stare at each other for a few breaths and I take him in fully. His body truly is built from both training and running a kingdom. Though he appears younger, my impression of what he is makes me curious for his true age. My true age as well. Subtle smile lines join with the sharp lines of his cheekbones. I suspect he is far more expressive than what his position calls for. A king who is also a vampyr.

Just like me.

I still have some reservations about that notion. I still know little about this life here. I want to believe that this is a dream or that I passed on, but this feels so organic. The interactions I have with the people here, the way the cool night feels on my face, even the sting of a scrape in the forest behind the cottage.

Dreams are rarely this lucid.

This is so real. He is real.

I can’t shake his piercing look. As if he is trying to figure out my face, he tilts his head to the side and lets out a small laugh.

“What?”

“It’s just,” he starts, almost looking at me quizzically now. “You look just like her, obviously. That was not a good statement.” He laughs nervously, hand rubbing behind his neck. “You, Elivienne, obviously you look alike. But your stature and mannerisms have subtle changes. The way you carry yourself, it’s different.”

I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “Well, maybe that will all change once the cure is found.”

“We’ll see, then.”

“Is there anything you needed?” I clear my throat. He surely didn’t come here just to look at me.

“Ah, yes. I came here to propose.” He straightens his cuffs.

My face twists. That’s always been a fatal flaw, the way I wear my emotions.

“Gods. Not that kind.” He laughs nervously, taking a moment to look at me from the corner of his eyes as he glances at the cottage.

“A proposition. I am inviting you to return to your quarters at the castle.”

My quarters. Down the hall from him. His words sound more like an order than a request. How could they not from a king?

“For what purpose?” I ask, feeling a defense building.

“You have no memory of me, of the kingdom or of your life. While Avonde works on the spell binding you and your powers, I thought it worthwhile to try and spark your mind. By having you living in your normal quarters and interacting with the court you are familiar with, I believe we can break through.”

My hands begin fiddling with my skirt. This idea sounds destined for disaster.

“But there is another request. A personal one.” He pauses. “You have to try.”

“Try?”

Cedric folds his arms, allowing the air to go silent. “This would be an open timeline. I think that would be best. You’d have to try to find yourself again while also finding your way back to me.”

I had only a slight idea of our previous relationship. But the specifics…

“You want me to try to be with you while waiting for some saving grace that Avonde digs up?”

“If this doesn’t work. If we can’t truly form a bond beyond that of whatever this is, then I will release you.”

Release you.

“What purpose does this serve you?”

Cedric pauses, unsure of his next words. He straightened his cuffs, avoiding eye contact. “None. You will not be forced to make this work. I will never force anything upon you, Liv.”

“None? You’ve already forced me to stay here, forced me to live a life I have already rejected. Why would I accept now?”

“Answer this. What other choice do you have? This curse is largely unknown. Who knows what the trajectory of it is? Your life was here, is here. We can discuss specifics, but you will always retain your authority when it comes to decision making. That is why I am offering you this.”