AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Twelve
Callum
With my arm around Kelia’s waist, I guided her back to her room. Her eyes shined, and once I thought I saw a tear fall. What had changed? Did the fight drain her? Was this how she was after using so much magic? I didn’t like seeing her this way.
Opening the door to her quarters, I gently helped her inside. She moved to the bed and fell facedown, dirty clothes and all.
“At least undress before you dirty those expensive sheets,” I said.
“I don’t care.”
Half hanging off the bed, and clearly unbothered by the amount of dirt covering her body, I did the only sensible thing a fae could do. I kneeled on the ground by her feet and took off her boots.
“What are you doing,” she mumbled.
“Helping a friend.” With the boots off, I unrolled her socks and tossed both objects to the side of the room. “Do you need anything?”
“Some quiet.”
With a heavy sigh, I grabbed her legs and made sure she was at least fully on the bed. “I’ll stay close by. Rest.”
Heading to the door, I shook off the uneasy feeling leaving her gave me.
“Callum,” she said, curling onto her side and meeting my gaze. “Thank you.”
With a nod, I left, though everything in me wanted to stay.
“The queen requests you.”
“Alisha!” I jumped back as the assassin appeared out of nowhere.
“Now.”
“Of course,” I said with a smile. “Anything her majesty needs. Should I wake Kelia?”
“The human is not welcomed to this meeting.”
A warning blared in my mind. While I didn’t believe the queen would risk angering the magi, she would also lie if anything happened to Kelia, blaming it on misfortune and the hardships of war. Normally, I would think the human more than capable of protecting herself, but in the past two days the amount of magic she had expended was taking a toll, and one that would put her at risk. “I’m not leaving Kelia unguarded.”
“You do not get a say.”
I folded my arms, eyeing her.
With a whistle, Alisha called the shadows to her. As the queen’s right hand, the shadowwalkers would listen to her. I called the fire to my palms, knowing I would need to act fast if Alisha attacked.
“Guard this room and make sure the human stays alive until we return.” Alisha smiled. “Satisfied?”
“Not really,” I grumbled. “Know that if anything happens to her, I will hold you liable.”
Alisha turned and I reluctantly followed her down the corridor and through a massive set of doors. The queen stood over a table, staring at a raised map with onyx pieces placed strategically. Instead of her normal gowns, she wore scaled armor that covered her in a shimmering black. When I entered, she looked up and nodded at Alisha in approval.
“My queen,” I said with a bow.
“Do not think I’ve forgotten our last encounter. Come here and greet your queen properly since you failed to do so when you arrived.”
My stomach knotted at the request. I did not want to kiss her, but if I didn’t it would be a sign of disrespect. “I’d think an exile would be unworthy of such an honor.”
“Are you denying me?” The queen leaned over the table.
