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Alaric sighed, running a fisted hand through his tousled dark hair, “First we need to figure out what she knows—what she saw. I won’t hurt her if that’s what you’re thinking.”
I’ll admit, a part of me thought that was what he intended to do, but the sane part of me—the part thatknewAlaric, was disgusted at the very thought. Of course, he wouldn’t hurt an innocent female. But to protect me, I was convinced he’d do almost anything, including banish her to the Wastes. I shook my head.So careless.I wouldn’t allow any misfortune to befall her for my own mistake.
Kade and Finn left, one through the door and the other out through the terrace. Tiernan, lost in thought, settled onto the settee in the parlor, leaving Alaric and I alone in the entryway. I hated how far apart we’d grown. Being near him was easy before—comfortable. Now, it was tense and filled with things unsaid.
“Why didn’t you tell me about your mother,” I asked him, moving to the dining room, and hoping he would follow.
“You never asked,” he said plainly, “It was a long time ago.”
He fell into the chair opposite me at the great oak table, reaching for a chalice and filling it with the ever-full pitcher of spirits at the center of the table.
He took a sip of the spirits, rolling the liquid around in his mouth before passing it to me and pouring another for himself. “What of your father?” I asked him, clasping the chalice tightly between slick palms.
Alaric downed his drink, grimacing, “Dead. He and a group of his closest comrades sailed to the lands of Emeris to avenge the deaths of their loved ones. None returned.” He said it without feeling. A statement of fact. But the strain in his expression shone through the façade of strength.
I reached across the table and placed a hand atop Alaric’s. “I’m sorry. Truly.”
He pulled away and a swift chill took me, alternately cold and flaming hot. I worked to quell the feeling—to keep my Graces in check. I ground my teeth, watching the pain flash in and out of Alaric’s eyes. I’d kill them—the monsters who did this to him and to all of Meloran when they dared harm one of our kin.
Soon. But not yet. I couldn’t believe the only retribution our kind got was to several all ties to other continent. It was pitiful.
No, they would pay in blood. A life for each and every one taken from my land.
Soon.
“And I’m sorry I wasn’t honest with you. I was a fool. I hate this—this tension between us.”
He filled his chalice once more, draining the contents before he spoke, a darkness around his downcast eyes. “I need you to be safe, Liana. I can’t protect you if I—”
“I know,” I interrupted, rising from my chair. I took the chalice from his hand and knelt before him. Deep lines in his forehead told of his worry, and the dullness in his normally bright steel-blue eyes gave away sleepless nights. “I promise you; No more lies. No secrets.”
Alaric nodded, meeting my gaze. His palm gently caressed the side of my face, stopping to hold me lightly at my jawline. I sighed at the feel of his calloused hands, so strong—so tender. Softly, he pulled me in close and laid a delicate kiss on my forehead. “Then I will make you a promise, also. For as long as I draw breath, you will be safe. And if you should leave this world before me, I will follow you into the dark, my queen.”
“You will do no such thing,” I hissed, heat itching for release from my fingertips, “Now,” I said, stepping back from him and changing the subject. Dousing the flames, “There’s one more thing, since we’re being honest with one another, you should know I don’t trust Valin. I don’t have proof or cause, but there’s something not right about him.”
Alaric’s eyes widened, “Well then you won’t like what I have to tell you. The council has been working on finding a position for Valin within the palace. They’ve requested I add him to the Royal Guard.”
“What?”
“I assure you—Valin is no threat. He’s leagues more experienced than I am. By all rights he would serve better asheadof the Royal Guard. I’d offer my post to him if I thought he’d lay down his life for you as readily as I would.”
“He will not serve as a royal guardian,” I seethed, more upset at Alaric’s vision of his own self-worth than at the thought of having the pompousValinaround me at all times. If I had my way, he’d be locked in a bindstone cell in the dungeons. Maybe a few days spent without the use of his Grace would teach him a lesson or two about manners and humility.
“Captain,” Tiernan called from the entrance to the dining area, “They’ve brought the girl. She’s in the parlor.”
“We’ll discuss this later,” Alaric said, rising from his seat.
I shook my head, “My decision is final. I will not have him anywhere near me or my men, including you.”
His expression was unreadable, somewhere halfway between surprise and annoyance. “Very well,” he said at last, sweeping an arm towards the parlor, “Shall we?”
Chapter Nine
Aisling wrung her hands in the fabric of her modest gown, sitting rigid in an armchair in the parlor. She chewed the inside of her lip and kept her gaze upon the floor even after Alaric and I entered.
“Aisling,” Alaric began, and she snapped her head up. “Do you have any idea why you’re here.”
Her gaze flickered to me before falling back to rest on Alaric, “I—well I have an idea, yes.”
