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I clench my jaw. I was right all along. It’s the bond that makes him want me.
“I will not deny that the bond drew me to you, but I can tell you now, without doubt that my desire for you is not because you are my T’kara, but because of who you are, Freyja.” His eyes search mine. “You are strong. You are val’nara—one who possesses a heart of pure fire.”
His words touch something deep inside, but I cannot allow them to sway me.
He leans in and his lips brush gently to mine. My heart pounds in my chest. The memory of what we did last night sending a pulse of heat straight to my core. But I keep my mouth closed, refusing him the entrance that he seeks. I must remain strong. I cannot bind myself to him, knowing I will die soon.
His eyes snap open and he pulls back, his nostrils flaring. “I can scent your desire. Why do you hold back?”
“I already told you, Aurdyn,” I force my voice to remain even despite my sadness. “I cannot bind myself to you. I’m human. You’re a Dragon. We’re too—”
“Do not say we are different,” he growls. “Fate crossed our paths for a reason, Freyja. I found you because I know the fire that burns in your heart. And I know this because it is the same one that burns in my veins as well.”
My resolve nearly breaks beneath the intensity of his gaze. But then I remember the vision I had, and I know that I cannot give in to my longing, even though I want more than anything to fall into his arms and bind myself to him. “You don’t understand, Aurdyn.”
“Then, at least tell me why.”
“I cannot.”
He clenches his jaw. “Fine. If that is what you truly want then—”
“Aurdyn!” Brovyn’s voice cuts through the trees. Something about the urgency in his tone fills me with dread, but I do not know why.
“What is it?” Aurdyn asks, not bothering to hide his irritation.
“The Dark Elf King—Varys—has requested you meet with him.”
Worry tightens my chest. Everyone fears the Dark Elves and their King. Varys is known as a fierce and lethal warrior. Why would he want to meet with Aurdyn?
Aurdyn stills. “Did he say why?”
“No,” Brovyn says gravely. “But his message said it was important that you come right away.”
“I am not his subject to command or to summon,” Aurdyn says darkly. “Did he give a good reason why he does not come to me instead?”
Brovyn crosses his arms. “Perhaps it has to do with the incident that occurred with the last Ambassador they sent.”
“What incident?” Aurdyn huffs. “It was an uneventful visit, and a waste of my time, if I remember correctly.”
“You threatened to set him on fire because he made you angry.” Brovyn purses his lips. “And then when he continued to argue with you, you singed his hair.”
I clap a hand over my mouth to stifle a gasp.
“He was fine,” Aurdyn grumbles, waving a dismissive hand. “Besides, surely it has grown back by now.”
“That’s not the point.” Brovyn glowers at him. “Knowing how his last Ambassador was treated, I’m sure that’s why King Varys has requested you go to him now, instead.”
“Fine,” Aurdyn reluctantly replies. “I will leave for Ithylian at once to meet with King Varys and see what it is that is so urgent.”
“I insist you take three guards to accompany you this time.”
Aurdyn bristles, fire burning in his eyes. “Do you suggest I am weak, cousin?”
“No.” A hint of irritation shifts into Brovyn’s gaze. “But the Dark Elves have powerful magic.”
“Yes, but I have fire,” Aurdyn says darkly. “King Varys and his people know better than to cross a Dragon.”
I’m worried for Aurdyn, and as much as I know I risk wounding his pride, I cannot remain silent. “Would it not be wiser to take a few guards with you?” I ask. “Why risk going alone? Besides… arriving with your warriors would be a show of strength, would it not?”
