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“Can’t you see you’ve brought nothing but ruin to my life? Everything was fine before you came to my village and plucked me away… But you’re here now for a reason, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
I take a step closer, placing my torch inside a sconce holder.
“I figured. I’m a failure to you now that I’ve been discovered, so you’re going to kill me yourself and tie up a loose end. I never should have trusted you from the start, I –”
I push her back against the wall, her eyes widening in surprise.
“What are you –”
I bring my lips to hers, my body becoming surged with a burst of energy so powerful that it seemingly spreads to hers. Her arms pull me closer as our tongues meet, moaning as she melts into me. I pull away gently, looking softly into her soul through her eyes as I stroke her face.
“I’m so sorry, Rory. Things were never meant to go this way. I had to act cold in front of Vippera because if she saw that I care so deeply about you… Well, then I wouldn’t have had the chance to do what I just did.”
She sighs as I dash away her tears.
“I thought you were being for real. I was this close to dying, and you just seemed to brush it off, but I see now what you mean.”
She runs her hand down my chest. “Just don’t ever do something like that again.”
“Then help me take this bitch down.”
“What’s going to happen now?” she asks.
“One thing is for certain, it’s no longer safe for you here in the main palace. Slyth is waiting for us just around the corner. He and I will take you back to the manor where you can hide for the time being.”
I lead her outside where Slyth smiles at the sight of Rory. They embrace in a hug.
“Rory... I…”
“You need not say a word, Slyth,” whispers Rory. “Right now we must remain focused on the mission.”
“Spoken like a true warrior,” he chuckles. “It’s good to see you back on your feet. Come on then, let us go.”
As we tread through the gardens, I fill them in on the plan.
“At this point, I’m certain I can talk to my parents and get myself out of this damned contract with Vippera. Ever since she got here, she’s demonstrated time and time again that she’s unstable.”
“Someone like her should sit nowhere near the throne,” says Slyth. “She’s unfit to be in a position of power. But Zalith…”
Crouching by a hedge, I glance over my shoulder, spotting concerned expressions on both my servant and Rory.
“Your parents… Even if they lend a listening ear and sort out this contract business, they’re still going to want you to marry.”
Rory looks at Slyth with wonder, then at me. Perhaps she is thinking she can be the one. In an ideal world, she would be, but I know this world and I know it well, My parents would never approve of a union between us two. Right now, my focus needs to remain on getting out of the contract with Vippera.
“This, I’m aware of,” I reply. “I’m sure there are other nobles and royals out there, something could be arranged.”
Rory looks down. I can discern the disappointment even while her features become hidden in the shadows. If only there was a way I could tell her I need to marry another royal, that my family must be appeased.
“It won’t be long before Vippera notices Rory’s gone,” says Slyth, glancing a cautious eye across the gardens. “You must approach your parents as soon as possible.”
“I cannot go tonight. I need to prepare and think of what I’m going to say. They were already hesitant about me backing out before I put pen to paper, so this will be a whole challenge in itself.”
“Hmm… I don’t know anyone who ever listened well after being woken in the middle of the night.”
“Exactly.”
