Page 45 of Secrets of Avalon
“It’s not like I’m trying to free the evil Queen, you big oaf. I’m trying to save the universe.”
Hawke's gaze snaps from mine to Nimue’s. "You’re working with the rebellion. It is treason.”
The accusation hangs in the air like an unexploded bombshell.
My mind is still reeling from everything else Nimue admitted to… I don’t know anything about a rebellion, other than what Kellan has already mentioned. But carrying a piece of Hawke’s soul? The Queen of the Sirens leading me to the map my mother had found? Me being the only one able to save Hawke? It’s all crazy. It can’t be true. My magick is deadly, especially to those I care about.
“Not with the rebellion. More alongside it,” Nimue answers Hawke, rolling her eyes like it’s nothing. “We need to fix what was broken.” Nimue lifts her hand and points to me. “And she’s where we start.” Nimue steps back into the bathtub. “I’ll see you both at the Changing of the Guard tomorrow night. Stay close to each other. Stay away from the High Council. Your lives depend on it.” And then she sinks into the bathwater. Gone.
“Nimue, no! Dammit.” Hawke growls, hands on the sides of the tub, staring down at his reflection in the absolutely still water.
A soft knock at the door draws my attention. Elen speaks from the other side. “Master Kellan.”
“Yes,” he answers, his tone gruff.
Elen opens the door and pops her head inside. “You said to keep you apprised of the council’s movements. The two Fae High Councilmen, Julius Darkwood and Damien Larkspur are walking the grounds together with their personal guard.”
Kellan nods. “Thank you. We have eyes on them still?”
She nods.
“Why are you watching Darkwood?” Hawke asks.
“Because he wants you to marry his daughter. If he knew that the woman in the cloak was yours and not Ares. Melinda would be in even more danger.”
Married to his daughter?
I meet Hawke’s gaze and see the truth in his saddened eyes. It’s true. What Kellan said is true and the hope in my heart shatters like a glass ornament on a tile floor.
CHAPTER 20
Damned Dragon
Hawke Stormblood
“I will leave you two for a short time, but do not take liberties with my ward, princeling.”
I shove down the urge to yell at him and instead bow my head respectfully. The words grate against my restraint, but I hold my tongue. I want to be alone with her, to let my guard down, and yes, I certainly want to take liberties. He’s well within his right to warn me off, and that stings more than it should.
Kellan walks past me, opens the door, and steps out, closing it softly behind him. The silence he leaves behind is deafening and heavy at the same time.
I cross the room to where Melinda is sitting on the bed, wrapped in a towel and a thin blanket. My breath hitches at the sight of her creamy-colored legs exposed, the smooth expanse of skin calling to me. I want to touch them, taste them. My gaze travels all the way down to her painted pink toes, each detail etching itself into my memory.
Why isn’t she dressed? I scan the room and see no clothes. No food, either. A wave of anger and protectiveness surges through me. “He’s not taking care of you. Have you eaten today?”
She nods. “He is taking care of me. I ate this morning in the market before everything happened.”
“Why has no one brought you a meal? You must be starving. It’s the middle of the afternoon.”
“Her dinner is in the next room, princeling,” Kellan bellows from the hallway then goes back to arguing softly with the maids. It sounds like they’re arguing on my behalf to have more time with her. I don’t know why they’re on my side but I appreciate it.
She smiles at Kellan’s outburst. Not a half smile. A whole giant smile. A grin so wide it stops my heart for a beat or two. I’m so jealous. I want her smiles and laughter for myself. I want to be the one caring for her. She belongs to me.
Every fiber of my being aches to pull her into my arms, to shield her from all harm. The fear of losing her, the fear that she might choose someone else, gnaws at me.
“Nimue interrupted. Hawke, she said… you… that you would die without me. Is it true?” Her voice trembles slightly, a mixture of confusion and fear evident in her eyes. “And what of the arranged marriage?”
My heart clenches, the need to comfort her overwhelming me. I sink to the floor, to one knee, and look up at her, my gaze unwavering. “Yes and no. It’s complicated. But I want to spend every single moment in your presence, Melinda. And when I am not, my soul longs for you. Do not give Vencia a moment of worry. I will end that expectation the moment I am king.”