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Somehow, through the trickery of Duwar’s forced dreams, Duncan had woven his own intention within them. He’d brought Erix here, for me. Which opened a new question.

How was Duncan able to use Duwar?

You called, so I came.

I knew, without a doubt, that Duncan achieved this for one reason. Because he knew that Erix was the only other person who’d give his life protecting me, just as he said.

That’s what you did when you loved someone. Even though our love had changed over time, it was still there. Duncan understood that even if I wasn’t brave enough to face it.

I looked back to Duncan, recognising the soft smile as he slept. His expression was peaceful, something I’d not seen in a long time. I couldn’t help but feel like this was Duncan’s way of accepting his fate. He was happily giving up, because he knew I wouldn’t be alone. Duncan would die, hopefully taking Duwar with him.

But that was only a theory, not something to throw a life away for just to try.

“I’m so scared,” I admitted into Erix’s chest. “The path ahead is dark and I – I don’t think I’ll make it to the end without you, even if my head is telling me to turn you away.”

I’d once told Erix I was scared of the dark, but that fear was tenfold now.

“Tell me what your heart is saying?” Erix encouraged. “Speak it aloud, do not let it fester.”

I toyed with my answer, either giving him the full truth or just a fraction of it. “My heart is telling me to listen to Duncan’s wishes.”

In case they are his last.

Erix drew back enough that I could see the utter determination in his gaze. “As I told you when we first met, you only need to call for me and we’ll face the darkness together. You’re my duty and my pleasure, little bird. But first, you need to rest. Then, and only then, we will begin to formulate a plan.”

He released me slowly, but his touch still lingered.

I stood by and watched Erix clean up the shattered glass. Duncan slept soundly, showing no sign that he was conscious. Once Erix had finished, he guided me back into the joining chamber, re-hanging the thick tapestry behind us. I didn’t say another word, for fear further conversation would dilute the last thing he said to me.

You’re my duty and my pleasure.

It wasn’t until he tucked me in bed, pulled the curtains shut to block out the light of dawn, that I was brave enough to make a sound.

“Erix, will you watch over Duncan for me?” I asked. “Would you wake me if –whenhe stirs again?”

I watched him contemplate the question as though I’d asked him to answer life’s greatest mysteries. “Only if you promise to sleep.”

Not even the thought of what nightmares I’d face could frighten me. Only if Erix stayed close. “I promise I’ll try.”

Erix didn’t hesitate. He left the door to Duncan’s room open, giving us a full view of his bed. Then he drew his chair up beside my own bed, respecting the boundary line between us. Even after Duncan’s request, I sensed the line between Erix and me, keeping us apart. The respect for my relationship with Duncan shone in Erix – I admired him for it.

Maybe the nightmares would stop haunting me, now Erix was here? I could only hope that was the case. To think straight long enough to find a solution to this issue, I’d need uninterrupted rest.

I opened my mouth to fill the silence, but Erix quickly interjected. “Ah, ah. You promised to rest. No more talking.”

My request lingered on the tip of my tongue, unspoken and left alone. I nodded, rolled my back to Erix and closed my eyes. This position gave me the perfect view to Duncan where he lay, his face soft and relaxed, not an ounce of suffering etched into his features.

That was enough for me, for now at least.

Sleep came quicker than it had in a long time. Because for the first time, even with Duncan always close, I didn’t feel alone.

CHAPTER 4

“What do you mean awedding?” I spat the last word out as if it was spoiled milk in my mouth.

I couldn’t wrap my head around what Eroan had just confirmed. Perhaps I was still half asleep, or maybe it was the confusion of waking as Erix confirmed that Imeria Castle had a visitor. Either way, to say I was confused was an understatement.

I wasn’t expecting Eroan for at least another week. And I certainly didn’t expect him to bring news about a wedding. I was aware Cassial was arranging some political move with the fey to solidify a new era of relations, but this… not this.