Page 136 of A Warrior's Heart

“What happens when we get there?”

“I suppose we’ll gather our people and leave.”

“And go to an island?” My gut knotted and tears stung my eyes. “I miss Avalontis, the way it used to be.”

“I know.” Malik’s hand continued caressing my back. It was comforting. “But we will build a new home.”

There was a light knock on the door.

Malik sat up, placing himself between me and whoever was on the other side. “Who’s there?”

“James.”

As Malik stood from the bed and pulled on trousers, I did the same. James had seen me naked already, of course. Ezra had given me many baths while he’d stood in the doorway. I shook my head at the memory.

“Apologies for the late hour,” James said after Malik opened the door. His golden hair had a tousled look to it, lacking the control it normally had during the day. He wore simple black trousers and a white shirt that was unbuttoned in the front, hanging open to show his smooth chest. “I couldn’t sleep and wished to see Troy.”

Malik’s grip on the door tightened. “Watch yourself, king. I have never fought this hard not to kill a man. Do not tempt me further.”

“Calm yourself, guard. While I do find Troy alluring and envy you, I am not here to seduce him. May I come in? Or are you going to force me to stay in this corridor all night?”

Reluctantly, Malik opened the door wider and let him inside. I stood by the bed, awkwardly fiddling with my hands.

What did he want? Fear wrapped around my throat as more memories of my time at the castle returned to me. My ankle was scarred from the chain I’d worn that had cut into my skin, but other scars lingered in my mind. Seared into my soul.

Malik moved to my side, and the fear lifted off me. His presence soothed my worrisome mind.

“I have something for you,” James said once in front of me. He pulled something from his belt, and my heart constricted as the silver caught the moonlight. “Your dagger. Ezra took it from you when you were captured. I… I found it in his chamber.”

I accepted the dagger from him and traced the blue stone on the hilt. “Thank you.”

“What game are you playing, James?” Malik asked.

“No game. I assure you.”

Malik straightened to his full height and glared down at the king. “There is always a game with you. This treaty and desire for peace could be an act.” He took a step forward. “Letmeassure you of something, human king. Betray Lorcan and I will hunt you down. There will be no place on this earth you could hide where I wouldn’t find you.”

“My soul is wretched, it’s true,” James said. “I’ve done many things I’m not proud of. I’ve lied, killed, and betrayed the trust of those around me. But someone once told me that I have a second chance to do better. Tobebetter.” His gaze landed on me. “This is me trying.”

King James left the room after that, and Malik locked the door.

I stared at my dagger, mulling over his words. I placed it on the table before approaching the balcony doors and looking outside.

“Are you angry with me?” Malik asked, wrapping his arms around me and resting his chin on the top of my head.

“No.” I leaned against him. “James is a skilled manipulator. It’s wise to remain cautious around him.”

“But?”

“But.” I turned in his arms. “You didn’t see how he treated me, Mal. The last few weeks of my stay here are hazy, and I can’t remember everything. Yet, I recall bits and pieces of James being angry at Ezra for his treatment of me. He wasn’t pleased with the mental torture and manipulation either. I know there’s good in him. Somewhere. Like the enchantress from that story.”

“Only time will tell.” Malik brushed his lips across my forehead. “Back in bed.”

“Make me.”

He growled low in his throat before tossing me on the bed. I giggled as he crawled on top of me and lightly nipped at my collar bone. Our lips met then, and I happily sighed.

Peace was in our grasp.