Page 11 of Awakening

“Your Grace,” Emrys said. “Would you like some company?”

“You are always welcome, Emrys. Please have a seat.” Endelyn smiled, her gaze following Trystan and Marc. “May I ask you something?”

“Of course, Endelyn. Always. You know that.”

“Who is he really?”

“How do you mean?”

“I am not sure how to explain it, but every time I see him, I find myself calling my own existence into question.”

Emrys studied her expression as she turned to look at him. He spoke in a quiet voice. “You can see it, can’t you?”

Endelyn’s eyes flickered. “See what?”

“I don’t know why I didn’t realize it before,” Emrys mumbled to himself. “You can see both of your life paths. One would have ended years ago, but the one you are on now will be ending soon.”

Endelyn hesitated. “How do you know this?”

“You haven’t told anyone, have you?” He kept his voice low.

“No,” Endelyn whispered. “How do you know this?”

“Do you trust me, Endelyn?”

“I always have.”

Emrys glanced around, ensuring their conversation would be private.

“Your destiny was altered many years ago. Most people who experience a bend in their life path never know. A few, however, have a connection so strong that both destinies are burned into their minds, as well as that of the one who alters their path.”

He paused as a servant offered him a chalice of wine. Emrys accepted the drink, brushing his thumb across the intricate details carved into the deer horn cup, and took a sip of fermented spiced mulberry.

“Trystan is very special. No doubt, you’ve figured that out by now. But even he, himself, does not fully understand. He does not yet know the truth about who he is.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I know I can trust you.”

The queen knit her brow. “Who are you really?”

“My real name is Myrddin, and I’m his protector.”

The concern in Endelyn’s expression faded. Her eyes scanned the hall as patrons danced to lively music provided by the lute player. She nodded with a small smile as a few guests passed their table and bowed to acknowledge the Queen. After a few seconds, she casually shifted her attention back to Emrys and whispered with a hitch in her breath. “I knew in my heart of hearts you did not abandon this kingdom all those years ago.”

“You believe me then?”

“No man would dare to make such a claim ‘twere it not true.” Endelyn raised both brows with a slight tilt of her head and kept her voice low. With the festivities and music, their quiet conversation was safe from prying ears. “But then, you are not a man in the truest sense, are you?”

The corner of Emrys’ mouth lifted. “My mother was human. My father…” He wasn’t sure how best to describe the monster he’d spent his entire life hating. His father—the fallen guardian who’d betrayed his people and humankind—had surrendered his soul for immortality as a demon, then abducted the woman who would give Emrys life and raise him in hiding until the day his father found them and took her life right before his eyes. That was a day he would never forget. And because he was half demon, Emrys fought every day to be the man his mother raised him to be. “I do not speak of my father.”

Understanding registered in the queen’s heartfelt gaze. “And Trystan? Is he?”

“The heir? Yes.” Emrys was grateful she moved the conversation forward. “And so much more.”

“You said he does not know his past.”

“No. I’ve had to keep it from him for his own protection. He is still in danger, even as we speak, but trust that he will know very soon.”

Endelyn’s gaze landed on Marc as he danced with Trystan. She looked thoughtful for a moment. “My son looks at him as though there is no one else in the world.”

“They are meant to be,” Emrys said, careful not to give away his emotions in his voice.

Emrys took in a deep, quiet breath, watching the man he loved dance with another. He pushed away the pain in his heart, reminding himself as always that one day, Trystan would be his to love. It was that hope he’d held onto since Trystan first appeared in his dreams, long before he was ever born.