Page 22 of Bonds Eternal (Fae Hearted #4)

22

THE PORTAL

WYNSTELLE

I glance down at my naked body, still glowing from the strengthened bond with Eldrin. His masculine scent, laced with a hint of sandalwood, fills the air, and I inhale deeply.

“Are you alright, my princess? I wasn’t too rough?” Eldrin asks, concern in his voice, as he grabs a cloth to tidy me up.

My attention moves to assess how I am. I don’t wish to lie and say I’m fine when I’m not. This isn’t the time to gloss over my weaknesses. Besides, he would likely figure out if I was lying. “I feel stronger, as if my power is returning—maybe even more than before. And our bond connection is healing, isn’t it?”

“Yes, I can feel you more clearly through our link.”

While he gently tends to me, wiping away the evidence of our pleasure, I pick up through our link his shame that he had closed down in his attempt to protect me.

“I wish Oakes was here,” Eldrin says, sounding as if he is useless. “He could help us develop and understand our magic. I hate to admit I didn’t pay enough attention to my studies.” I give him a look to warn him to stop bad-mouthing himself, and he changes tactics. “From what I understand, though, using one’s magic strengthens it. Even pushing to extremes can be good, such as when training physically. It might hurt for a day or two, but you return stronger, faster next time.”

Eldrin finishes cleaning our releases from my thighs and places a soft kiss on my low belly. “As much as I would love to lounge naked with you all day, we might want to eat something and properly wash.”

After taking a bath together in the Temple washroom, Eldrin and I return to our room to find Daylor has set up a simple feast on our small table in the corner and brought us another chair. Our guard also has collected more candles since the room lacks a window. The small room is becoming crowded, but I don’t mind. It’s a ballroom compared to the tiny sleeping alcove I had growing up.

Eldrin and I eat, talk, and take a moment to relax. However, it’s mostly a somber conversation because Oakes and Jaden are always at the forefront of our minds, but we try to not let our worries overtake us and drain our energies away. We have to keep our wits about us if we’re going to rescue Jaden and Oakes.

“Are you ready to confront your father?” I ask, then nibble on a bit of bread.

Eldrin doesn’t answer right away but considers my question for a long moment. “If I’m being honest, no. I want to stop him, and I’m angry enough to take his life, but I still don’t have a competent grasp of my powers. And I don’t have my father’s fighting skills.”

“Are you going to face him anyway?”

“I have to.” Eldrin sighs. “Let’s hope we can get Jaden and Oakes out before then.”

I feel my worry for them rise again. Before allowing myself to fall into despair, I ask, “Should we check on Twyla?”

Eldrin holds up a finger, indicating for me to wait a moment and opens the door.

Corwin and Baelen appear in the doorway. “Yes, Your Highness?”

“Has there been any word about Twyla’s condition?” Eldrin glances beyond them into the hall.

“Not a word,” Corwin says with worry.

“Have you seen Abela?” Eldrin asks.

“Not today, Your Highness.”

“Good.” Instead of giving them an order, Eldrin asks politely, “Could one of you check on Twyla and Rhys, please?”

“Right away.” Baelen hurries down the hall toward the healing wing.

“Have you three been getting enough rest?” Eldrin asks Corwin, inspecting his guard’s eyes.

Corwin nods, his face set with determination. “We will be ready to rescue Jaden and Oakes.”

Eldrin grins wearily and pats Corwin on the shoulder. “Thank you for being such a fine elf and loyal guard, but I want you to be rested. I don’t want to lose you too.”

Corwin’s eyes widen in surprise at the kind words, but he readily replies. “Thank you for being a prince to whom it’s an honor to be loyal.”

I notice that Eldrin’s ears turned a light shade of pink. Is he blushing?

My heart goes out to him. He’s a prince who doesn’t believe he’s worthy of the crown, but after what I have seen of the Elven King, I think he deserves it much more than his father.

The following morning, I wake up snuggled cozily in Eldrin’s embrace. He is trying to gently extricate himself so he won’t wake me, but I stir anyway.

“What time is it?” I ask, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I watch his expression by the light of the candle burning dimly on the table. “Where are you going?”

“I believe it’s just before dawn,” Eldrin explains. “I need to prepare myself to meet with Neven.”

“Why were you trying not to wake me?” I ask, my suspicion clear in my voice. “Were you planning on leaving me behind?”

Eldrin exhales, blowing the air out slowly before confessing, “I’ve been debating it.” He rubs a hand over his handsome face. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I’m not staying behind. You know I can help.” I throw off the blankets and move abruptly to the edge of the bed to get up, forcing Eldrin to back out of my way.

“Don’t be upset with me,” he pleads. “I just…”

His shattered voice squashes my rising frustration. “I know.” Understanding his fear of losing me, I reach up to place my hand over his heart. “But I can’t just sit behind and possibly lose Jaden and Oakes because I wasn’t there to help. What if not being there makes the plan fail? I can help bolster your influencer power. I can use Oakes’ healing if need be. And I might be able to communicate with him if we get closer. I need to be there.”

“You’re correct.” Eldrin nods, then gives me a sad smile. “But of course you are. You very rarely are wrong.”

“Try to remember that in the future,” I say haughtily and then return his smile, trying to stay positive and strong for my mates. “Let’s go get our people.”

Eldrin and I lead the march of our guards on our way to see Mage Neven in the healer’s wing of the temple.

The mage is tending to Twyla when we find her.

Rhys wakes and looks up from his chair. His bright copper hair stands up in a disheveled fashion, which is very unlike him. His eyes are puffy, and shadows cling to them. The turmoil of Twyla’s uncertain state is taking its toll on the young commander. I can empathize. It feels as if I’ve already lost Jaden, Oakes, and Twyla forever.

I squeeze Eldrin’s arm, which I’ve been holding onto, as though he still plans on leaving me behind. My prince looks at me, sensing that I want his attention. Subtly, I throw a quick look at Rhys and shake my head, signaling that he shouldn’t ask Rhys to join us on this mission.

Eldrin nods, understanding my unspoken request. He must also see that the man isn’t up for the task since he’s beyond exhausted and emotionally drained.

“Mage Neven, Commander,” Eldrin greets them and inclines his head. “Has there been any change in Twyla’s condition?”

“None,” Rhys answers.

“At least that we can perceive,” Mage Neven adds. “She may be breaking through the spell, and we won’t know until she’s accomplished it.”

Eldrin and I frown and gaze at the princess, who appears as though she is sleeping peacefully. I know better. The changeling princess is probably enduring being emotionally tortured, just as I was.

“Are you ready?” Neven asks Eldrin.

“Almost,” Eldrin says to me, then looks at Rhys. “I know you said you wanted to go with us to infiltrate Ryven Castle, but seeing as Twyla has not recovered, perhaps you should stay and guard her.”

Rhys glances over at Twyla. “Yes, I think I’d be more of a liability than a help to you right now, but you should still take my men. Unless you believe stealth is needed more than force.”

“Thank you for your offer. I was hoping to take only five or six of your men with me if you permitted it. An entire invading troop might cause more problems than it solves.” Eldrin gestures to me next to him. “And now that we have an idea where we might find Jaden and Oakes, my primary focus should be on locating and rescuing them.”

Eldrin turns to our guards, standing at the doorway, “Corwin, could you gather five volunteers to accompany us on our mission?”

Corwin hurries away to carry out his request.

Neven heads out of the room, and Eldrin and I follow.

Before I cross the threshold, Rhys says, “Princess Wynstelle, be careful, and I hope you return with your mates.”

The corners of my mouth turn up in appreciation of the sentiment, but isn’t quite a smile. Then I rush to catch up with Eldrin.

Mage Neven leads Eldrin, our guards, and me to a small clearing behind the temple.

Merlara is already waiting for us with various weapons strapped to her thigh, torso, and off her waist. She has been traveling with a small arsenal, not that I expect any less from a bladesmith. The hilt of a huge sword peeks over her shoulder from its scabbard.

“Good, you’re here,” Eldrin says to my former keeper. “You will be in charge of Wyn’s protection while we are on this mission. Get her out if things go sideways.”

I open my mouth to protest, but it’s Merlara who cuts me off. “Wyn, don’t argue with us about this. If someone were to strike you down, the whole rebellion would be lost. Your mates wouldn’t be able to think straight. King Magnus and his allies would use your death to their advantage. They might even target you for this reason alone. I’m keeping you safe, no matter what. Besides, I couldn’t stand to watch you come to harm.”

The horrible memory of the painful loss of my mate bonds rockets through me again. If I were to die, it’s a real and worrying blow for my mates.

Seeing Eldrin and Merlara both have their weapons, I figure I too should protect myself, since my life is more than my own now.

“Should I carry my new sword?” I ask, but worry since it’s still outlawed for humans in Elfhame.

“I brought something for a mission such as this,” Merlara says as she pulls out a metal rod almost as long as my arm and slightly thicker than my thumb. It has a hilt similar to a sword, but the entire weapon has no sharp edge.

I heft the weapon in my hand. It has the perfect weight and balance as the rest of Merlara’s blades, but will be more akin to a practice sword or baton. When it catches the light of the morning sun, I notice that there are engravings delicately etched along its length. Upon closer inspection, I see that they’re magical runes for protection. I don’t know all their meanings, but I recognize some from Oakes’ books.

“Just as with the sword I gave you, the magic should help protect the owner with enhanced accuracy, which I have designated as you,” Merlara explains.

“Thank you,” I say to my keeper, my mouth dropping open in awe.

She’s put a lot of her magic and craft into this piece. I’m surprised she thought to make me something like this. Has she always known I would be thrust into a situation where I would need it?

“And it isn’t a blade,” Eldrin nods appreciatively. “But it will easily help Wyn block any attacks. It’s a perfect defensive weapon. Very smart, Merlara.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Merlara bows with the compliment.

The flower faerie, Lalo, flies up to the group, inclines her head to Prince Eldrin, and smiles at me. “You both look better, Your Highness.”

“Thank you.” Eldrin asks, “Did you have something to report?”

“No other troops have used the portals that we know about. Things are quiet at the castle. Too quiet. We have seen no one in the windows today.” Lalo scans the area and looks at him, confused. “What are you doing out here?” Her eyes bug out, realizing that she’s questioning the prince. “I’m sorry, Your Highness. I didn’t mean to pry.”

“It’s fine. I understand your curious nature.” He smiles gently. “We are going to Ryven Castle soon to see if Jaden and Oakes are there and rescue them if they are.”

Lalo blushes with his attention, then says, “Good luck to you. I hope you find your nice elf friends.”

“Me too.” Eldrin grins at her. They are more than friends. They are bondmates and family.

Lalo curtsies midair and then flies off toward the castle. I briefly wonder what it might be like to fly away like that, but I am soon distracted when Corwin joins us with five human soldiers in tow, and one of them is their captain.

“Captain Oliver,” Eldrin greets the leader. “Perhaps we should exchange names before we all risk our lives?”

The captain chuckles appreciatively. “Never hurts to know who has your back.” He points to each young soldier and introduces them. “This is George, Noah, James, and William.”

“Good to officially meet you. I appreciate you volunteering.” Eldrin gives a nod in thanks. Then he becomes serious. “The purpose of this mission is to recover my advisors with as little blood spilled as we can manage. I understand you are angry at King Magnus and his commander, but not all elves want to harm your kind. In truth, very few elves give humans a second thought in their daily lives. However, the soldiers inside the castle will be required to defend their territory just as you would. I expect there to be some clashing of swords, but I ask that you do your best to keep the casualties low. In the end, not creating more animosity toward humans will go a long way if I have to call upon my Elven allies to stop this war.”

I study their eyes to see if they are willing to abide by Eldrin’s wishes. I see determination, but also concern for all our futures.

“Then why take us at all if you are worried?” Captain Oliver asks without a hint of his previous snideness.

“I need help to protect Wyn.” Protectively, Eldrin pulls me to his side. “And I don’t know how many of my personal troops have been corrupted or incarcerated. I might have a hundred soldiers at my disposal, or I might have no one to ensure my success.”

Oliver nods, understanding the need for extra hands, even if they are not preferred.

“Do you all want peace?” Eldrin asks the men, gazing at each of them.

The men answer with heartfelt affirmatives.

“Then, if that’s settled, it is my turn,” Mage Neven says as she steps into the center of the group. “I have already done the preliminary work on a new permanent portal. I am just waiting for the right moment.” Then she tells the elves among Eldrin’s group the ancient Elven chant that will open the portal from the other side when we need to return.

With a series of hand movements and chanting, the ageless and elegant mage pulls energy from the ethers.

My skin goosebumps from the charge in the air. It’s as if lightning were about to strike. I even glance up into the skies as the clouds shift and churn. Wind blows the loose strands of my hair in a spiral.

Then, with a final swooping gesture and the mage’s booming command, a portal opens in front of us.

Eldrin grabs the hilt of his sword, and the rest of our companions follow his lead.

Through the doorway, I recognize on the other side—the garden entrance to Eldrin’s wing. On any other day, I could have been taking a walk here, chatting with Lalo. No longer.

Corwin, Baelen, and Daylor step through first. After ensuring that the other side is secure, they wave Eldrin, Merlara, and me through. The five human soldiers follow close behind.

“Good luck,” Neven says, then seals the portal shut behind us.

I tense at the sight. Not being Elven, I wonder if I will be able to reopen the portal if I’m separated from them and need to return. I look at my prince, my guards, and Merlara and sigh with relief. I trust they will do what they can to keep our entire group safe.

After popping inside the castle’s entryway, Corwin returns a few moments later with a puzzled look on his face.

“What is it?” Eldrin whispers.

“Lalo was right,” Corwin reports. “I don’t see a single elf in the area.”

Just then, I realize we might be walking into a trap—one I led us into with my vision.