Page 34

AMELIA

Booms keep sounding in the distance, though I know the battle has drawn nearer. Every few seconds, a tremor affects the castle. Riley and I keep exchanging worried looks.

I glance around, wishing this room had a balcony, but I suppose that’s one reason Tristan selected it.

He wants to keep me as safe as possible.

I suspect this room served as more of a haven for the former queen during times of war.

Having worked in the castle, I know there are far grander rooms containing balconies on the higher levels.

There are two small windows in this room, though they’re blackened out, and they were like that upon our arrival. I sincerely hope this room was used as a haven for the former queen and not as a prison.

A crack of what sounds like thunder rumbles so loudly that I almost cover my ears.

“Do you think it’s about to storm?” Riley asks.

I search my mind for any sign of Tristan, but I’m not able to sense his comforting presence. He’s too far away. “I-I can’t say for certain, but I doubt it’s a storm.” Is a highborn fae wielding their power? Is that what caused the sudden crack of thunder?

I listen carefully and don’t hear anything else. In fact, it’s so silent that it sounds like the battle abruptly halted. My stomach flips repeatedly. Please let Tristan be all right. Please let us be reunited soon.

What if the real reason I can’t sense his presence in my mind is because he’s… he’s… I can’t complete the thought.

But, if he’s alive, then I would still be able to tap into his Summer Court magic.

But how could I test the theory without stepping outside the wards?

I’d promised my mate I would remain inside the warded room, and I don’t want to break that promise.

Especially if it puts my life in danger.

The battle might not be over. Or, if it is over, maybe the orcs won.

If I step into the corridor, I could be snatched up by a huge orc warrior.

A shiver courses through me at the thought.

An idea hits me, and I try to summon a warm summer breeze and the scent of lavender. My body starts to tingle, and I think it’s about to work, but my focus breaks when I hear rapid footsteps in the corridor.

Riley and I stand in unison, and we stare at the door.

I swallow hard. If the orcs won, they won’t be able to enter this room. But we can’t stay here forever. Even if we ration, the provisions we’d brought won’t last much longer than a week.

Suddenly, a warm, familiar presence enters my mind, and I pray I’m not imagining it.

The door bursts open, and my fated mate rushes toward me with his arms spread.

“Amelia.” Tristan embraces me before I can even finish processing the fact that he’s alive and unharmed. But my heart soon bounces with joy, and I throw my arms around him and return the hug. I soak up his comforting, summer scent.

I’m vaguely aware of the happy reunion going on nearby. Commander Carr is raining kisses on Riley’s face as she giggles and tries to kiss him back. Their lively interaction soothes my soul. I hope she’ll be all right.

Tristan cups my face and presses his lips to mine. He delves his tongue into my mouth and kisses me soundly. Heat quakes between my thighs, and if we were alone right now, I might rub my body against his.

You’re alive. I’m so happy to see you. You aren’t injured, are you? I send down the tether, gratified that I’m able to feel his presence in my mind again. He didn’t look injured when he rushed into the room, but I want to be certain.

Gods, Amelia. I am happy to see you as well. And I just suffered a few scratches, but they’ve already healed. He keeps sending me waves of affection as he continues kissing me.

Tell me what happened. Please, Tristan. Show me.

Very well, sweet human. He sends me a rapid series of images, showing me his point of view during the battle. I’m shocked to learn about Prince Finn’s involvement with the orcs and the trap he set for the Summer Court army. But it’s over. It’s truly over.

Though it wasn’t easy, Tristan succeeded in killing Prince Finn, and the abrupt arrival of King Haratt made the orcs think twice about continuing the battle.

The Summer Court king, as it turns out, hurried to Sorsston after receiving a warning from a high priestess who’d had a vision about the battle.

In the end, the orcs surrendered after watching too many of their comrades fall and realizing they’d been used by the Exiled Prince.

The surviving orcs were allowed to return to their various territories, under the condition that they don’t attack any more fae settlements or take up arms against the fae in any manner for a full five years.

A temporary armistice, but still a pleasing outcome.

Perhaps during that time, more peacekeeping efforts could be made.

That’s it, sweet human , he tells me. That’s the battle.

Please rest assured that the servants will be freed from the dungeon, and they will be treated better going forward.

I have already appointed a new warden who I’m confident won’t be as merciless as the previous warden, nor will he tolerate cruelty from the soldiers under his command.

Now, I have a surprise for you. One I think you’ll like.

He withdraws from the kiss, and we both struggle to catch our breath.

What kind of a surprise?

I gave King Haratt my resignation as general, and to my surprise, he took it well and appointed his oldest son to take over the leadership of the Summer Court army.

I want to take you somewhere peaceful where we can start a brand-new life together.

His dark eyes glimmer with excitement . I was thinking about a beautiful fae settlement called Giarrla.

Prince Lucas lives there with Yvette. Unless you’d like to stay in Sorsston.

I’ll take you anywhere you want to go, sweet human.

All I care about is that we’re together.

Oh, Tristan. Tears burn in my eyes, and I’m unable to stop them from falling. I wrap my arms more tightly around my mate and hug him as though I’ll never let go. I’m willing to give Giarrla a try , I tell him. I don’t want to stay in Sorsston.

Although Sorsston is my home city, it holds too many bad memories. My throat burns as I consider my mother and sisters. Oh, gods. They still don’t know what really happened to me.

If you would like, sweet human , Tristan sends down the bond, I will take you to visit your family members before our departure. But not your father. That vile man doesn’t deserve to see you.

Thank you, Tristan. I would like to visit my mother and sisters before we leave for Giarrla. And I agree, not my father. I have no wish to see the man ever again.

I will make the arrangements. In fact, I’m confident I can make it happen today. He kisses my forehead, then we collect my bag and the untouched sack of provisions.

I exchange a heartfelt goodbye with Riley, and we promise to write to one another.

Tristan scoops me into his arms with a playful growl and carries me out of the castle.