Page 130 of Wedlock

“Oh, Falcon…”

“I’m not even going to ask,” I turn to leave, “I’m simply going to delete myself. Keep your secrets, may they give you the warmth you’ve always sought from me.”

“Wait!” She shouts as I reach the door. “I’ll tell all, Falcon. I’ll tell all. Although it will only make you despise me. I’ll bare my heart if you’ll only vow not to marry the Princess.”

“My dear Mother,” I drawl, turning back slowly, “I don’t think anything you tell me could make me despise you any more than I already do.”

She sobs, and I narrow my eyes as I pull up a chair before her and lean back, crossing my arms.

“You’re wrong,” she whispers.

101

I sit beside the lake and draw shapes in the sand with my toes, hoping to instill some of Yin’s zen, but failing miserably.

Last night I’d come the closest I ever had to revealing my daughter, and I’d scared the absolute living shit out of myself.

After I’d whispered that I feared his mother, Falcon had stepped back, holding me at arm’s length, his expression more frightening than I’d seen in a long, long time. But I was not going to be the one to reveal his mother’s true nature. I know him well enough to know he jumps to conclusions and acts on impulse. I also know he won’t believe it unless he hears it from the horse’s mouth.

My refusal to add more to my declaration had enraged him. He’d shaken me and demanded answers. For a moment, I was petrified, but I regained my strength to stand up to him, snarling that scaring me was not doing his cause any favours.

His contrition was real as he’d stepped back from me, his eyes haunted.

He’d bowed and left me standing, stunned.Bowedto me!

I thought he was going back to his castle, but he returned an hour or so later, having gone for a long walk.

By that time, we were both calmer and I’d ordered my thoughts.

I would make no unsubstantiated claims against his mother and say nothing that might indicate I had a daughter, but I would tell himsomeof what I knew and feared, and allow him to fill in the blanks.

When he’d left for his home we’d exchanged promises. He would ask his mother what her true reason was for choosing me as his bride, her association with The Free Men, and her knowledge of templates.

And I would not run until he returned.

My hope is that she tells him about his sister and he realises she will stop at nothing to get her revenge, including sacrificing me or mine.

And maybe, just maybe, he’ll accept then that we can’t be together.

102

I stay seated as he enters my library, at first, but rise and walk to clap him on the shoulder, unsure of how to begin what will be a painful conversation.

“Wolf.”

“Falcon, what is it, man? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Would that I had,” I murmur, motioning him to relax and pouring us both a drink.

Sitting opposite him, I clear my throat.

“I have something to tell you.”

He smirks and raises his hand to stop me.

“I just don’t swing that way. I appreciate the sentiment, I really do, you’re a handsome man, sure, but…”

“Wolf,” I laugh despite myself.