Broken Promise (The Broken Ones Book 3)

by Jen Wylie

  Roan insisted she stay inside as they waited for any word on the whereabouts of Baelan. She hadn't seen much of the pirate, if that's even what he really was. The first morning had been so awkward his absence left her more relieved than anything else.

  However, his words struck a chord within her. It galled her to have to admit that, to at least some extent, he'd been right. She hadn't listened, but fought almost every word coming out of his mouth. She couldn't even identify the reasons why.

  She'd wasted an opportunity to learn, even if she found the teacher less than pleasant. Still, over the last few days she had managed to recall many of their conversations. Now she found herself awaiting his return on her last night, pacing the room in the dress he'd bought for her.

  She hated wearing it, but perhaps it, like many things, had its uses. Aya helped with the dress, put up her hair, and even applied some cosmetics to her face. She didn't like the feel of either, but even she had to admit the woman who looked back at her in the mirror wasn't hard on the eyes. Aya's grin unnerved her more. The woman thought she was doing this for Roan. What would they all think when she suddenly left?

  The door opened and she stood perfectly straight, chin up and hands clasped before her.

  The shocked look on Roan's face when he noticed her almost made all her efforts worthwhile.

  "Welcome home," she said quietly. "May I get you something to drink?"

  He stared at her for a long moment, the shock changing to confusion and then suspicion. She found it very hard not to laugh.

  "Yes. That would be…nice," he finally answered.

  She went to get him one as he came forward, setting his satchel by his desk and moving behind it, though he didn't sit. When she returned, he took the glass from her, but then quickly caught her hand.

  "What are you up to?"

  She smiled sweetly. "It is our last night together. Dinner should be up shortly."

  "That's not an answer," he snapped. When she pulled her arm away, he did let go.

  "I've been thinking about what you said," she replied, walking around the desk. "Please, sit." She took a seat in the chair she'd already placed in front of the desk. "I have been… stubborn. So I will try harder, to listen to what people say and to learn."

  His eyes narrowed as he sat.

  "How was your day today?"

  "Fine."

  She hesitated, unsure if she should continue playing the lady. Forcing a small smile, she decided it to be too early to give up yet. "Is there any word on Baelan?"

  "No," he answered, shaking his head. He relaxed back in his chair. "I have men posted at the gates and others watching for him."

  "Perhaps the Elves dealt with him secretly."

  "That is a possibility."

  "Has there been any word on repercussions from the death of the other Elves?"

  His brows rose. "You are thinking. Well done. Nothing formal has been said. However, I would avoid entering Rivenward if I were you."

  "Noted." She didn't have any plans to ever go there anyway. Smiling, she kicked herself for never directly asking him what she wanted to know before. "So I may still leave tomorrow."

  Though she hadn't really asked a question, he took so long to answer she started to get worried. "Yes. I was by your house today. You've decent enough defenses. Even so, they would not keep an Elf out." He paused. "I would like to send Raythe and Silas with you."

  She'd expected as much and had even discussed the possibility with the boys. Yet to keep appearances, she frowned. "For how long?"

  "Until you leave."

  Since only a few more weeks, a month at most, of winter remained, she nodded. "When you say 'with me', what do you mean? I want some privacy, Roan. I don't want them in my house."

  His eyes narrowed, but after a long moment he nodded. "That is acceptable, unless we know a threat is near."

  With a clipped nod she agreed to that. "They will take shifts?"

  "Yes."

  "They could sleep at the inn. Should both be needed, it is not far at all." This too, she discussed with the boys. Though they didn't like Roan's hold on her, they did agree with him when it came to her safety.

  "You are full of surprises today," he said quietly. "Your idea is sound. We will do that."

  "Good, I'm glad that's settled. Do you know when you're leaving?"

  His head tipped to the side at her change in topic. "A few weeks."

  "Please let me know. I would like to say goodbye."

  A short, rough laugh came from his lips. "You are so anxious to get away, and yet you want to see me off?" He shook his head in amusement.

  Many different responses floated through her head, but she couldn't pick one that either wouldn't offend him, or give him the idea she cared too much for him. "That is the polite and respectable thing to do, yes?"

  His lips twisted in a small, wry smile. "So it is."

  Dinner arrived, and they made it through a mostly pleasant, if slightly awkward, conversation.

  By the end she wanted nothing more than to go to bed. Trying to think of unimportant topics to discuss gave her a headache. You could only say so much about the weather.

  Roan shifted in his chair, stretching out his legs and tipping his head back. Closing his eyes, he let out a soft sigh. "I'm not quite sure what to do with you, Arowyn."

  She struggled to keep a frown off her face. "I don't understand."

  Eyes still closed, he lazily waved a hand in her general direction. "This… what is this?"

  "You wanted me to be a lady. To be respectable and polite and–"

  "This isn't you." Opening his eyes, he let out another irritated sigh. "You are not some dull-witted, simpering idiot."

  She winced.

  "I want you to be respected. Do you understand the difference?"

  "Yes," she answered quietly, cheeks burning. Rising, she turned away so he wouldn't see her embarrassment. Would she ever get anything right?

  "I do appreciate the effort," he said in his quiet husky voice. "And you did well, with your manners."

  "Thank you," she managed to grind out between gritted teeth.

  Behind her, the chair creaked and slid back as he stood. She stiffened as he walked up behind her.

  "I think soon enough you will grow to understand what I've tried to teach you." He turned her around, but she kept her face tilted away from him. "This, too, you did very well."

  Her eyes shot up to his. "What?"

  "You do look quite lovely tonight."

  Snorting, she crossed her arms self-consciously. "I'm no Elven beauty."

  "Elves are beautiful in their own way, as are you."

  Her cheeks burned as she scowled.

  "Your beauty shines out from within, your fire and spirit and hope. Don't ever lose that." His hand rose and his knuckles softly stroked her cheek.

  She flinched away, and he chuckled, letting his hand drop to his side.

  "Beauty is not everything. I rarely have women turn me away."

  "You're a pirate," she snapped out, flustered.

  His brows rose, but he didn't look angry at her outburst. "And would it matter if I was a prince like your Shael?"

  "No," she said in annoyance. "It wouldn't matter if you were a king. Rank and appearance don’t mean anything. I don't even know what you look like without that glamor rune."

  One side of his mouth curved up. "I assure you, without the rune very little about me is different."

  "So you say."

  "So I say," he agreed firmly.

  A short laugh burst out of her.

  He spread an arm out toward the sitting area. "Come, we'll talk, normally, for a time."

  She nodded. The rest of the evening went by quickly as they discussed various topics and their usual arguing became almost friendly bantering. By the time she climbed into bed, she almost forgot everything she didn't like about the man. Until he joined her.

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  Home was different…but also the same. It'd been so lon
g since she'd been there, everything felt wrong, yet familiar at the same time. She easily spotted things that had changed: a new blanket on the couch, a bowl of apples on the kitchen counter.

  Walking into her room to drop off her pack, she smiled in relief to find it just as she'd left it.

  Garen padded in behind her, nudging her leg when she stopped.

  "Are you sure you'll be fine with the Were around?"

  Of course. With so many in the city, I've just left the glamor on the last few months.

  "It doesn't bother you?"

  I've grown used to it. Stop worrying. You need to remember to just use mind speech with me.

  She laughed. True.

  After putting away her things, they went back downstairs. Bo had taken Silas out to show him around while Raythe took their things to the inn.

  Elaina wants us all to come to the inn for dinner tonight.

  Sounds good. How are they doing together? Still in love?

  Very much. Garen's tongue lolled out happily. They are a finely matched couple.

  She nodded her agreement as Bo came into the kitchen. I want to talk to you about that later.

  Garen cocked his head to the side but didn't ask why.

  Bo gave her another big, bone-crushing hug and dragged her into the living room. "We've much to catch up on."

  They did, and were almost late for dinner when they lost track of time. The Were came as well, though sat separately, giving her space to be with her family. She couldn't keep a smile from her face and didn't mind Garen sitting on her feet or Bo's constant brotherly attention. She was back where she belonged.

  The next few weeks went by quickly enough. She returned to practicing. They all sat down multiple times to discuss what would be needed when they left. Bo started collecting supplies. She spent more time with Hale, trying to learn to fight with a pole. Apparently she needed to know that before she could use the new weapon he'd made for her. At the rate she was going though, likely she'd not have time. Finding patience proved harder and harder each day.

  She wanted Damon dead.

  Her contact with Kei remained deep within her, but as the days passed she felt less and less from him. At first she'd though perhaps he slept more, but as time went by she knew something else was wrong. She just didn't know what.

  Lack of sleep wore heavily on her. The nightmares had returned with a vengeance as soon as she returned home, but even worse were the nights she would dream of nothing. Not dreamless sleeps, but the dark silence of death.

  The riath hadn't left her. Three times the need for it returned and she'd hidden in her room. Each time she brought forth the fury, fought it, regained control, and then passed out. She didn't tell the boys. Worrying over her wouldn't do any good, and there was nothing they could do. Yet the fury within lessened each time. If Kei didn't return soon, she didn't know what she'd do. At least the time between continued to lengthen. Hopefully one day she would be free of it.

  Sometimes she wondered what became of Baelan. She almost hoped he would come for her again so she could make him pay for what he'd done to her.

  Lying awake at night, the odd time she found herself thinking of Roan. She hadn't spoken to him since the morning she'd left. Another stilted, awkward conversation. The Were brothers certainly kept him informed on her actions, but they didn't say much about their captain. Not that she asked.

  She didn't see too much of the Were. They wandered outside the house and accompanied her whenever she left, but otherwise remained as out of the way as possible.

  Watching Silas from the sitting room window, she grimaced. The weather had become milder the last week but snow still remained on the ground in dirty patches. At least spring came much earlier this far south.

  Laughter from the kitchen drew her there. She stopped in the doorway, leaning against the frame to watch Bo and Elaina. A smile came to her lips and happiness warmed her heart as she watched them. Elaina puttered about the counter while Bo tried to help, though mostly got in the way and got his fingers slapped. Their easy laughter and quick stolen kisses were so precious. She wished she could freeze the moment in time. It hurt to know she'd missed seeing the growth of their relationship while with Roan.

  "What's the occasion?"

  Bo turned and grinned at her. "We need an occasion to cook?"

  "No, but the inn has a much better kitchen than we do." She walked in, stepping around Garen and then finding an out of the way place at the end of the counter.

  "Hmm, we are celebrating you turning seventeen?"

  His words caught her off guard for a moment, and then she grinned. "I suppose it is that time of year. You remembered."

  "Of course I did, pup," he said softly, walking over to give her a tight hug.

  I might have reminded him.

  Bo cast a mock glare at Garen and she laughed.

  "Oh, to be seventeen again," Elaina said wistfully. "Time to eat!"

  After a wonderful meal, Aro helped them clean up. Putting a few last dishes away in the cupboard, she turned to find them both standing behind her. Bo's arm circled Elaina, holding her close.

  "We've something we'd like to tell you," he said in an unusually quiet and serious tone.

  Her eyes widened in alarm. Bo quickly raised a hand to calm her rising panic. "Nothing bad, pup." He took a deep breath and shared a look with the woman in his arms. "I've asked Elaina to be my wife."

  Her mouth opened and closed in surprise, and then she squealed and flung herself at them, holding them both close. "That is…this is…oh you're going to make me cry!"

  Bo relaxed and Elaina let out a soft sigh.

  Aro stepped back, a wide grin splitting her face. "When? Soon? Can I come with you to the registry hall?"

  Bo raised a hand to ward off more questions. "We will wait until I come back."

  Her smile faded. She cast a quick look to Elaina. The woman had stilled, her eyes cast to the floor. Her heart broke, remembering the story the barmaid had told of her last love. "That won't do," she said finally. "Not at all."

  Bo shifted uncomfortably. "It wouldn't be fair any other way."

  Now might be a good time.

  She glanced over at Garen and nodded slightly. Turning her attention back to Bo, she tried to remember the speech she and Garen had previously discussed and planned. "Bo," she began and hesitated. There was one other thing to be dealt with first. "Have you told her?"

  From the look on his face, and the confusion on Elaina's, she guessed not. "Bo," she muttered, shaking her head. She turned to the puzzled woman. "We are a rather unique family."

  "You really aren't related, are you," she said in relief.

  "That is part of it." She looked back at Bo. "You told her our story?"

  "A simple version, yes."

  Taking a deep breath, she dove right in. "So the prince, he's an Elf. Kei is one of the Fey, and Garen is actually a Were under a glamor."

  Elaina blinked at her and then looked to Garen. He shimmered, and for a moment became once more a large beautiful wolf before once again concealing himself. She stared, eyes extremely wide.

  Aro was just happy she hadn't screamed and continued quickly before the questions started. "The Fey have a prophecy about them being healed, of no longer being trapped in their fury. We are a part of that, and when we leave we are going into the forest to help them."

  The barmaid looked at Garen again, at her, and then at Bo. "Are you human?" He chuckled and nodded. "Aro?"

  How to answer that. "I am, but with some special gifts. Because of the Fey." She made a face at her awkward answer. "Bo can explain everything."

  You had to do this now? Bo gave her a pointed look.

  If you're going to marry her, she needs to know.

  He shook his head slightly.

  "Because I need you to stay," she said, holding his gaze with her own. He jerked as if she'd slapped him. "You're the only one who can. I want to keep the house. I want a safe place to fall back to." He looked away as Elaina star
ed at him in wide-eyed confusion. "Bo… We've talked about what's going to happen. Our plans to return the Fey to Furia. Bo," she took a step closer to him, words lodging in her throat.

  He wouldn't look at her. Jaw clenched, his lips pressed tightly together, she wasn't sure if he was angry or upset.

  "Furia is in ruins," she continued on, hoping to make him understand. "We'll need supplies. Food, clothing, tools, everything. I need someone I can be in contact with, someone who can arrange everything, store everything, and find a way to get it there."

  You are needed here, Garen added, finally coming to her aid. And here, you may also be with the one you love.

  "This is important," she added. "Can you do this?"

  He shook his head slightly and then looked down at Elaina. She stared up at him, eyes wide and hopeful. He let out a deep sigh. "I will." Don't think I don't know what you're doing.

  You will thank me one day.

  Elaina pushed up on her toes and kissed his cheek.

  Bo smiled and pulled her close. I will thank you now.

  Closing her eyes, she slumped her shoulders in relief. Leaving him behind would be beyond painful, but she loved him too much to keep him.

  I think that went well, Garen said wryly.

  I suppose it–

  Arowyn.

  Damon's voice boomed so loudly in her head she jerked and stumbled a step backward, bringing a hand to her forehead at the sudden pain.

  When the moon is gone, we will come.

  Where?

  You will find him, and I will suggest you not take long in doing so.

  She cursed, loudly, and then sprinted for the door to find out what phase the moon was in.

  Chapter 28

  Baelan's Chains

  Aro pulled back, sighted, and then let the arrow fly in one swift motion. It struck the target. Smiling in satisfaction, she drew another. Of course, shooting inside the target wasn't far, but she could at least work on her speed.