Lady Dashwood had hit her mark after all.
I knew the pink ruffled wench was manipulating me, but I couldn’t contain the sudden fury at Jhaeros for being such a love-struck fool for my sister. He hadn’t been generous. He’d been blinded by desire, greedy to get what he wanted: Shalendra. What were gifts if not bribes, small investments in obtaining the object of his affections?
If he’d been truly generous, he would have bought back Mel and my pendants too. That would have shown a male of true compassion and kindheartedness. He’d wanted us to be family, hadn’t he? Shouldn’t he have thought of us too?
Oh no, he’d only had eyes for one female.
The room went deathly quiet as I stood silently raging, feeling as though I was no longer in control of my body. How could I have kissed this fool? When I looked at Jhaeros, my lips instantly curled back. His eyes widened in confusion.
My stomach churned, and acid burned in my throat. How could I have let him inside my heart? Inside me? I’d almost allowed it again—served myself up to him like a sweetberry tart on a silver platter.
I snatched my cloak off the sofa. Another few seconds and he would have had me sprawled over the furniture, too, skirts up.
I’d made a mistake. I should not have come here.
I stormed to the door, ignoring Lady Dashwood. She might have gotten what she wanted, but that didn’t mean I had stick around to watch her gloat.
“Aerith, where are you going?” Jhaeros asked in alarm.
“Mel is waiting for me,” I said, avoiding his gaze.
“I will take you to her.”
“No.”
“Let me call for the carriage.”
“I said no.” I rushed toward the door, but Jhaeros dove in front of me, blocking the way.
Not this again, he’d stopped me from storming out at the ball, but this time I wouldn’t let him win me over with kisses, though it would serve the meddlesome Lady Dashwood right to watch her beloved neighbor ravish me in the doorway.
“Move aside, Jhaeros,” I seethed, teeth clenched.
“No,” he said, his tone gentle but firm.
I laughed harshly. “You mean to hold me prisoner?” I still couldn’t look him in the eye, but I saw the way he stiffened and frowned.
“No, I intend to take you home.”
“Home,” I repeated in a hollow voice.
“Jhaeros, please, let Lady Elmray pass,” Lady Dashwood said, not entirely masking the alarm in her voice.
He ignored her, trying desperately to catch my eye. “A carriage will be faster, will it not? You said Melarue is waiting. Allow me to deliver you to her. I can escort you on foot if you prefer.”
Just what I needed, a long aggravating walk with Jhaeros while he puzzled out why I was angry with him. He wasn’t the type who let things go. I’d learned that at the ball. From the corner of my eyes, I saw the tightness of his jaw—the resolve.
“The carriage is quicker,” I conceded tightly.
“Fhaornik,” Jhaeros called, still blocking the doorway. “Have the carriage brought around.”
“Yes, sir,” Fhaornik answered from nearby, like he’d been waiting for a summons.
“Lady Dashwood, you are welcome to stay and drink your tea in the sitting room, but I will be unable to keep you company,” Jhaeros said in a chilly voice.
I heard no answer. Maybe she was too stunned to speak. I didn’t turn around to see her expression. I never planned on seeing her again since I would be telling Jhaeros the courtship was off once we were in the privacy of the carriage.
Something inside me broke at that last thought. I nearly fell against Jhaeros. I wanted to pound his stupid chest with my fists for making me fall for him in the first place. Losing him felt like ripping out my own heart. I couldn’t breathe.
My lashes fluttered, and I swayed.
“Aerith,” Jhaeros said in concern, reaching for me.
That woke me up. I jumped back.
He pressed his lips together in a tight frown. “We can wait outside,” he said. “You look flushed. Perhaps the air will do you good.”
I nodded.
Jhaeros stepped aside, and I rushed out of the room with him hot on my heels. Fhaornik stood in the foyer, hands clasped behind his back, positioned near the door. His chin lifted when he heard our steps.
“May I get the door, my lady?” he inquired.
“Thank you, Fhaornik, but I’ve got it,” Jhaeros said. “I am escorting Lady Elmray home. I will be back later. Please see that Lady Dashwood gets her tea and leaves before my return.”
“Yes, sir.” Fhaornik bowed his head.
As soon as Jhaeros opened the door, I stormed out. Luckily, a small carriage, pulled by a single thoroughbred, was circling up to the front of the house—almost as though it had been prepared and waiting since my arrival.
I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at Jhaeros. This time, it was he who avoided my gaze.
As soon as the carriage halted at the stone steps, he hurried forward and opened the door. I swept forward, ignoring the hand he held out to help me up the step. I pulled myself in and sat on the cushioned bench with a plop.
"Where are you staying?" Jhaeros asked.
“Dixie’s Inn.”
After giving his driver instructions Jhaeros climbed in after me, sitting on the opposite bench. His mouth started moving even before the carriage. “I told you before that I no longer harbor any feelings for your sister and haven’t for some time.”
I folded my arms and snorted, keeping my head turned toward the window and not him.
“What more can I say or do to prove it to you?” He leaned forward, his knees knocking into mine.
The carriage jolted forward. I let the momentum take my gaze from the window to face him.
“Oh, I know you’re over Shalendra,” I said testily.
Jhaeros’s frown deepened, creating grooves in his chin.
“Then what is it? Lady Dashwood? I certainly feel nothing for her—other than annoyance.”
I huffed.
“Aerith, I won’t know unless you tell me,” Jhaeros said in a scolding tone that made me want to flip him a rude gesture. Supposedly, he was so clever. Why couldn’t he figure it out? Why did I always have to explain things to him?
“Why do you even like me?” I found myself asking. “What do you really know about me?” I arched my brows and stared into his eyes.
He stared right back, unblinking. “I know you’re clever and brave. I know you’re protective and far too charitable when it comes to your family, willing to sacrifice yourself even when they don’t deserve it. Shalendra didn’t cast me aside. I couldn’t bear her company, or your father’s, after I saw how pitiless they were about sending you off with the Fae.”
My breath stalled, my heart waiting to beat again. Jhaeros captured me in his gaze, holding me in the depths of his bright brown eyes.
“I know you like silly pink drinks and winning at campaigne, perhaps even more than myself,” Jhaeros continued. “I know you are kind and strong, and you don’t need me. But I need you, Aerith. Life holds no joy without you.” His voice dropped to nearly a whisper. “I more than like you, Aerith. I love you.”
Stupid tears streamed down my face before I could stop them. I gulped in air, having forgotten to breathe the whole time Jhaeros spoke. My fingers swiped rapidly at my cheeks, but the tears kept flowing.
Jhaeros leaned forward and gathered me into his arms, pulling me back with him into his lap. My arms unfolded, hanging limply at my sides as Jhaeros embraced me. He held me while the carriage rattled along, and my tears finally dried. I hiccupped.
“I do not want to cause you pain,” Jhaeros said solemnly. “Can you tell me what’s wrong?”
“It’s stupid,” I mumbled.
“What is?”
I sighed and eased out of his lap, back to the opposite bench. “Nothing,” I said with a shrug. “Just the pendant you gave Shalendra. I used to have one like it, only blue, and Mel ha
d a red one. It meant a lot to me.”
Jhaeros pursed his lips. “I only recall seeing the one at Iliphar’s Pawn Shop.”
“It doesn’t matter,” I said.
“No, it’s important to you. I’ll find it.”
“It’s probably long gone.”
“I’ll find it,” Jhaeros repeated.
“Jhaeros,” I said, taking his hands. “It’s just a pendant.” And for the first time, I meant it. What was a necklace to the memories I had of my mother? What was a trinket to the love Jhaeros had expressed for me? He saw me. He truly saw me, and that was more than most elves could ever hope for.
I squeezed his hands then let go and leaned back, sitting up straight, lifting my chest and chin.
“It’s time to let go of the past.”
After the carriage came to a stop in front of Dixie’s Inn, I allowed Jhaeros to step out first and help me to the cobbled road. He kept hold of my hand, reluctant to let go.
“About time,” Mel griped nearby.
I let go of Jhaeros’s hand and turned in place until I spotted Mel leaning against the outer wall of the inn, arms folded.
“Hello, Melarue,” Jhaeros said politely.
Mel glared at him before returning her attention to me. “What is he doing here?”
“Giving me a ride. Don’t be rude,” I scolded.
Mel huffed. “Whatever. I’m starving, and you left me with no coins or anything to eat.”
Jhaeros’s eyes widened. “Do you need—?”
“We’re fine,” I assured him.
“Yeah, we’re fine,” Mel parroted, using her backside to push away from the wall.
“Mel!” I snapped. I turned back to Jhaeros. “Ignore her. She’s cranky.”
“You mean hungry,” Mel said behind me.
Ignoring her, I smiled at Jhaeros. “Thanks for the ride.”
“When will I see you again?” he asked softly.
Mel made a gagging sound. I needed to send Jhaeros away quickly so I could strangle her in private and give her something to really gag about.
“We’re looking at cottages tomorrow and should get settled soon. I’ll let you know once we have an address.”
“I can help,” Jhaeros said, moving toward me.
“Thanks, but we’ve got this.” I stepped closer, too, attempting to back him up to the carriage, but his body was an unmovable wall of muscle. If I got any nearer, I’d only end up rubbing against him, and I doubted Mel would find the sight especially enjoyable. Maybe if she weren’t being such a brat I’d care.
“Very well,” Jhaeros said. “But let me know if you need anything—anything at all.” He looked over my shoulder then added, “Either of you.”
“Nope, we’re good here. Bye, Jhaeros,” Mel said in a sassy tone.
“I’ll update you soon,” I promised him before taking a step back.
He searched my eyes for several seconds before nodding. “Until then.”
I lifted my hand and gave a little wave that felt silly. I curled my fingers and dropped my arm, watching Jhaeros reluctantly re-enter the carriage. He kept his attention on me even after he pulled the door shut behind him. He stared out at me through the glass. I stood watching him until the carriage jerked forward and rolled down the lane out of view. As soon as he was gone, Mel stormed over to my side.
“What were you doing in Jhaeros Keasandoral’s carriage?” she demanded.
“Getting a ride, obviously.”
Mel glared at me. I glared back.
“Why does he have to be involved?” Mel demanded. “You went to him, didn’t you? Did you even bother seeing your contact, or did you run straight to Jhaeros asking for money?”
I spread my arms and opened my palms. “As you can see, I’m empty-handed. I passed the jewelry on to my guy.”
“Your guy?” Mel’s eyes twinkled, and her brows jumped.
“Not mine,” I said in exasperation. “The male I know.”
“Uh-huh. Does Jhaeros know about him?”
“He doesn’t need to.”
Mel’s teeth glinted when she smiled.
I sighed. “What are you doing out here anyway? You were supposed to stay in my room.”
Mel looked up into the sky as though searching for an answer in the clouds. Her gaze drifted back down and met mine. “I needed fresh air.”
I put my hands on my hips. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Nothing. I needed fresh air,” she repeated more firmly. “And I really am starving, so are we going to eat or what?”
“Yes, let’s eat supper then go to bed. And next time, try being nicer to Jhaeros.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m extremely fond of him.”
“Oh, puke on a pitberry. Bleh,” Mel said, sticking out her tongue. “Thanks for making me lose my appetite.”
I rolled my eyes. “One day, when you meet the right male, you’ll understand.”
“He’ll have to be a heck of a lot more interesting than Jhaeros Keasandoral.”
“Jhaeros is interesting,” I informed her. “Way more than you realize. He’s also really good with his tongue.” I threw in the last part as a little sisterly revenge. Mel had it coming.
Her face twisted up in disgust. “Oh, ew.”
I burst into laughter, which grew louder as I stared at the revulsion on her face. As soon as I regained my breath, I tapped my lip with my finger and added, “Yes, a most excellent kisser.”
“Bleh, ick, yuck, my ears.” Mel covered her ears then promptly yanked her hands away. “My brain. The images. Scarred for life.” She squeezed her eyes closed.
“So mature,” I said with an eye roll. “Let’s eat, if your poor, sensitive stomach can handle it.”
“My stomach is fine. It’s my brain that’s scrambled,” Mel informed me.
“No argument there.”
She stuck out her tongue, which made me laugh again. Scamp.
But I was relieved she wasn’t interested in males. She’d filled out during my time away. I doubt she realized she had the body of a grown female with generous hips, curves, and breasts. Her thick, red hair caught the sunlight in a fiery glow that a male would have to be blind to miss. Mel was a vision of beauty.
We went inside the taproom and ate our suppers slowly, in no hurry to be stuck in our rooms. Mel couldn’t wait to move to our own cottage, and I shared her eagerness.
When the hour grew late, we retired upstairs to our separate rooms.
After bidding my sister goodnight, I lit a lantern and closed my door. My nose immediately wrinkled. I sniffed the air. Something was burning or had burned. I glanced at the lantern, but I’d just lit it and it wasn’t smoking. I sniffed harder. The smell had definitely originated in my room. I hurried to my trunk and opened the lid, but everything inside looked fine. Closing the lid, I looked around until spotting singe marks on the bottom of the drapes.
Oh, Mel, I thought.
No wonder she’d needed fresh air.
With a deep sigh, I undressed, replacing my day gown with a thin, white nightgown.
The sooner I found Mel an elemental master, the better. For tonight, I’d take smoke-filled dreams over ones that reeked of Faerie.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Melarue
The beautiful warrior elf’s sword sliced through the air, catching the early afternoon sun, which had parted the clouds only an hour before.
I lunged at her, and our blades met in a clash of steel that hissed until sliding apart. In case Keerla tried to jab at me, I jumped back, bouncing on my toes, ready for her next strike. The trajectory of her following thrust was so obvious I had time to deflect and get around the elf in her tight leathers.
Feeling cocky, I struck out, jabbing low. Keerla whipped around, long brown hair flying like a wild horse’s mane. She nearly knocked my sword out of my hands with the force of her rebound. The clash of steel reverberated all the way into my fingertips.
She pulled back quickly and struck a
gain. I immediately blocked her sword with my own. Keerla came at me again and again. She’d been allowing recovery time in between strikes before. I guess she didn’t like me taking on the position of offense when she was the instructor, but after two weeks of training, I felt like it was time to kick things up a notch.
I blocked each strike, going into a kind of trance. It was as though my body had been made for swordplay and had awakened the moment a blade was placed in my hand. Our blades met. On the next strike, I dove onto one knee, clasping the hilt of my sword in both hands, and used my momentum to strike back hard. A loud clang rang out, and Keerla’s sword hand shook.
I leaped back to my feet and tossed my hair back, grinning.
Keerla nodded and lowered the tip of her blade to the ground. “Very good,” she said.
I puffed up my chest, feeling pretty badass. In addition to an elemental master, Aerith had hired a sword instructor to begin training me two weeks ago. As luck would have it, Keerla had moved from Bluespark to Pinemist since our family’s departure. Aerith wanted only the best, and that was Keerla. Even my sister was taking lessons from her. She watched from several feet away, awaiting her turn. She insisted I go first. The three of us stood in a peaceful meadow near the cottage we’d found to rent two and a half weeks ago.
Aerith smiled proudly at me, which made me puff up more.
Keerla frowned as she looked me over. “Just hold off on the embellishments,” she said in a scolding tone. “We’re practicing sword fighting, not putting on a show.”
It was as though she’d punctured the happy bubble I’d been floating in with the tip of her blade. My mood deflated, and with it, my lower lip puffed out.
Keerla was one to talk. At the tournament, she had been the only elf to charge into the clearing as though her enemies truly awaited her punishment. She’d high-kicked a dummy before gutting it and launched her sword through the air at the last one. I was no swords “expert,” but I’d bet every sweetberry in Pinemist that relinquishing one’s weapon was never a smart idea. What if more dummies had come along? What if an ogre had? Uh-huh. Burn.
Yeah, Keerla was amazing, but not as kick-ass as Aerith.
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