“Nevertheless, she is charming, but she and her courier present quite a problem for us. If what she says is true, we may be in danger whether we let them leave or not.”
Tristan nodded. “Jariath’s first order of business will be to secure the borders, and I would imagine he’s anxiously searching for the princess. Despite her protests to the contrary, I happen to know he’s been trying to win her for years. Once things settle down, he may probe further. I don’t think we’ll remain hidden for long if he stays at our border. Her reaction to my...appearance was very telling. She had no idea we existed. We’re the last race of elves to inhabit these lands, and we’ve stayed hidden for many years. It’s possible that we have become just a story—a legend—to humans.”
Colven stroked his beard thoughtfully. “I’ve always feared that something like this would happen to us.”
“What do you mean?”
“We stay apart from the world of humans, in fear of the past, but it wasn’t very likely, nor very realistic, that we would remain hidden forever. Even now, we see more and more humans traveling through Blackthorne. I can see it is only a matter of time before the trickle becomes a flood. We can’t kill them all. We will have no choice but to reveal ourselves.”
Tristan’s chest tightened. “What are you saying?”
“I think we should let them continue on their way. We could give them horses to speed their travel. By showing benevolence to them, we may be able to ally with Wyndham, place ourselves under their protection, and avoid further bloodshed.”
“You can’t be serious! Trust humans? Put ourselves under their protection? Have you gone mad?” Tristan was on his feet. “We will not accept protection from humans. We’re perfectly capable of defending ourselves!”
“There aren’t very many of us anymore, as you know, Tristan. Our people fight well, but our numbers are so low it doesn’t matter much. Though it grieves me deeply, the time is coming when we’ll have to make a decision about such things.”
Tristan stared at Colven. It bothered him to know that Colven was right. He’d known for some time that life had changed, and he hadn’t wanted to face the truth. There were more humans traveling through Blackthorne. Indeed, they could not kill them all.
It was his duty to see and react to change, but he’d been content to continue doing things the way they’d always been done. Fear of the past had kept him blind.
Colven had thought it through, had evidently been thinking about it for some time. Every fiber of Tristan’s being rejected allying with humans for anything, but what Colven said made sense. It was his duty as chieftain to be proactive in protecting the Sylvan, rather than reacting at the point of an enemy sword. Still...ally with humans? The taste was bitter in his mouth. It tasted like surrender. It tasted like defeat.
Colven sighed and patted Tristan on the arm. “I know the past is still fresh with you, so we won’t speak of it right now. I can’t explain it, but I feel as though letting them go is the right thing to do. Her concern for her people is evident, and it touches me. I can only imagine how I would feel if the situations were reversed.”
Set the two of them free. Tristan’s gut twisted as he looked at the woman passed out on the table. He’d been trying to get a grip on the feelings she stirred in him since the moment he’d gazed down into her face as he held her on the horse. Humans had no Magik, so what was this? The very air around her seemed charged, different, drawing him in, making him want more. He tried to fight it, but she captivated him. He didn’t want to let her go.
He searched frantically for a way to postpone the inevitable. Something the human woman said had planted a seed. Without giving it much thought, Tristan blurted, “The courier should be sent on to Wyndham, but I believe the princess should be kept here as a hostage. Keeping her here would ensure that Wyndham’s army does not make a detour to Oakenbourne. Once Arianrhod is taken back from Jariath, I’ll personally make sure she gets back to her family.”
“What would you tell the council? And how will you ensure no one is sent out to track and kill the man when they discover he is gone?”
He was the chieftain; they would abide by his will. “We’ll wait for two or three days before we tell council the man is gone, in order to give him time to reach Wyndham.”
Colven narrowed his eyes at Tristan. “This is dangerous. We have always brought those types of things before the elders.”
“This is not a situation that needs to go before council. I am the chieftain, and this decision rests with me. We’ll hold the woman here and send the man on his way.”
“Why would you not send the princess along with her courier and be rid of them both?”
I don’t understand what I’m feeling, but I want to keep her. I want to spend more time with her, get to know her. I want to touch her.
Tristan dropped his head, but he knew Colven would see right through him.
“I know what you’re doing, and it is a dangerous path. She is lovely, and may very well be different from other humans, but this can never be. We live so much longer than they do, and the other Sylvan would not understand. You are the chieftain of our people. You must remember your duty,” Colven said gently.
Tristan’s shoulders sagged as he heard the truth in his words. “I need not be reminded of my duty,” he said sharply.
There were several minutes of uncomfortable silence between them, before Colven spoke again. “I have your word you will return her to her people if their kingdom is retaken from Jariath?”
Tristan’s heart skipped a beat. He jerked his head up to look at Colven. “You have my word.”
“And if Arianrhod is not retaken? She cannot stay here, no matter how much you wish it.”
“I’ll see that she is safely delivered to her uncle in Wyndham.”
“Very well. I’ll leave the details up to you. I’ll support you before council in whatever you decide.” Colven nodded. “I fear you’ll be carrying the princess back to her cell today. She has been completely overcome by the wine.”
Tristan pulled her back from the table and gently lifted her limp body out of the chair, jostling her lightly so her head rested on his shoulder.
“Oh dear. Just a minute, Tristan.” Colven reached out and gently removed a greasy piece of game hen that had glued itself to Aislin’s cheek.
Tristan took her back to her cell and nestled her gently into the blankets on the floor. She whimpered a little, her head rolling to the side.
He got to his knees beside her, his heart racing. She was out cold, and this was the perfect opportunity to get a good look at her without a fight. He knew an honorable elf would feel a modicum of guilt, but he could no more leave her at that moment than he could will himself to stop breathing.
At first glance, she was deceptively delicate, but he’d seen from her memories that there was great strength in her. Without thinking, he reached out and touched her face with the back of his hand. Her skin was a smooth golden rose, like velvet, her cheeks high and round. She’d spent some time in the sun, and he could see by her hands that she wasn’t afraid of work. Her hair was a fine golden brown, long and with a slight wave, lying in a soft, shining puddle under her head. And those full lips had haunted his dreams since the first time he’d laid eyes on her.
I am looking at the mother of my children. The thought sent an aching jolt through his groin.
He let his hand stray to the soft curve of her breast, his thumb brushing across a nipple. When she didn’t move, he allowed his hand to play over the contour of her waist and further down to her hip. He gripped her hipbone with tense fingers, trying to imagine what it would be like to do those things with her beneath him, his bare skin on hers.
She moaned a little at his touch. He felt another shock of pleasure at the core of his being. Lowering his head, he brushed a kiss across the corner of he
r mouth. She was just so damned beautiful, and he was going to get to keep her for a little while longer.
“...It is a dangerous path.” Colven had said, and at that moment, it felt like the most dangerous path he’d ever taken.
Chapter Sixteen
RODERIC, FAST ASLEEP, GAVE A start when the hooded man opened the cell door. The toe of a boot prodded him roughly in the side.
“Get up,” the man growled. “I have a proposal for you.”
Roderic slowly roused himself and stared up at him. “I’m listening.”
“I’m setting you free to continue on to Wyndham. I’ll come and get you after dark tonight. You’re being provided with supplies and a horse to speed you on your journey.”
Roderic was staggered. He was sure that this would be the end for both of them.
“What about Aislin?”
“She stays here as a hostage. I don’t want to wake up one morning and find the entire army of Wyndham surrounding our village. If you’re successful in liberating Arianrhod from the invaders, I’ll return her to you. If you’re not successful, I’ll bring her to Wyndham.”
Roderic swallowed hard and tried to look past the man’s hood. “I will not leave without Aislin. She’ll never agree to this.”
“I’m not telling her that I’m releasing you.”
“Why is it necessary for you to keep her here? She belongs with me! She is a member of the royal family of Arianrhod, and you have no right to do this!”
“I am chieftain here. That’s all the right I need.”
Roderic glared at the void behind the hood. “Aislin will not take this kind of deception lightly. She’s going to be furious when she finds out what you’ve done.”
“She has no say in the matter. I’ve talked it over with my council elder. We believe that Jariath is a danger to us, and it’s in our best interest to help you take back your kingdom. However, we want to ensure the safety of our people as well.”
“Who are you? Why are you afraid to show your face?”
“That’s none of your concern. Do you wish to continue on to Wyndham, or do you want to spend the rest of your days in this cell?”
Roderic thought about Gwen and the others in the cave, and knew Aislin would want him to get help for her family. Still, he wasn’t comfortable leaving her behind.
“I want your word that you won’t hurt her.”
“She will not be harmed as long as you stay to your task. If you betray my trust, you’ll never see her again.”
Roderic persisted. “Swear to me you won’t hurt her. She means a great deal to me. She’s invaluable to Arianrhod.”
“I swear to you I will not harm her.”
It wasn’t much of a choice at all, but Roderic knew the kind of devotion she felt for her kingdom and her family. He took a deep breath and nodded. “Aislin would want me to do this.”
“I have a bath and clean clothes prepared for you.” The man removed the chain from the wall. “Follow me.”
Roderic returned to his cell feeling like a new man. Cleaned up and shaven, he waited for nightfall. He slept a little, but mostly he stared nervously at the ceiling. He wished he could see Aislin one more time, but he instinctively knew the man wouldn’t allow it, so he didn’t ask.
Just let me make it to Wyndham safely, so we can get her back.
He hated the thought of leaving her here alone, at the mercy of men who wouldn’t reveal themselves. Lying to her was a bad idea. If she ever found out she’d been left behind, the hooded man would have a fight on his hands.
The noises Roderic was hearing outside his cell meant it was time to go. A shadow passed over the door, and he heard it open.
“You must be as quiet as you can possibly be. No one must know you’re leaving,” the man whispered. Roderic nodded.
Down several winding hallways, through several iron gates, they finally stood out in a clearing in front of the village. The moonlight brightened the landscape just enough for Roderic to see the horse that awaited him.
“Take this.” The man handed Roderic his deerskin backpack and the sword with which he’d started the journey. “The horse’s name is Delphas. She carries packs full of food and water for you. You should be in Wyndham in a day or two.”
“Please take care of her,” Roderic said, a catch in his voice.
“I will. I swear.”
Roderic slung the sword and backpack across his shoulders. “I guess I should thank you,” he whispered, extending a hand. “Is there anything else in this forest I should fear?”
The man clasped his hand and shook it vigorously. “You have already met the most fearsome thing in these woods and lived. Ride with haste and be safe!”
Roderic swung himself onto the back of the horse, and with a hesitant backward glance, rode off into the moonlit landscape of Blackthorne Forest.
Chapter Seventeen
THE VORTEX DID NOT SAVE me. I am not back in my bed at the manor house. I feel like I’m going to die.
Aislin sat on the floor the next morning with her face in her hands, her head pounding like a blacksmith’s hammer on an anvil.
The door of her cell creaked open. She knew if she looked up she would see an elf, and the elf would be Tristan, so she kept her face safely buried in the palms of her hands.
“I warned you elven wine was strong.” She could hear the smirk as Tristan took note of her misery.
“Please. Be quiet.” His voice set her teeth on edge, and she had a sudden urge to throw something at him.
“I have your breakfast here unless you’re too sick to eat it.”
Her stomach lurched at the thought of food. “Not right now,” she said through her fingers.
“Well, I’ll leave it here. If it makes you feel any better, I’ve overdone it a couple of times on Colven’s wine.”
“It doesn’t make me feel any better,” she moaned. “Please... just leave me alone. And take the food with you. It smells terrible. I don’t want to talk to you right now.”
“I had something I wanted to show you today, but I can see you’re not up to it. I’ll come back later.”
Nodding her head miserably, she gave silent thanks. She could hear his disappointment, but she’d never felt so sick in her life.
Aislin slept for hours, well into the early afternoon. When she finally woke up, she felt a little better. She dozed on and off until she heard Tristan open the cell door.
“I thought maybe you’d feel better after another hot bath. I’ve also had a meal prepared for the two of us if you feel up to it,” Tristan said.
Aislin eyed him suspiciously. Yesterday he had dragged her around on the end of a chain, snapping at her, prepared to do battle over nothing. Today he was offering another hot bath and dinner to boot. What had changed?
And they say women are confusing!
She probed him with her gaze for several moments. He gave her a blinding smile that disarmed her completely, sending her heart lurching sideways in her chest.
“Are you going to tell me you wouldn’t like another bath, Princess?”
She’d be a fool to turn down another hot bath, but she couldn’t quite decide if this was just a ploy to get her to drop her guard. Promise the girl a bath, and then hold her head under the water? Would he do that to her? She was human, after all.
Tristan extended his hand to her. Her eyes quickly darted around, looking for the hated chains. Not seeing any sign of them, she returned her eyes to his face. He smiled again, offered the hand. Against her better judgment, she put her hand in his.
Aislin was anxious to see what he had to show her, so she didn’t linger too long in the warm water. She dressed in the dark purple tunic he’d left hanging on the hook for her and emerged into the sitting room.
The same devastated look sh
e’d seen yesterday shadowed his face again. But this time she saw it in his eyes: a warm glow of...desire? It was gone now. She hugged her elbows to keep a small shiver at bay. Surely she was seeing things!
“Come with me,” he said.
She followed him along a hallway off the sitting room of his apartment, and down a long, winding set of marble stairs. As they reached the bottom, he stopped and turned to her, his eyes bright, and reached for her hand. She put her hand in his.
Tristan slowly drew her off the bottom step and out into a lush forest. Aislin was speechless. The dark green grass was thick under her feet, and the spreading trees were tall and shady. Beautifully perfumed flowers grew here and there, and lovely flowering vines wound their way up the trunks of the trees. A large waterfall splashed down the side of the cliff that surrounded one end of the clearing in an arc, making the air feel humid and tropical. Bees and beautifully colored birds and butterflies flitted here and there among the flowers. A long table had been set in the middle of the clearing, and she could see that a lavish meal had been prepared for them.
“Where are we?” she asked.
Tristan looked around proudly. “This is my private garden. Only a few have ever seen it.”
“It’s absolutely beautiful,” she said breathlessly.
Smiling warmly at her, he led her to the table. He bowed low in front of her. “Will you do me the honor of dining with me, Princess Aislin?”
She returned his smile and the bow. ”I would like that very much, Tristan.”
They shared a lovely meal, and then he gave her a tour of the garden. She dipped her head many times to inhale the sweet perfume of flowers she’d never seen before. He pointed out unique trees, and other one-of-a-kind flora to her. He seemed impressed that she shared his love of plants.
Aislin of Arianrhod (Land of Alainnshire) Page 11