Bound to the Elvin King

by Lisa Kumar

  “Hey, I’m right here. No need to speak like I’m not.”

  “Sorry.” Avrin leaned in closer to peer at her. “Though I see some fragments that will have to be removed.”

  “Oh, joy. So someone’s going to dig those fragments out of me? I think I’ll pass.”

  Talion grimaced. When she phrased it this way, it sounded unbelievably painful. The thought of anyone digging around in her soft skin to remove the shards of clay and glass incited fury. But even elvin medicine couldn’t perform miracles.

  “The cuts will become infected if they’re not removed,” Avrin said before glancing back to Talion, as if to ascertain his mood.

  Maggie attempted a pout but winced. “Spoilsport.”

  Avrin shook his head. “You have an odd idea of fun if you want to keep those shards in.”

  Other than giving a “hmmp” Maggie remained quiet.

  Relian spoke. “If all is well, I’ll return to Cal. She’ll want to know Maggie is being tended to.”

  Talion swiveled his head toward his son. “Also get a group of sentinels to look into the cause of Maggie’s injuries. I won’t allow this attack to stand.”

  A nod met his request. “Kenhel knew this and bid one of the sentries to gather a handful of sentinels within the palace. He said he would come back later to check on Maggie. The sooner an investigation is started, the better. We need to know why Maggie was targeted and not one of us—or Cal.”

  Talion grunted. He hadn’t even noticed when Kenhel left. This was a testament to the amount of turmoil Maggie’s attack and resulting injuries inflicted on him. Nothing normally escaped his attention.

  Relian headed back in the other direction. Talion glanced down at Maggie. Her pep had deserted her. Her eyes were closed, and her head lie against his shoulder. She appeared asleep except the occasional flinch and the rapid rise and fall of her chest. But any kind of rest where she didn’t exert herself was healing, so he didn’t disturb her.

  His stride ate the distance to her chamber, but the moments still crept by too slowly. He hated seeing her in pain. Every wince she gave gouged his heart. Would they never reach her room? “Did you alert the healers?” He said this to no one in particular. Someone would answer him.

  Avrin cleared his throat and stood tall. “Naturally, I’ll look after her myself. I may be your advisor, but I haven’t forgotten the finer details of being a healer.” The part about him being her friend was left unsaid but hung heavy in the silence.

  Commonsense warred with irrational jealousy. The idea of any male placing their hands on Maggie stretched his precious control like a bow being fired. “I’m sure you haven’t, but I still want others in attendance in case you have need of them.” And in case you enrage me enough I toss you out of the chamber.

  “I bow to your superior wisdom.”

  “You would do well not to mock me in public, Avrin.” Talion used his name on purpose. It seemed his dear friend needed a reminder he, as king, could refer to him by his given name, whereas Avrin wouldn’t dare to be so familiar. He normally allowed Avrin many liberties, but not now. Not with Maggie injured and his nerves just as bloodied as she.

  Avrin inclined his head, acknowledging his transgression. “Your Majesty has my apologies.”

  Talion didn’t reply in fear a stinging retort would fly from his lips. He knew once this occurrence was behind him, he wouldn’t want to unduly shame his friend.

  A few more turns and the door stood in front of them. Avrin reached for the handle, but Talion stopped him. “It won’t open for you.” It wouldn’t open for anyone but him and to those whom he gave it permission—namely Cal, the cleaning maids, and Vana. And of course, Maggie herself could enter and leave as she willed.

  Avrin’s hand dropped to his side, but his face remained impassive. “I should’ve known.”

  “Given the circumstances, I can’t be too careful.”

  Avrin looked ready to protest, but then his gaze fell on Maggie. “I guess you cannot,” he said softly. “But there are those you know you can trust—with your life and hers.”

  The gentle rebuke burrowed into Talion’s conscience. Avrin suspected the truth, but Talion didn’t feel like sharing news of his bonding with anyone. Maggie was his, but she wasn’t his yet in every way that mattered. The whole situation surrounding their bonding was all so new, and then there were Maggie’s wishes. She didn’t want anyone to know of them—ever. But he’d have to go against those wishes soon. It might be the only way to protect her.

  “We’ll talk of this later.” That was all he could give Avrin right now. Maggie’s injuries came first. He quickly sent his consciousness out toward the wards locking the door and gave them a new command. Though he could open the door this way, he wouldn’t. He nodded to his friend. “Please open the door now.”

  Avrin’s eyes widened in surprise, but he did as bid. It appeared Avrin hadn’t missed the significance of the action. Talion allowed a small smile to glide over his lips.

  He crossed over the threshold, and Vana glanced up from the chair where she mended a nightshift. Her hands froze, and horror painted her face.

  She stood up, the nightshift sliding to the ground. “What’s happened?”

  He sent her a grim look. “Somehow a statue exploded when your mistress walked past it.”

  Puzzlement creased her brow. “Why would anyone hurt Lady Maggie?”

  Why indeed? But he knew the answer to this question. Being human made her a target of sorts. And some people would believe it an unforgivable slight to the elvin way of life if she were his bonded mate. An unsavory realization bombarded his mind, and anger blazed within him again. Did anyone know of their bonding? Worse, who was the traitor in his midst?

  The only person who strongly suspected the truth was Avrin, and Talion trusted him as he did very few others. He dismissed the doubt with a shake of his head. No, the secret was safe with his friend.

  But then remembrance of one particular council meeting floated back. He’d been advised to bond again, and he nearly growled. If Baltor and Mecebrin were the traitors, they’d pay dearly.

  He stared at Vana, but didn’t really see her. His vengeance played out before him. “I have an inkling of who may be behind this. Needless to say, they don’t approve of humans being in Eria.”

  ***

  The world around Maggie seemed to weave in and out. Her head felt all fuzzy, and the sting of her cuts receded to a dull pain. She floated on the most comfy material. It was warm, silken, and hard all at the same time. But most important, it protected and held her close. She just knew this.

  The substance’s lulling motion almost put her to sleep…until it suddenly stopped. She frowned, then the motion started again. But it ended too soon, and she now rested upon something else. Her hand moved over it, and velvet brushed her fingertips. The material felt suspiciously like the blanket from her bed—or the one from Talion’s he placed there to keep her warm after their romps. As the memory filtered through her mind, she opened her eyes and reality returned. So did the pain. She blinked a few times to clear away the haze.

  Her bedroom surrounded her. But more disturbing were the figures crowded around her bed. Watching her sleep shouldn’t be a freak show. Avrin, a few other medics, and Vana all stared at her. Her gaze landed on Talion. He sat on the bed and leaned over her, but something past him caught her attention. Were those a few guards lurking in the background? She squinted. Yes, they were! She was a social person by nature, but waking up to an impromptu party in her bedroom taxed even her.

  The words flooded out. “Why is everyone standing over me like I’m receiving my last rites? It’s a few cuts. I’m not dying.”

  Talion rose and opened his mouth to reply, but a voice came from near the door and beat him to it. “Sounds like she’s fine. Her mouth is as sassy as ever.”

  Maggie glared at her newest visitor. Kenhel had a goofy smirk on his face, one she’d wipe off if she could. But her body protested all movement, so sitting u
p wasn’t something she wanted to do right now. Who would’ve thought cuts could hurt this badly?

  Since she couldn’t launch a physical attack, she settled for sarcasm. “So good for you to join us.” One more person to watch the circus side show.

  A snort sounded from behind Kenhel, and Maggie saw Cal peek into the room. Relian loitered behind her. Cal stepped around Kenhel and gave him a Maggie-worthy dressing down. “Would you move, you big oaf?”

  He executed a small bow. “As my princess demands.” He moved to the side to let Relian enter.

  Cal rolled her eyes and came to stand near Talion. “How are you doing?”

  Maggie stretched her toes, which were now sans slippers, and took stock of her aches. “I feel like I was high and just crashed back to Earth. Everything was fuzzy for a while. But I’m alive and well.”

  Her friend’s gaze flickered to Talion, and Maggie could see the question practically blazing in her eyes: why is the king sitting at your bedside? Maggie shrugged in way of an answer.

  Cal regarded her for a moment. “You look…rough.”

  Maggie grimaced and regretted it once pain speared through her cheek. “Aww, thanks, Cal. You know how to make me feel better.”

  “You’re fortunate you look as good as you do. I heard the noise from the great hall. It was quite an explosion,” Cal said.

  “I think everybody heard the noise from the great hall,” Kenhel said.

  A growl erupted in the room, and the bed shook. The bed shook? Maggie turned and looked at Talion. Every line of his tense body spoke of displeasure, and his shoulders quavered as if he were suppressing some strong emotion.

  “If this farce would stop, Maggie could receive the medical attention she needs.”

  Silence pervaded the room. Even she didn’t want to chance riling him when he sounded so pissed off.

  Avrin stepped up to the bed. Vana moved out of the way so he could settle next to Maggie. Talion remained where he sat and didn’t look like he planned to budge anytime soon. Stupid guy. He was going to raise suspicions with his actions, but some little part of her nagged she’d be angry if he didn’t show her some care. Geez, what sort of woman was he making her into? She hated those kind of contrary creatures.

  “Here, drink this,” Avrin said, holding a steaming mug in his hand. “It will numb the pain in a few minutes.” Talion propped Maggie up with some pillows and held the mug to her lips. His sweet actions almost brought a smile to her face. Then she tasted the hot liquid, and any notion of a smile disappeared. The bitter herbal taste coated her tongue, making her gag.

  Talion glared at Avrin. “Didn’t you sweeten it for her?”

  “I didn’t have sugar or honey in my medicinal bag.” Avrin turned toward Maggie with a jar of salve. “This may smart a little.”

  “Go head. It can’t hurt much more than it does now.”

  As he dabbed salve on the cuts that marred her face and upper chest, she wanted to eat her words. It hurt like she was in the fifth level of hell instead of just the first one. The air hissed out between her clenched teeth. “What’s in there? Salt?”

  “Just a secret blend of tea tree oil, calendula, and Echinacea, among other things.”

  “It’s not so secret if you give away half of the ingredients.”

  His lips twitched. “I guess not.” He inspected a cut on her cheek. “I think this one will need some stitches.”

  “Great. And I’ll probably have a scar.” She screwed her face up in disgust. “On my cheek.”

  “Avrin will sew up the cut so you won’t have a scar,” Talion said. He turned to Avrin. “She won’t have a scar, will she?”

  The warning note in his voice caused Maggie to bristle a bit. He didn’t want a queen with such a flaw? Well, she was plenty human, so flawed was her middle name. He’d better get used to that. Once she processed the actual meaning of her thought, she reined in the urge to hit her head against something. He’d better get used to what? She wouldn’t be his queen. She bit her lip. Or would she?

  “She won’t have one.”

  “Good.” Talion’s imperious tone implied he expected no other outcome.

  “Before I patch up that cut, I need to check Maggie for other wounds.”

  Talion lifted a brow. “So? Do it then.”

  Avrin shook his head. “She’ll need to remove her gown. Some of the shards ripped through the gauzy material.”

  “When I dressed in this gown today, I didn’t know I’d be attacked by a statue. Otherwise, I’d have picked something heavier.”

  Talion’s gaze speared her. “I’m glad you can make light of this situation, for I cannot.”

  “Once I’m bandaged up, I’ll be as good as new.”

  “You shouldn’t have been hurt at all. You could’ve been killed.”

  His last sentence came out harshly, and her mind zeroed in on the reality of his words. She could have been seriously injured, killed even. As this sunk in, her heart pounded, and nausea welled up in the pit of her stomach. Damn, who’d just tried to take her out?

  Cal echoed her sentiments. “But why would anyone try to hurt Maggie?”

  “Because she’s human?” Kenhel asked and pursed his lips.

  Relian shrugged. “So is Cal. And Cal is in a much more visible position.”

  Ha, not anymore. If they only knew. But did someone know? Was the attack on her because of her close friendship with Cal? Or was it because of her relationship with Talion? But who knew of their bond? Avrin might suspect, but he was the king’s closest friend, not to mention her good friend, too. No way would he hurt either Talion or her.

  She glanced at Talion to gage his reaction, but he was looking at Kenhel.

  “Did the sentries discover anything in their preliminary investigation of the scene?”

  Kenhel shook his head. “They’ve reported nothing yet. But I will check in with them as soon as I leave here. Right now they’re attempting to determine what could’ve caused the statue to shatter like that.”

  “This is another problem to worry about.” Talion ran a hand through his hair. It was tousled and made him so sexy looking, she could— Down, girl, this isn’t the time or place.

  And she couldn’t ignore the stress lining his face. Her heart lurched, almost blinding her physical pain in its intensity. Maybe he’d come to the conclusion a human bond mate was nothing but a pain in the ass. If his mind turned in this direction, his lust for her might soon dissolve into bitterness and regret. And why wouldn’t it? That was the nature of such things. If he were right about the bond being unbreakable, they’d be stuck in that emotional quagmire for the rest of their existence. Not a pretty picture.

  She’d been so busy trying to find a way out she hadn’t given the future much thought if fate permanently saddled them together. Not that she was ready to admit defeat, but maybe it was time she considered what her life might be like if she did stay with him. As his queen.

  Kenhel’s voice drew her back to the present. She’d have to think about the future later.

  “—will go soon. We will find something.” His voice rang with surety, then he glanced at Maggie. He waggled his brows. “But we’re keeping Maggie from the rest of her inspection.”

  Goofball. “I’m not a piece of meat.” Really, could she not get away from that connotation even here?

  Kenhel’s faux leer said that wouldn’t be happening. “You’re quite the dish.”

  Talion smacked his hand on one of the bedside tables. “It’s time for you to go, Kenhel,” he said tightly. “You have matters calling for your attention.”

  Talion needed to chill. Couldn’t he see the looks he was getting?

  Even Kenhel wore a perplexed expression. But he soon replaced it with a silly grin and bowed to Talion. “I have other places to be and other people to bother.” He then gazed at Maggie. “Sleep well, my lady. During that time, the medicine should blunt the pain.”

  “I’ll be fine after Avrin has his way with me.” Ooh, her choice of w
ords may not have been wise.

  Talion’s face darkened like thunderous clouds before a tornado. “Everybody out except Avrin, Cal, and Vana.”

  The bark in his tone galvanized the others to head toward the door. Talion made no such effort. No surprise there. But Relian seemed to think better of it, and paused. He waited until the others vacated the room. “Are you not coming, father?”

  “A guest in my palace was injured. I’m staying to see she is properly attended to.”

  Relian’s brows snapped together. “Since when have you personally stayed by the bedside of someone, guest or not, injured in the palace?”

  Yeah, how are you going to answer that one, Talion? She couldn’t force herself to look at Relian and Cal, sure the truth would show on her face if she did. And if he hadn’t known before, Avrin surely knew of their bonding now.

  “You stayed by Cal’s when she was hurt.”

  She cringed. Nearly any answer would’ve been better.

  Apparently, Relian thought so, too, if his disbelieving expression was anything to go by. “I was to be bonded to her.”

  Talion’s compose remained untouched. “Maggie has no such person to look after her, so as king, I will fulfill the role.”

  Skepticism etched Relian’s face, and worry bit at her. If she could tell Relian believed it a bunch of bullcrap, then Talion surely saw the same thing.

  Relian sighed. “What’s going on? Every time I attempt to talk with you, there’s always a reason why you have to leave. And even before you escape, you’re very closed-mouthed.”

  “I’ve had the same problem with your father,” Avrin said.

  Talion growled. “Avrin, leave it be.”

  “Of course, Your Majesty.”

  “Don’t call me that.” Talion scowled. “We’re among friends.”

  “As you wish…Talion.”

  “Just proceed with your examination of Maggie and leave. Relian, please go. Now.” He didn’t spare his son a look.

  Maggie fought to keep her mouth from dropping open. Talion was losing his cool—with someone other than her. This didn’t happen too often. His temper was foul. Could worry over the incident in the great hall be responsible?