Betrayals of Spring (Forever Fae #2)(33)
“I need to take her with me, Meliantha. I’m going to have Heylfred, our advisor, take a look at her. He’s very powerful and he will be able to help her and figure out what happened.”
She looks up at me, and although her expression is strong, I can still see the quiver in her lip when she asks, “Are you going to lock her up?” My chest tightens at the thought of her friend being punished for something she didn’t consciously do, but I have to take her with me to make sure she is secured. I don’t want to cause Meliantha more pain, but it’s looking like the dark sorcerer plans to continuously cause it. I really hope one day we will find a way to destroy the bastard.
I take Meliantha’s hand and I lightly kiss her palm.
“She’s not going to the dungeons, if that’s what you are asking. I’ll have her safely secured in a nice room until we figure it all out. She killed a noble, Meliantha. Dark sorcerer or not, Darius is still gone, and we have to prove her innocence to the court.” I tilt her chin to look up at me. “I am so sorry, my love.”
She nods her head and gets to her feet. Her eyes look tired, but she’s holding her body strong. I admire her for her loyalty and courage, and best of all, I love that she is mine. I pick Elissa up off the ground and I cradle her in my arms. Ashur and Meliantha both place gentle kisses on her head before stepping back.
“I’m going to take good care of her,” I say to both of them.
Then to Meliantha I say, “After I get Elissa settled and Heylfred sent to her, I’ll come see you first thing in the morning. We haven’t finished talking yet.” She nods her head and kisses me tenderly on the lips.
“Please keep her safe,” she whispers. I watch her walk away with her guardian by her side. She looks back once before disappearing down the path.
“Alright, warriors, let’s go.”
Last night was the best and worst night of my life. Having the vision with Meliantha was the best, but having to take away her best friend was the worst. Not to mention, the dark sorcerer is trying to wreak havoc in Meliantha’s path. After I left her last night, I secured Elissa in a private room where she remained unconscious throughout the night until early this morning. I sat with her the whole time Heylfred performed his magic and found the solution. The necklace Elissa had been wearing was spelled with dark magic and that is how the dark sorcerer gained his entry. I wonder where she got the necklace. It is now with Aelfric to be taken back to the Elvish Kingdom where it can be destroyed in the magical fires, along with Finn’s gold cuff.
After Elissa woke up, she was confused and lethargic. I gave her a few minutes to herself before explaining to her what happened. She was hysterical at first, but later calmed down slightly when I promised to bring Meliantha and Ashur to come see her before the trial. It is tragic that we lost one of our own, but the devastation and heartache Elissa is going through right now is a punishment in its own. I wish I could console her, but I know there is nothing that could make the events of the past night easier on her. Meliantha will know what to do to help.
I couldn’t get my mind off Meliantha last night. Knowing she was in the cottage alone with her past lover had me on edge. Finn seems like an honorable warrior, but if he tries to seduce her in my absence, I’m going to kick his ass all the way back to the Summer Court. If I wasn’t busy handling this travesty, I would have liked her to stay with me...alone.
I’m beginning to understand how the twisted mind of the dark sorcerer works. He’s doing everything possible to keep Meliantha and me apart. If we’re separated, we can’t fulfill our destiny. He’s succeeded at it for five years so he could...damn it! He’s been laughing at us the entire time while f*cking with Meliantha physically and emotionally. Just thinking about it makes my body shake in fury. He’s had his hands all over her and done who knows what to her out of his sick and twisted enjoyment. I know Meliantha is strong, and she has me to help her, but how long is it going to before she breaks from the sorcerer’s perverted pleasures?
My eyes are heavy and they feel like a bag of salt has been poured into them. I think I may have gotten about an hour of sleep during the whole ordeal. I plan to spend the morning with Meliantha and take her somewhere special before Elissa’s trial today. I don’t know when she plans on leaving, but I know she has to go back to the Summer Court to get everything arranged before forming our court. The pull to the land has grown stronger since last night and I know it’s telling me to come claim it. I am sure Meliantha is feeling the same way. I can’t wait to say the sacred words and be bound to her for all eternity. I plan to make the announcement of our bonding after the trial.
I rub my eyes and stretch to get the kinks out of my muscles. It’s snowing outside, like usual, but for once I don’t dread the day. I quickly get out of bed and into the shower. Once I’m out, I towel dry and comb my hair. I have to be prepared if I’m to protect Meliantha, so I put on my full warrior gear. My breast plate is in place and I have everything strapped and laced. My sword is heavy hanging from the holster on my hip, but it’s a welcome weight that I find great comfort in.
It’s still early, but I can’t wait a moment longer to see her. Before walking out of my cabin, I see my reflection in the window. After taking a shower earlier, I can’t believe I didn’t take the time to notice my newly changed body. It’s amazing how different my skin looks and feels. My heart finally feels like it belongs somewhere — it belongs with Meliantha, and in our court.