Page 24 of The King has Fallen

When the others were gone, he turned on his heel with a sharp glare at me, then a slightly softer, but still angry expression for Gall.

“Son, I have told you—”

“I know I shouldn’t lose the spear, but she should have one,” Gall said, lifting a hand towards me. “She’s a womanhere,Papa. She needs protection.”

I blinked, shocked. This was Melek’sson?!

“That’s not—”

“Why don’t you protect her?” Gall said, his tone growing frantic. “You said we should always watch for the safety of those weaker than us!”

“Yes, but… that isn’t—” Melek spluttered.

If it had been anyone else present, I would have thrown back my head and laughed. But I understood Gall more than either of them could know. And I knew his big, soft heart was pounding in his chest right now as he faced yet another moment in this dark world that he didn’t understand.

“You said—”

“Gall,listen,”Melek said, keeping his voice low, but firm. “She is anenemy.”

“She apologized to me.”

“She wants to manipulate you—”

“I would never hurt him,” I snapped, locking eyes with Melek who turned to glare at me. “Never,” I said just as firmly as he had. “As God is my witness, I would slityourthroat in a heartbeat. But him? He’s safe from me unless he tries to kill me first.”

Melek’s eyes narrowed, but Gall lifted his hand towards me again. “See?”

Melek gave a low rumble in his chest and averyunimpressed look at me, but then he raised his hands towards Gall. “Okay, okay. I’ll… I have an idea. If you’re so sure of her, Gall… why don’t you use your free hours to help me care for her? Then you’ll get to check each day that she’ssafe,”he said with averyironic look at me.

Gall’s face brightened. “Like a guard!” It was such a strange experience to hear that deep, masculine voice speaking with such childlike delight.

“Yes, sort of.”

“I would like that!”

“Good. Then the first thing I need you to do is to go find a waterskin for her, full of water. She hasn’t had a drink yet this morning. So that is your task. You go get her water and I’ll watch her until you get back, okay?”

“Okay!” Gall said, rushing towards the tent flap. “I’ll be back soon, Yilan. Don’t worry!”

I couldn’t help it. I had to smile at him. He waved then disappeared outside.

There was a moment of stillness then, when neither Melek nor I moved, and we both stared at that doorway.

Was he grieving, as I was, that these simple, beautiful minds had to be taught to fear the world?

I sighed, but then Melek turned to me, clawing a hand through his hair, his jaw tight, and his eyes a dark promise of violence.

“I would never hurt him,” I said quietly. “I meant that.”

“You’ll forgive me if I don’t believe a fucking word that comes out of your mouth. Buthewill, as long as it’s spoken kindly—and half the time when it isn’t. If you so much as curse in his direction—”

“My little sister is… similarly affected,” I said carefully and Melek’s teeth snapped shut. “She is precious.” I swallowed hard. “I am here to fight for her safety.”

His lips thinned, but he stopped barking at least.

“I understand the risks they face. I will do my best not to harm him even with my words. Ever.”

“He has already forgiven you for the spear,” Melek ground out.

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