Page 21 of King

I bite back a scoff. Trusting fate is something I’ll likely never be able to do. It’s too unpredictable and has turned its back on me too many times. I’m thankful for Vaegon, but fate has repeatedly dumped fear and uncertainty onto my head. Even worse, it forced the fae I love to go through trials and horrors no one should have to face.

“Feed your pup, and let him sleep. I’ll have a meal waiting for you when you’re done. Then, you can also rest. When you wake up, your mate will have returned.”

Her repeated use of the word “mate” makes me wonder if she’s hinting at something. I’m not sure what all she’s able tosee or allowed to reveal, but I’m filled with hope that Durin and I might share a bond like that someday. He’ll have to survive his attack on the queen for that to happen, and the seer hasn’t shared anything about that if she knows.

I nod and take a seat in the rocking chair. “Thank you. Let me know what I can contribute while we’re here. I’d like to do my part.”

“Just rest,” she says, turning away. “Our accommodations are hardly worthy of what you and those you love will be contributing.”

She glides out the door and shuts it softly behind her, leaving me to consider her words. I can’t help but feel uneasy about the meaning behind them.

I hate being in the dark.

Knowing what’s coming means I can prepare for it. But this elf is set on leaving everything to fate. Pressing for answers won’t help. For now, I’ll have to make do with the morsels she gives me. Vaegon is safe here, and that’s what matters most.

I hear the seer moving around in the kitchen while I feed my hungry little pup. I can’t help but be excited about trying elven food. It will probably taste delicious no matter what it is. I haven’t had much to eat today. Or the past few days, really.

After Vaegon has had his fill, I change his wrappings and settle him in the fluffy bassinet. He drifts off immediately with a full belly and a safe, quiet place to rest.

I consider moving the bassinet to the other sleeping room so he’ll be with me but decide against it. It might come off as impolite or untrusting. It’s not worth risking the security we’ve found here.

When I slip out of the room, I’m met with the delicious aromas of the meal the seer left for me. In the center, a piece of smoked fish seasoned with various herbs sits on an intricately carved wooden plate. Two smaller plates rest to the side, onewith vibrant peppers stuffed with grains and nuts and the other with some kind of sweet, fruity bread. A steaming cup of tea entices me to sit and indulge myself.

I can’t help but feel like I’ve earned this.

I savor every bite, keeping the moans to a minimum to avoid waking Vaegon. The meal is delicious but incredibly filling. I find myself stumbling into the other room in need of sleep.

I leave the door open to hear if Vaegon cries for me, then pull back the blanket and climb in. I’ve barely settled before falling into a deep, peaceful sleep.

***

My eyes snap open at the sound of footsteps in the other room. I jump out of bed and rush toward Vaegon’s room. The elves scare me, but that won’t stop me from painting the floor with their blood. I charge out of the bedroom but stop short when I see Durin watching Vaegon sleep from the doorway.

“You’re back!” I gasp, running into his arms, relieved that the seer was right.

Durin holds me tight and presses a gentle kiss on my forehead. A pang of disappointment hits me that my lips don’t get the affection.

It quickly fades when I see the worry spread over his striking features.

I watch him walk over and carefully lift Vaegon out of the bassinet. He sits down on the rocking chair with our son nestled in one arm and reaches out for me to join him. I settle onto his lap and rest my head on his chest, staring down at our perfect little pup.

I get it. This worry for Vaegon’s safety is heavy. And until this realm is cleaned up, or he’s able to defend himself, it will continue to feel that way.

Vaegon wakes and blinks a few times before furrowing hisbrow and growling at me. But the tension melts away quickly, replaced by a toothless grin that lights up his face. I can’t help but giggle as he squints up at his father before sticking out his tongue and beaming once more.

He’s so young. I can’t tell if these are genuine smiles or simply a pup exploring what his facial muscles can do. Either way, they’re precious enough to balance out some of the fear.

“The queen knows about you and Vaegon,” Durin says softly, wiping my smile away. “I don’t know how, but—”

“Mannus,” I hiss quietly, trying not to scare the little one. “That sackless bastard... It had to be him.”

“It doesn’t matter who did it,” he says, resting his chin on top of my head. “What matters is keeping you and Vaegon safe. And you’re safe here.”

He wraps his free arm tightly around my waist and whispers against my hair. “Promise me you won’t try to leave. For any reason.”

“Of course,” I say, extending my finger for Vaegon to hold. “We won’t go anywhere, not without you.”

His chest rises with a deep breath, then falls as he lets it out slowly. “Good,” he says. “Because the queen wants you gone, and she wants to take Vaegon for herself.”

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