Page 2 of Forgiving a Fae Warrior

Galen raised his head as the guards moved away. They wouldn’t go far. Not only were humans valuable and treasured, Wren was as precious as their king now that she shared his mark. Even so, they’d give them the illusion of privacy since she asked for it.

Wren looked from the retreating guards to Galen. “I thought you’d have left by now.”

“I wanted to see you again first,” he replied.

A soft smile rose to her lips. Her posture loosened in what could only be relief.

She wanted to see me.Another thing so simple and natural but more painful than she could ever know.

Wren was here, but soon she would be gone, and he would lose his chance. He couldn’t let that happen. Galen rose to his feet and offered her his arm. “Walk with me?”

“Please,” she replied, sliding her arm through his. Like a companion, a friend. Galen swallowed against the tightness in his throat.

The guards followed at a distance. Galen attuned himself to their presence, the sound of their footsteps, leaning into his many years of training as a member of the elite guard of the Forest.

“He marked you,” Galen said as they walked, the accusation coming out much harsher than he intended.

Wren’s arm through his stiffened ever so slightly. “It was mutual.” She gave a half-shrug as if it was nothing important, but the words and the act spoke volumes.

The king’s desire for her was obvious. And while his scent often clung to her, Wren had seemed uncertain, more torn by whatever connection they had and still steadfast on returning home. Had that changed?

“So you won’t be leaving after all?” Galen asked, his curiosity piqued. “You win the tournament for your freedom and then decide to stay?” The last bit came out edged in bitterness. She’d done as she promised, yes, but trying so hard to win just to give it up? The thought had his jaw clenching tight.

“No,” Wren snapped, raising her chin and standing a little taller. “I still plan to return home. In the morning, in fact.”

Galen nearly missed a step as her reaction sank home. So soon, despite the mark she shared with the king. If he’d waited, he’d have been too late, just as he feared. Time was rarely his ally, and the lack of it only strengthened his resolve.

“My family needs me. That hasn’t changed,” Wren continued. “I plan to go home and care for them, see that they’re well.”

Good.He was glad of it. She hadn’t changed her mind or waivered in her determination despite whatever passed between her and the king. No matter what happened in the future or what she might think of him after this night, he was glad that she stayed true to herself.

“And then?” he asked. It was dangerous to give himself an out, a possible second chance if things did not go according to his plan. Still, he couldn’t help but wonder.

“I want to come back.” She gave another half-shrug. “Maybe go back and forth for a while.”

“I see.”

But his thoughts had drifted inward. Every possible negative outcome taunted him. There was one thing she had to know, though. Something that must be said before anything else.

“Thank you, Wren, for asking for our wishes.”

“It’s nothing,” she replied.

“It’s so much more than that. You had such confidence that the king would listen to your request, but I still doubted it. I thought, at best, it might be a deception, something to make it seem like my oath was revoked but holding me here just the same. But it’s not. I’m truly free.” The last part trails off into a breathy whisper. Free of the vow? Yes. Truly free? So far from it.

A burst of laughter from further down the path interrupted the silence hanging between them. He’d led them toward the party, the crowds, hoping the music and conversation would cloak some of their words, that the dancing flames and their shadows might give him a few precious extra moments.

“I’m happy for you,” Wren said with a smile. “You can return to Sylvie.”

Without thought, Galen reached up to rub the little golden leaf dangling from his ear. Though she would be far, far away, whatever enchantment clung to the gift still gave a tiny pull in her direction. The momentary joy sparked by her name slipped away as quickly as it came, the metal suddenly cold under his touch. Even if he managed to see her again, she may never forgive him. He might never see her smile, hear her laughter, or enjoy the blessing of her company.

“If she’ll have me,” he mumbled. “If any of them will after what I’ve done.”

He slipped his arm from Wren’s as fear tried to steal the last of his resolve. He turned away, breathing deeply and willing his racing heart to calm.

“Forgiveness can take time. It may not be immediate, but once they hear your story, it may come sooner than you expect.”

Galen huffed air through his nose but met Wren’s determined stare.

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