Page 26 of Forgiving a Fae Warrior

Galen flung out an arm in front of Sylvie. “Don’t punish her because of me!” He bared his teeth, all but snarling at his commander. “She would never betray the Court of the Forest. Sylvie only sought to help me.” If he had to fight the man to protect her, so be it.

Ambrose stood quickly, raising his hands in front of him. “I’m just to deliver the message and bring you to Riven.”

“It’s okay.” Sylvie grabbed Galen’s arm, giving it a little squeeze. The smile she aimed his way hit like a punch to the gut. How could she be so calm? So fine with everything?

“But you—”

She squeezed tighter. “I made my own choices, and I regret none of them.”

“Sylvie…” He dropped his arm before twining his fingers with hers. The time for regrets was passed. Now, they had to face whatever awaited. But whatever the king’s judgment may be, Galen would do anything—promise anything—to ensure Sylvie didn’t pay the price for his treasons.

“Fine.” Galen pulled in a deep breath and turned his focus back to Ambrose. “Take us to the king.”

Chapter 14

Theterribleknotstuckin Galen’s throat and refused to release as they waited outside the king’s private office. Galen had been there more times than he could count—had long ago memorized the intricate design of great trees and wild animals carved into the double-door entry. Not once had he been so nervous. But then, his fate, and that of his mate, had never rested on what the king would decide once those doors opened and they were let inside.

They stood there in heavy silence, his fingers laced with Sylvie’s, for no more than a minute or two, but those seconds could have been an eternity. Solona, the king’s advisor, opened one side of the double doors and slipped out into the waiting area, her golden dress swishing across the floor. She paused briefly, her head tilting ever so slightly to the side as she looked at him before her gaze dropped to his and Sylvie’s joined hands. Her expression gave away nothing before she gave a short nod and said, “He waits.”

Solona gestured toward the office. Light spilled out from within, a beckoning harbinger, though whether of damnation or salvation, he couldn’t say.

“Well, don’t keep him waiting,” Ambrose said with a pointed look Galen’s way.

Galen’s grip on Sylvie’s hand tightened as he looked to her. She gave a weak smile in return, but he couldn’t find the strength to return it, no matter how much he wanted to comfort her at that moment. Finally, he stepped toward the door, bringing Sylvie with him.

Ambrose moved into his path with a shake of his head. “Just you for now, Galen. Sylvie will wait with us.”

Shit.Galen wiggled his fingers on instinct, trying to somehow tie him closer to the woman he loved. This was it. Already they separated them. He’d hoped to plead his case to the king before they were separated. But maybe, just maybe, a voice whispered in the back of his head, going in alone was a good thing. Perhaps they would spare Sylvie even if they planned differently for him.

Galen turned to Sylvie, who stood uncharacteristically silent and pensive. “It’ll be all right,” he said. For her, if not for him. If they planned to exile them both, they’d do it in one swoop rather than making her wait. Ambrose wasn’t cruel. Neither was the king. Separating them now could only mean that their punishments were divided. If Sylvie was safe, he could face whatever came next for himself.

“Galen…” Her shoulders drooped.

“Hopefully, I’ll see you in a few minutes.” He tore his hand from hers before she could say something to make him crumble. His actions led to this moment. He’d face his fate head-on and with courage.

Without a backward glance, he entered the king’s private office and slid the door shut behind him.

Riven waited in his chair behind the desk, hands folded under his chin and elbows propped on the desktop. A casual pose, but his expression was carefully blank, giving nothing away. Without being told, Galen crossed the room to stand a careful few feet away from the front of the desk and waited, his posture stiff, chin raised, and heart trying to beat right out of his ribs.

“Galen Lightstrider.” Riven stood, his fingertips pressing into the desk top in front of him. “Former member of my elite guard, one who I specifically assigned to watch after my future queen.”

The words hit like a dagger tossed across the space between them. The king hadn’t just raised him up to the ranks of the elite. He was trusted. Assigned to bring Lia, the king’s precious consort, to court and watch after her. Galen had prided himself on the honor, but hearing it tossed out now struck him completely differently, filling him with shame that nearly broke his resolve to meet his king’s piercing gaze.

“A child of two courts,” Riven continued, “but I always believed your heart and loyalty were here.”

“They are, your highness.” The words spilled out, met by a slight widening of Riven’s eyes. “I was oath sworn to Sigurd in my youth, but I did not want it. I did not wish to serve him.” Galen dropped to one knee and bowed his head. “In my heart, my loyalty was always with the Court of the Forest. With you.”

Riven rounded the desk until Galen could make out the king’s boots—clean and gleaming, free of any sign of the struggle that occurred earlier in the day—just a few steps away. Galen held absolutely still, the fine hair on the back of his neck prickling in anticipation of the king’s next word or action.

“Lia believes this.”

Galen’s ribs squeezed tight in the heavy pause that followed.

“As does your mate, I’d wager.”

At that, Galen’s head snapped up to stare at his king. “She’s innocent of any treason against the Court of the Forest. She did not know of my vow to Sigurd. Sylvie has done nothing to harm her honor other than give food and comfort to an exile.”To me.

Riven rubbed a spot on his chest as he glanced away. “Love can make us quite impulsive.” He glanced back at Galen. “I trust her loyalty. She will not be punished for her act of kindness.”

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