Page 49 of Enchanted Heir
He didn’t step toward me for some odd reason, so I closed the gap between us. His magic was already gone, still, I grabbed his hand, intertwining our fingers.
The scene dissolved, and the crowd began whispering, the attention still on us, but somehow also not. The small orchestra began playing music again, helping to draw the attention away.
And there I stood, hand in hand with Prince Darkness.
“Let’s go get a drink,” I offered. “Of water. From Rinaldi.”
He gave me a nod but didn’t take his eyes off me. “All right.”
Waters in hand, we were almost back to my window when I heard someone whisper, “Just like his father. Will make a fine king.”
I hoped Krew hadn’t heard it but judging by the way his hand squeezed mine and his whole body went tense, it was safe to say he had. I wondered if his magic would be back, were it not for my hand in his. The woman could not have been more wrong about half of her statement. The other half holding accurate given everything I had just seen.
As soon as we were far off from everyone else, he bit out, “You didn’t have to do that. Take my hand.”
I reached my free arm across for his other arm to stop him. “You just defended and protected me. Why wouldn’t I, Krew?”
“I’m sorry you had to see me in that way.”
I was sure to look him in the eyes when I said back, “I can handle it.”
He muttered, “I feel as if I am failing you. And.. . theorphanage. And I do not welcome either of those feelings.”
I wasn’t sure if he was admitting that to me or himself. I shook my head. “No, Krew. You didn’t fail me.”
“He touched you,” he hissed. “So yes, I failed.”
A voice from behind us interrupted with, “Jorah, are you okay?”
It was Keir. After ignoring me and avoiding me, he was checking in. People were watching, but he was also careful to ask with Krew there still holding my hand. A smart decision at least that wouldn’t cause too much harm.
“I’m all right,” I said to Keir with a quick smile.
Keir’s magic was flaring in his palm which he rubbed with his other hand. “I’m sorry, Jorah.”
I shrugged. “Me too. I suppose a ball like this one was bound to produce some poor decisions. Or in the very least, a false sense of bravery.”
Keir smiled. “Fair point.” Then to Krew he added, “We should probably dismiss our consorts and go see what Father has done. Or is in the process of doing.”
Krew gave him a nod. “I was just thinking the same.”
What he had done?As in if the king killed Michael, or was merely in the process of torturing him?
Keir sighed. “Goodnight, Jorah.”
“Goodnight,” I said lightly.
Krew brushed his thumb along mine. “So I am going to leave you with Owen while I quickly dismiss the rest. Then I will take you upstairs with Owen. And then I’ll go deal with that.”
“I’m sorry you have to deal withthaton account of me,” I offered.
“I’m not,” he said coolly. “He deserved every bit of it and more.”
* * *
I was pacing.Krew had delivered me to his room. Silvia had helped me out of my gown and into some silk pajamas. I’d even laid down for a while. But then I just kept wondering what was happening with the princes, the king, and Michael Noyer.
I thought Michael Noyer was evil, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to be the reason he died either.
