Page 32 of A Touch of Iron
His face was openly curious. “What is it?”
“I need to send my mom back to the human realm … safely,” I said. “We can’t constantly be watching her in case the King decides to use her against me again. She needs to go back into hiding.”
Alec twisted his mouth to the side. “You have a point,” he whispered. “I’ll see if I can find a trustworthy fae to escort and watch over her.”
“Rook is the only one I trust,” I said. “I know he’s supposed to stay here to protect me, but I’d prefer that he watch over my mom instead.”
He exhaled loudly and shook his head, ready to disagree. “I can’t leave you unprotected, Vi.”
I beamed up at him. “I won’t be. I have you.”
The room filled with awkward silence as we stared at each other, neither of us willing to budge. Finally, he looked away and cleared his throat. “Fine. I’ll have Rook leave with her now before the duel commences. That way, no one can stop them regardless of how the duel ends.”
I exhaled gratefully and squeezed his hand. “Thank you. I really appreciate your help.”
Alec nodded curtly and stepped into the hallway to speak with Rook. With our time together dwindling, I walked into the sitting room to tell my mother goodbye.
“Ma,” I started, “I think it’s time you head back to the human realm.”
“What?” She shot up from her chair. “I’m not leaving you!”
“It’s not safe for you here,” I argued. “You must understand that.”
My mother straightened her spine, looking every inch the warrior princess. “I can take care of myself—”
“No you can’t, Mom,” I cut her off. “Against the fae, you don’t stand a chance.Ibarely do, and I’m a hybrid. I need you to go back. For my safety as well as your own. It’s the only way I’ll have peace of mind before going into this duel.”
She pulled me into an embrace. “I can’t leave you here all alone to fend for yourself.”
I held her just as fiercely. “I won’t be alone.”
“You can’t trust Alec,” she whispered.
I pulled back so she could see the sincerity in my eyes. “I know him better than you do, Mom. Besides that, I wouldn’t listen to everything Ansel says,” I warned. “Rook will go with you. Now will you go so I can stop worrying about you?”
She bit her lip, hesitating, then nodded in agreement.
* * *
Instead of the arena,the duel took place in the throne room with a select audience. After saying goodbye to my mother and Rook, I walked in with Alec by my side. Luckily, no one saw them leave and I had no clue where they were headed. This time I wouldn’t have to worry about Ansel knowing where they were and possibly betraying me… again.
The throne room was adorned with sheer curtains in alternating tones of white and sky blue, the traditional colors of the Air elementals. We arrived a few minutes early, but the limited seating was already filled with Unseelie in chairs that lined either side of the room, leaving a wide, empty space in the center.
The King’s throne was now flanked by another throne where the Seelie Queen sat. She had long, lustrous blonde hair that trailed along the floor, with clear blue eyes reminiscent of her Water elemental powers. Her skin was flawless porcelain. She was ethereal and altogether stunning.
“Ah, here’s the guest of honor!” the King greeted as we approached. He clapped his hands, eager to get started. “Shall we begin?”
Unease wafted off Alec in waves. I turned to him. “I’ll be fine,” I promised.
He nodded. “Remember, you don’t have to win. Just don’t let him hurt you.”
I wanted to snort but held it in. The others in the room vehemently hoped I’d win, while Alec was just telling me to stay alive. He squeezed my shoulder before stepping away and taking a seat next to his brother.
I walked to the center of the throne room and waited for the King to meet me halfway. After taking a few moments to bask in the attention, he stood from his throne and slowly walked toward me. When he stood four feet away, he snapped his fingers and Kazimir stepped forward holding an iron bracelet that he swiftly snapped around my wrist.
“This is so you can’t access any other elements besides air,” Kazimir explained. “It’s the same as the bracelet you wore during your trial. Don’t forget everything you learned these past few months,” he whispered before walking away.
Kazimir confused the hell out of me. I never knew whether he was on my side or not. In reality, he was probably only on one person’s side – his own.
