Page 12 of Warrior Princess
“Why so many snacks?” he whispered into my ear, his breath warm against my skin as he planted a soft kiss on my neck.
“In case I get hungry on the way to Keldara.” I paid the vendor and took the bag of fire berries, then turned within his embrace and held up my purchases like treasures. “A little reminder of home.”
His smile broadened and amusement lit his eyes. “Home?”
I nodded. “You said this would be a home away from home, did you not?”
“I did.” His eyes crinkled at the corners as he fought to keep his smile from overtaking his expression.
We started walking toward his home. “Why are you here? Is Mykal here already?”
“Yes, he’s waiting for you at the ritual hall.” Ronan took the bags from my hands and intertwined his fingers with mine. “Are you sure about this, Leila? Why don’t I accompany you?”
I shook my head firmly. “No. The whole purpose of me going as the peace delegate is to keep everyone from the Grasslands safe. The minute you cross the border, you’ll be at risk.”
“Leila… no one knows much about King Eduard. I just…”
“I know,” I reassured him softly. “But it will be fine. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”
Ronan exhaled deeply, his brow furrowed with concern. “You’ve put your life on the line one too many times for my liking, Leila. I just want you safe.”
I stopped and wrapped my arms around him, then reached up to plant a quick kiss on his lips. “I know,” I murmured against his mouth. “But I promise this is the last time.”
He shook his head, his crimson gaze filled with frustration and fear. “Leila,” he whispered hoarsely, “you have no idea how I felt when I woke up and heard you were dead. I don’t want to ever feel like that again. Please…”
“You won’t,” I whispered back, my fingers gently brushing stray strands of his hair from his face. “You’ll never experience that ever again. I promise.”
“You can’t promise me that, Leila.” He turned away, his voice strained.
“Yes I can,” I stated firmly, determination steeling my voice. “I’ll make sure of it.”
“AndIpromise to protect her,” came Mykal’s voice unexpectedly close. We both turned to see him approaching, his presence solid and imposing. His short brown hair was tousled, as if he’d been raking his fingers through it in frustration. His tall, muscular frame cast a long, thin shadow in the afternoon sun.
Ronan’s gaze narrowed in suspicion. “What are you doing here? I told you I’d bring her—”
Mykal gave a nonchalant shrug. “I got tired of waiting. You were taking too long.”
Ronan started to protest, but Mykal’s intense, honey-colored gaze cut him off. “The king waits for no one, and I don’t have time to sightsee. We really should get going, Princess,” he addressed me directly as his eyes lingered on the scarf strategically placed around my neck.
I swallowed hard and my heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. Could we – or rather, couldI– trust Mykal? Doubts clouded my mind, but it was too late to turn back now.
Ronan turned to face me, his expression a complex tapestry of worry and resolve as he took my hand. Despite Mykal's looming presence just a few steps away, he leaned in close, his voice a hushed whisper meant only for me. “It’s not too late to change your mind,” he said, the urgency in his eyes betraying his composed tone.
“Stop,” I murmured softly. Placing my hand over his chest, I felt the steady thump of his heart beneath my palm. “Everything will pan out. I’ll go to Keldara, meet with the king, and broker a peace treaty for the Crimson Clan. Then I’ll return, Ronan.”
Ronan's face twisted with fear and resolve. He squeezed my hand, his eyelids fluttering shut momentarily as if trying to block out the reality of the situation.
“Ronan, look at me,” I whispered, my other hand gently caressing the side of his face, coaxing him to meet my gaze. When his eyes finally opened, I offered a reassuring smile. “Everything will be fine. But if I don’t return and you haven’t heard from me in five days, I give you permission to come and get me.”
His jaw locked and he narrowed his gaze. “If I don’t hear from you, I won’t just come to get you, Leila. I’ll be coming for you with an army. So make sure you maintain contact unless you want me to start a war,” he growled.
The promise hung between us, sealed before Mykal as a silent witness, offering Ronan a sliver of solace. His concern was not unfounded. King Eduard was a mystery, and General Thomas’s cautionary words that evenhecouldn’t guarantee my safety against the king echoed in my mind, a stark reminder of the risks involved.
Feeling Ronan's tension slightly ease with the contingency plan, I released his hand to take the bags of snacks from him. I pressed a quick, firm kiss on his lips, a silent promise of my return, and held his gaze. “If you hear from my father, let me know. I want to make sure he got my letter.”
“Of course.” Ronan nodded with a semblance of calm restored.
“Leaving so soon?” Chief Aryan called out from behind us. We whirled around to face him. “I can’t imagine you’d leave without saying goodbye.”
