Page 77 of Warrior Princess
As I waited, I lifted my shirt and looked at the scar on my abdomen where I’d been stitched up. The fact that I survived atall was a miracle in itself. Death kept knocking at my door, and I kept avoiding it. Eventually I would have to answer.
Ronan stormed inside the house, his face flushed. Henry hurried to keep pace behind him. “Leila!” He dropped to his knees beside the bed and rested his forehead on my hand. “Thank the gods. I thought…”
“I’m fine,” I whispered and brushed his hair back. “I’m sorry I frightened you.”
“Please, Leila, don’t ever do that again. I don’t think I can handle it,” Ronan murmured against my hand. “If I ever lose you…”
“You won’t… I promise.”
He nodded, then wiped the moisture from his eyes and looked up at me. “How are you feeling? Are you in pain?”
I shook my head. “No. Just a bit groggy from sleeping too much.”
“Henry?” Ronan peered over his shoulder at the boy. “Ask Silas to prepare a meal for Leila, please.”
“Yes sir!” Henry saluted Ronan and bounded out of the house.
Once he was gone, Ronan turned back to me. “Henry told me about what happened in Valoria… but what happened in Eldwain?” I asked.
“Avery is now queen,” Ronan said, “as the only living descendent of King Alwyn. The elders had no choice but to make her queen. First thing she did was to get rid of those Ellyndor elders.” He grinned.
My brows shot up to my hairline. “Really?” I gasped. “Can she do that?”
“I’m guessing she can,” he said with a shrug. “Because she did. Ellyndor is back to hiding and shutting their borders. I don’t think we’ll be seeing anyone from there anytime soon.”
“Good for Avery,” I murmured. “How is Selene? I said some hurtful things to her before the battle… I need to apologize.” I looked down at my hands, ashamed.
Ronan covered my hands with his. “She’s in Valoria,” he said. “And she left you a letter.” He pulled out an envelope from inside his leathers.
I quickly opened it and started to read.
My Dearest Leila,
When you read this, you might already be in the Grasslands, while I’ll be in Valoria. I decided to follow Prince Marcellus because that is where my heart lies, and I hope you can understand. Although, I know you do. You’ve always been very understanding, which is why I know you might feel guilty about our last conversation. I want to let you know that no apologies are needed. I know why you didn’t want me there. Like always, you were trying to protect me, which is why I did not take your words to heart. I love you dearly, Leila. I always will.
May our paths cross in the future. I hope to see you soon.
With much love,
Selene
I rereadthe letter several more times before I smiled and folded it up again. She knew me well, and fortunately Selene never held a grudge. I didn’t know whether that was a good thing or a bad thing. But I was glad she was with Marcel. He would keep her safe. And now with our mother gone, there was no one to oppose their relationship from progressing as it should.
“Everything okay?” Ronan asked, taking my attention back to him.
I smiled. “Yes, everything’s alright.”
“I hope you’re not upset I brought you back to the Grasslands,” Ronan murmured. “I wanted you to rest somewhere peaceful, and I wanted to be by your side when you woke.”
I grabbed his hand and looked around his modest home. “I’m not upset. If anything, I’m sort of glad to be back here.”
His brows shot up. “Really?”
I nodded. “Really. I’ve grown fond of the Grasslands. I hope we can establish a home here. Together.”
A smile spread so wide across Ronan’s face, I thought it would split him in half. “Truly?”
“Truly,” I repeated with a giggle. “I want forever with you, Ronan. Now that Asteria is at peace, I want to start our forever.”
