Page 106 of Storm to Victory
Aaruk, the ogre lad that Prince Farrendel and Fieran had picked up during that long story she had yet to hear, was asleep on a bed across the way, tucked in beneath the blankets so that only his head was visible.
Fieran had the bed next to Aaruk’s and across from his dacha’s. He was also dressed in gray dungarees, his left arm held out stiff at his side because of his own saline drip. His eyes were closed, his chest rising and falling as if he was still asleep.
Prince Edmund’s quiet voice held a trace of a chuckle. “It was rather convenient of them to bring me to their palace, right where I wanted to go. They provided a place for me to stay and everything. You’d think they would have learned after last time.”
“That was quite foolish of them.” Prince Farrendel nodded almost sagely, that too blank expression on his face that hinted at the humor beneath.
Pip remained where she was, pressed against the solid metal of the bulkhead. She probably shouldn’t be eavesdropping, but she couldn’t get her legs to move. There was something strangely comforting in listening to Fieran’s dacha and uncle recount what had happened in such light tones.
“Yes. What else was I going to do but spy on them after they arranged everything so nicely for me?” Even after everything they’d been through, Prince Edmund’s grin was wide, despite the healing bruises. “And they brought you right to the Ludin facility.”
“They had me and Fieran pinned down to tables.” The faint hint of humor vanished from Prince Farrendel’s face.
“Ah.” Prince Edmund’s grin disappeared as well, something in his eyes holding knowledge—maybe a memory—that Pip didn’t comprehend. “What else could they expect but utter annihilation after doing something so foolhardy?”
“Indeed.” Prince Farrendel’s tone held a dark trace of humor.
After all she’d been through in the past week—and throughout this war—Pip understood that dark humor more than she would have a year ago.
Finally forcing her legs to move, she stepped into the ward. Prince Edmund’s gaze snapped to her while Prince Farrendel craned his neck to look over his shoulder without moving his left arm with its intravenous needle too much.
Pip paused at their two beds and gestured to Prince Edmund. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. Or I will be in a day or two once the healing magic finishes.” Prince Edmund settled back against the pillow with a sigh. “I love healing magic.”
“And you? Are you all right?” Prince Farrendel regarded her with searching silver-blue eyes.
The old instinct to freeze swept through her, but it was only a heartbeat before the fatherliness in his gaze banished it.
Pip shrugged and rested a hand over the bandage on her arm. “I’m also fine. And also very thankful for healing magic.”
“Speaking of magic…” Prince Edmund’s grin returned in full force, cheery even with the blue-black bruises mottling his face. “You wouldn’t happen to be interested in a more permanent job with the Intelligence Office, would you? Your magic makes you uniquely suited to the job.”
More spying? No thank you. Pip resisted a shudder. She opened her mouth, trying to find the words to politely but firmly decline.
Prince Farrendel’s arms moved, as if he wanted to cross his arms but remembered the needle in his arm. “No.”
“You’re just saying that because you want to hire her at the AMPC.” Prince Edmund’s grin didn’t waver as he waved at Prince Farrendel.
“No, I do not want you corrupting my future daughter.” Prince Farrendel’s tone had returned to that hidden trace of humor once again.
Yet his words froze Pip in place as surely as the old hero-worship used to. Elves didn’t have a word forin-law, and those married into a family were simply referred to the same as those born into it.
Elves were also incredibly hesitant to claim familial relationships. They usually waited to confirm a relationship until it was official, such as once a couple was betrothed or after they were married. Sometimes not even then, as was the case with her elven grandparents. To this day, they all but pretended Pip’s mother didn’t exist.
Her parents had defied both of their families to marry. They’d established a loving family despite all the hardships they’d faced. It was all incredibly romantic.
But there was also something special about not just finding a romance but also gaining a second family who embraced her as completely as her own parents and sibling did.
She probably should say something. Maybe hug Prince Farrendel. Something. Anything.
But she was still rooted to the spot. Nor, despite the claim, were either she or Prince Farrendel ready for father-daughter hugs just yet.
“Fine, fine. She’s off-limits.” Prince Edmund held up his hands, as if in surrender. Yet there was a twinkle in his eyes. As if he’d known his words would spur Prince Farrendel to such an admission and that, more than the offer, had been his point all along.
Pip cleared her throat, shifting a step back toward Fieran’s bunk. “I’m honored, but I’ve had all the spying I can swallow.”
“It isn’t for everyone.” Prince Edmund’s grin slipped slightly, his eyes going distant.
