Page 33 of A Warrior's Heart
Something tugged inside my chest, and I looked down at him, brushing aside his bangs. I pressed my lips to his forehead. He made the sweetest of sounds and closed his eyes. Within minutes, he was sound asleep.
“He cares deeply for you.”
I looked up to see Lorcan near the top of the stairs. His steps had been so quiet not even I had heard them.
Pointed ears jutted out from his silver hair, and his skin glowed in the moonlight. Nymphs like him were rare, possessing both the blood of elves and merfolk. It was in those moments of beholding him in the pale light of the moon when his rare bloodline became even more apparent. He looked neither human nor like a creature of the sea.
“Do you care for him?” Lorcan asked.
“I do.”
The prince came closer and sat against the railing. “I have often asked Troy if there was anything between the two of you. He denies it. But even before I left Avalontis, I saw signs of your affection for him.”
“I’m his protector, just as I am yours. Nothing more.”
“That’s not true, though, is it?” Lorcan peered at me through curious eyes. “Do not lie to me, Malik.”
“I am only his protector. I must make it true regardless of how I truly feel.” I smoothed a finger along Troy’s jaw. “He deserves more than what I can give him. Therefore, I will toss this weakness aside.”
“Weakness?” Lorcan asked, drawing my attention again. “Do you think me weak for loving Alek? For loving my son?”
“Never, my prince.”
“Every man deserves love.” Lorcan rose to his feet and turned toward the stairs leading back down to the main deck. “Even you.”
He left then, leaving me with much to consider. As if my mind wasn’t troubled enough.
Careful not to wake him, I picked up Troy and carried him to his cabin. When I placed him on the bed and started to let go, his brow furrowed and a small whimper escaped his lips.
“Malik,” Troy whispered in his sleep.
My throat tightened, and I forced myself to walk away.
I had to.
Chapter Eight
Troy
“Stay with the ship,” Malik told me after we reached the island. He holstered his sword and checked the daggers hidden in his armor.
“Like hell I will.” I grabbed my bow and quiver of arrows and strapped them to my back. “Who knows what could be lurking in those trees? You’ll need extra eyes. I’m coming with you.”
“Must you always be so defiant?”
“Must you always be so pigheaded?” I shot right back to him.
Lorcan choked on a laugh.
“You know I’m skilled,” I said, holding my head high. “I demand that you stop treating me like a damsel.”
Malik stepped toward me, keeping his voice low. “Youdemand,do you?”
“I do.”
A tic started in his jaw as our gazes locked. Then, he snarled. “Fine. If you insist on coming, you do as I say.”
I smiled and walked toward the gangplank to exit the ship.
