Page 81 of Stone Heart
Chapter 26
“Anything?” Khantar asked from his position at the foot of the bed.
It had been four days since the explosion. Rina had camped out in the room with Rhodack, refusing to leave his side. She’d dragged a recliner next to the bed in hopes that when he opened his eyes, she’d be the first thing he’d see.
“The healer said his mind would wake him up when it was ready and healed,” she whispered, unfolding her legs from underneath her. She sat on the edge of her chair and gazed upon Rhodack.
“You can’t stay in here the entire time,” her father stressed.
Her gaze flitted to him, her shoulders slumping. She didn’t want to leave the room to face the eyes of Rhodack’s people. She didn’t know if she’d be able to face them knowing she was the reason he was in the coma.
“What would I even say or do?” she asked.
“If you are going to be the mate of Rhodack Gahnoth, you will need get in the habit of leading his people.” Her father cocked an eyebrow at her.
Her breath caught as she stood slowly from her chair. Her heart slammed in her chest, and her father offered her a small smile.
“I see the way you look at him.” He nodded toward Rhodack’s still form.
She moved toward him. “But I thought you said that my place was in Faery.” She walked into her father’s strong embrace.
His chest vibrated with his deep chuckle. “Faery will always be your home, but for now, it still isn’t safe. What happened back at the cave will only fuel the necromancers. Faery will need to prepare for what I am sure is coming.”
“I can help, Father,” she offered, pulling back from his hug.
“No, Larina. I know you’ve dreamed of the day that you’ll help me protect Faery, but for now, your place is here with your mate.” He smiled and gently gripped her face in his hands.
She’d yearned for the day she’d be able to be held by her father. Growing up as a human, she’d been under the illusion her father was deceased.
But he wasn’t.
He stood before her and was encouraging her to stay here on Earth. Her gaze moved to Rhodack, and she knew her father was right.
Her place was here by Rhodack’s side.
“But what about my place on the throne?”
“Your day will come, and when it does, we will figure it out then. But for now, your clan needs you.”
Her eyes met her father’s, and she smiled.
Her clan.
She nodded and knew her father was correct. “Thank you, Father.”
He leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead and returned her smile. “As long as breath is in my body, Faery will remain. Your mother and I will go back there so that we may prepare.”
“When will you leave?”
They hadn’t had a chance to really get to know each other. Her heart ached that their time was drawing to an end.
“Don’t look as if you’ll never see me again. Faery will always be your home.”
“I want to come, if only to visit. I still have much to learn,” she admitted. Her place was here with Rhodack, her heart, but Faery was in her blood.
“That we can arrange, but for now you must remain here. Your mother and I will leave at first light.”
She stood frozen and watched her father exit the room, leaving her alone with Rhodack.
