Page 64 of Tristan
“I can do anything, remember that Junior Warlord,” he says my old title mockingly. He’s speaking in my home language. I’m not surprised. Not only is Markaytian the most common language throughout all the kingdoms, Diekin said Elves learn many languages. I suppose that extends to Rogue Elves too.
“Fine, you can do anything so either kill me or be gone, I’ve no wish to speak with you.” I sit up and cross my arms. I may not be able to see him, but he can most likely see me.
I don’t expect his laughter. “You’re brave—I like it.”
“I don’t know what you know of Warlords, but yes, usually we are brave,” I say arching my brow. “What do you want?”
“I don’t know,” he drawls. “I thought I wanted to kill you, but I watched you sleeping—"
“—that’s fucking, creepy.”
“I watched you sleeping,” he snaps over my insult. “And I find I like the look of you.”
That’s still creepy. One too many Elves are infatuated with my so-called good looks and watching me sleep. “I’m already a concubine to one Elf, thanks,” I say, holding up my ringed hand.
“Yes, but are you happy? Perhaps I can make you happy? What is it you wish for most, Warlord? I will give you your heart’s desire.”
I don’t miss he’s dropped the “junior” from my old title. “Why would I go with you? I don’t even know who you are—I can’t even see you.”
“My apologies. I am Prince Andothair Tar Jian of the Aldrien Elves or Rogue Elves as we have been dually named. You may call me Ando—that may be easier for you to pronounce. I do not think I could suffer hearing you butcher it.”
Are all the Elves who are interested in me this impossibly arrogant?
“Why wouldn’t you want to go with me? I know you are unhappy with Corrik. I’ve promised you something better. It’s—what do you Markaytians call it? Oh yes, a no brainer.”
“We also have another saying. It’s better to trust the evils you know—”
“—than the evils you don’t know. Yes, I know that one too. I know quite a lot about your Markaytia and Markaytian culture.”
“Then you’ll know I couldn’t possibly go with you. We’ve signed a treaty with the Mortougian Elves. Markaytians are nothing if not duty and honor bound.”
“Not if I make it look like an abduction.”
“Why not just abduct me now then? We both know you out power me. Why bother asking my permission?”
“Because,” he hisses. “I am unable to take you off the ship without your cooperation at this time. If I have your permission however…”
“So, you cannot do everything?” I pretend to be shocked.
He pauses, remembers what he told me a moment ago thenlaughs a pleasant laugh. “Touché. Most things then. I could still take you, but I would have to wait, and I do not wish to wait.”
“Well, that is how it shall have to be, an abduction, arealabduction. I am duty bound. I will not authorize you taking me.”
“You will not authorize it, but you do not forbid it. Interesting.”
“I—I didn’t say that.”
“You did not have to.”
I glare at him hard because of what he’s implying,but I don’t want to leave Corrik, do I?No, he’s playing mind games with me. It must be some kind of Elven voodoo. I change the subject. “You must be horribly disfigured or why else would you hide in the shadows?” I say to goad him into coming out, but he laughs again, this time trying to restrain himself from laughing loudly.
“I know you are trying to anger me. You also know why I hide in the dark; I do not wish to alert anyone of my presence. So, what say you? I think I could keep you entertained.”
“You must think me a grand fool. Your kind has done nothing but try to kill me and now I’m supposed to believe that’s over because all the blood has suddenly gone to your cock?”
“Yes. Attempting to have you killed was a mistake. I wish to atone for it. Come with me and I will.”
“No.”
