Page 66 of A Brat's Tale
“I do, Cor. I love you, deeply.” I realize at that moment how deeply. It doesn’t matter what he does to me, or what he’ll do to me. No matter my anger, I can’t stop loving him. Sometimes, I’m unbelievably furious with him, but something in me, a little voice whispering, never wants me to let him go.
We both jump up when we hear the locks to the room opening one by one. Few people get to pass that door, and all of them either have Corrik’s permission first or have at least made Corrik aware they will be by to visit. Only the king and queen have the authority to do thelatter, but they tell Corrik when they plan on dropping in as a courtesy.
Corrik has his sword in a flash, which means he has no clue who’s about to come through that door. “Tristan, stay there.”
I want to move to the other room to grab my sword and bow, but I don’t, flicking my eyes toward the curtain rod, already playing the scenario in my head of what I’ll do if this goes wrong. But when the door is finally unlocked, it’s nothing come to kill us, it’s Alrik, the only other person allowed to drop by unannounced but who I never think about since heneverdrops by.
He doesn’t spare me a hello. “Corrik, we need you to come immediately. You will have to leave your bride for a while I’m afraid.”
“Why you …mmmph…” I’m stopped from my tirade by my husband who grabs me and muffles my words, probably saving me a beheading. I may not know Alrik well, but I know he is not tolerant.
“I will dress and be there immediately, sir.”
Alrik peers at me like I’m a problem he wishes would vanish even though I know that’s not true. I’m well aware now that since I’ve been married into the family, my safety is paramount if only because of the treaty. He was Corrik’s number one support in his Keep Tristan Safe plan.
I’m the problem he wishes he could make go away, that he has to make sure never goes away. “Kathir, what’s the matter with you? You cannot talk back to Alrik. Ever.”
I nod. Yeah, he’s right, but still. “He’s an arse.”
“I agree, but unfortunately he’s an arse who is crown prince.” Corrik slides off the bed to dress. “I’ll be back as soon as I can,” he says fixing his large sword over his back. He kisses me. “Last night was good, wasn’t it?”
“It was,” I say pulling the thin blanket around me, my hair splayed everywhere. “I love you, Cor.”
“I love you too, my naughty, but delicious dragon.” His eyes are sparkling—Corrik’s the happiest I’ve seen him in a while. “I have something for you. I’ve been waiting for the right time to give it to you.”
From his side of the closets, he pulls out a book I recognize. A buzz fills my body. “Cor? Is that…?”
“This one belongs to another set, like the ones we used during our courtship. Unfortunately, the set we used is likely at the bottom of the sea.”
I never thought I’d be so happy to see another book of its kind. I was forced to use it to converse with Corrik the year leading up to our wedding. The book I used in Markaytia was collected to bring back to Mortouge. Corrik had his with them, so he could converse with me as they traveled to Markaytia. “Did you give the other to whom I think you did?”
“Your parents have the other. I was not permitted to leave the book in Markaytia beyond our courtship. Father is uneasy about Elven relics left outside the Realm. Special permission was given for this considering the circumstances.”
I take the book from him. “It seems we have been sanctioned a few special permissions due to the ‘circumstances’ as you call them.”
“Father and Mother are still embarrassed over losing you. Plus, they have developed a great deal of trust in your family.”
The book is heavy and as I remember, exudes a powerful energy. It’s finely decorated, with white-gold trim, heavily jeweled in each corner and at the spine. “I was waiting for the right moment to give it to you. Its companion was given to your father, but your papa was authorized by him and my father to hold the position of guardian over the companion.”
I hug the book to me, my heart full. “Thank you, Corrik. This means a great deal to me.” I can’t see my family, but I can converse with them. I set the book on the bed and jump into his arms demanding to be picked up. He obliges, lifting me from under my bum so I can wrap my legs around him and kiss him soundly.
“I’m glad you are pleased, my darling. I must go now. Behave today. Get work done. I’ll be back soon as I can.”
Ido all of those things and it’s a long day worrying about what’s going on because somethingisgoing on. But of course, the first thing I do is check my new book to see if Papa’s left any messages for me yet. I suspect he might have done; I’m glad to see I’m right.
Dearest Tristan,
It was good to see you. I’m glad you and your father finally got to have the discussion you should have had before your wedding. You must know how dearly your father loves you and that whatever you are and whatever you do, he is proud.
By the time you receive this, you will be ever closer to becoming an Elf. I can’t wait till the next time I look upon you with tall, Elven ears. You will be as beautiful then as you are now.
But Tristan, find ways to be true to yourself, within the confines of your duties, or you will break apart. I could already see the cracks in your veneer.
Everyone here wanted me to say hello, your uncle, Lucca, Mother, and Father. We all love you and miss you every day. Keep well, Little Man.
Love,
Papa
