Page 57 of The King's Sword
Sabine nodded. Needing to distract herself from the man standing at her side, his finger touching hers, she asked, “Is there a chance the assassin could get past the wall and sentries?”
Evander shook his head. “It would be suicide for him to try to even approach the wall. He will wait for us to leave, then he’ll strike.”
“I don’t want you getting hurt protecting me.” She couldn’t live with herself if he died because of her. He didn’t owe her anything, and yet, he’d become her protector.
He nudged her with his shoulder. “Don’t forget you asked me to train you. How about tomorrow morning we work together after breakfast?”
“I’d like that.” She looked up at him. With them each facing a different direction, shoulder to shoulder, his face felt close to hers. His lips were right there. If she leaned in ever so slightly…
Evander pushed away from the railing and straightened, breaking the connection that had been brewing between them. He reached out, taking her hand, and gently leading her from the bridge. They walked in silence to the building where she was staying.
Sabine wondered if it only housed guests or if it was where the royal family had their bedchambers as well. She hadn’t slept on her own in several nights, and the thought of being away from Evander made her feel strange.
Inside, he led her down the hallway and stopped at her door. “Goodnight, Sabine,” he said, his voice husky. Reaching out, he cupped her cheek, rubbing his thumb against her skin. “Sweet dreams.” His eyes searched hers a moment before he suddenly turned and left.
With her breathing unsteady, Sabine went into her room, odd feelings inundating her. Excitement, happiness, longing, and fear all bombarded her. She had no idea why she felt this way.
ChapterNine
Sabine awoke in a cold sweat. Feeling a sense of wrongness, she sat up, glancing about her room. Nothing seemed out of place, and no one else was in the room. She missed her dog, Harta. Whenever the animal was near, she felt safer. She laid back down, her heart beating erratically. Unable to relax, she got out of bed and padded over to the window, looking outside. The clouds had covered the moon and stars, making it hard to see anything. Her hands shook, and a light sheen of sweat covered her forehead.
Naya had said if she needed anything—no matter the time—to ring her. Sabine went over to the rope and pulled it. She stood there, waiting. For some strange reason, she hoped Evander came. His presence would ease the tension building inside of her.
A soft knock came from her door.
“Come in,” Sabine said.
Naya entered, wearing a sleeping gown. “What can I do for you?” she asked.
“I don’t know,” Sabine admitted. “Something feels wrong. Maybe a cup of tea will help?”
“Of course.” Naya left the room.
Sabine went back over to the windows, staring outside. A light rain started to fall. It felt as if she stood there for quite some time—far longer than it should to make a cup of tea. Worry filled her, and she began to pace about the room. Something was wrong.
A soft knock sounded on her door again. She rushed over and opened it to find Evander standing there, his hands on either side of the doorframe. Shirtless, his pants hung low on his hips. Even in the dark lighting, she could see the curves of his torso and the bandage across his wound.
She took a step back, forcing her eyes to focus on his face. “What’s going on?” she whispered, noticing his wet hair.
“Naya woke me and said you told her something felt wrong. I went out and spoke with the sentries on duty. Ex was spotted nearby. We think he’s surveying the area. He won’t come near the palace. Not only are there traps, but to make a move against my parents is treason. He wouldn’t survive.” Water dripped onto his face, running down the side of his cheek.
“I didn’t know Naya would tell you.”
“You need to learn to always trust your instincts,” he replied.
She moved closer to him. “Regardless, I’m sorry I woke you.”
He ran a hand over his face. “I was up.”
“Couldn’t sleep?”
He shook his head.
She reached up, placing the palm of her hand on his cheek, as he’d done to her earlier tonight.
He closed his eyes. “I was…trying to think of a way to get rid of Ex.” He opened his eyes, looking directly into hers.
“Will you come in?” she asked, needing the comfort of his presence. Without him, she’d never be able to fall back asleep.
