Chapter 27 #2
Stepping out onto the terrace, I lean against the balustrade as I stare at the white sails in the distance.
From here, the wharf is but a tiny curved line jutting into the gulf.
I can’t differentiate which ship is Acker’s from the rest of them tied to the wharf.
Yet, my eyes linger on one in particular.
The tether below my breast wants to lead me straight to him.
I’m toying with the necklace between my fingers when I feel him behind me.
I don’t move as he takes a deliberately loud step forward to signal his approach, his hands appearing on either side of me on the railing, caging me in between his arms. I call my dagger, holding it in one hand, and the necklace in the other.
The latter won’t do much good if he’s no longer bound by the oath, but its familiar weight makes me feel better.
His chest presses into my back and warmth blooms through every inch of my body.
“I’ve always craved your scent,” he says, nose trailing up the side of my neck as he inhales deeply.
“The iron in the blood running through your veins mixed with the scent of wildflowers.” My heart picks up its pace and I know he can feel it.
“I thought it was just because I wished to see it spill…”
Steeling myself, I turn in the circle of his arms to meet his gaze. Dark and guarded and so godsdamned beautiful that it feels unfair. “Did you come all this way just to kill me?”
“Kill you?” A confused smile pulls at his mouth, and I find myself enamored by it. “Why would I kill you?”
“I know about the oath,” I say, despising the breathlessness of my voice. “How it’s tied to the truth declaration.”
His smile only grows, teeth flashing when he speaks. “I thought it was clever.”
I tighten my grip on my blade, but he is unbothered by the weapon as he settles more of his weight along the length of my body.
Tucking my stray hairs behind my ear, he has unfettered access to the exposed, vulnerable part of my neck where my life source flows.
He leans in, and I’m surprised when his lips land on the edge of my jaw instead.
I hold my breath as his lips trail toward my mouth.
I try to turn my head away, but he stops me with the grip of his fingers on my chin, keeping me in place.
He tilts his head back to look me in the eyes, searching. “You negotiated for my life.”
The denial sits on the tip of my tongue, but there’s a hint of softness in his gaze that stops me.
His gaze descends to my open mouth again, lingering there for a moment before dropping lower.
I try to temper my breaths, but they come in large gulps.
He releases hold of my chin, fingers coasting over my jaw to my exposed throat.
Goosebumps spread across my neck and chest at the feeling of his featherlight touch.
Licking his lips, his eyes flick up to meet mine once again. “You would never do that for someone you don’t love.”
I swallow in a bid to clear my throat. “On the contrary, I’d do it for just about anyone.”
He laughs, low and delicious. “You’re still so beautiful when you lie.”
I neither confirm nor deny his accusation as his lips return to my pulse, tongue dipping out to taste me, and I clamp my teeth shut in an effort not to reveal how much it affects me. I can feel his smile as he places open mouth kisses up the side of my neck until he reaches the shell of my ear.
His voice sends chills down my spine as he says, “I was always going to come for you.”
My heart stops, the stone necklace falling from my hand as I reach for him. In defense or otherwise, I’m unsure, but I’m left aimless when he disappears. It’s not Acker’s sudden departure that has me nearly leaping out of my skin, though, but the man standing in the open doorway of my bedchamber.
“Fredrich,” I whisper, shoulders sagging with relief. “What are you doing here? Everything okay?”
He doesn’t immediately respond, and there’s something in his eyes that puts me back on edge.
I take a cautious step back.
Then he blinks, as if snapping out of a trance, and a small smile pulls at his mouth. “Of course. Are you okay?”
His confusion is noticeable enough to make me question my sanity. Acker has well and truly fucked with my mind. “Yeah,” I say, with a relieved huff of breath.
I look down over the railing, at the last of my mangi stones lying in the courtyard below. A rabbit is nibbling on it. When I call out for it to stop, it decides to pick it up and hops off with it. Dang rabbits. I’m going to have to risk life and limb to get it back.
Fredrich’s voice comes from directly behind me. “I want you to know, I think you’re the best leader I’ve ever had the honor of serving. Strictly speaking as a soldier of the crown.”
The statement makes my hair stand on end, and when I turn back around, he’s within arm’s length. My discomfort returns in full force as I retreat a step, back hitting the railing.
“Although, the perks of serving under you in particular were definitely nice,” he adds, a playful glint in his eye.
I’m beyond confused as I watch my friend undo the top button of his shirt, pulling out a handkerchief.
He takes one last step forward, putting us toe to toe.
There is neither hostility nor heat in his eyes as he looks at me.
If anything, he appears … apologetic? Then my eyes snag on the exposed portion of his chest, the mottled skin and the single letter carved into it.
My blood runs cold in my veins. The V-shaped scar stands out in stark contrast against his pale skin.
I open my mouth to scream for Beau, but he shoves the cloth over my mouth and nose, pinning me to the railing with his body, his other hand grips the back of my scalp to hold me still.
The bittersweet scent of the fungi we had used to ease the passing of the mortally wounded after battle fills my lungs.
The sky above fades to black.