Fates Entwined: Halven Rising

Keen found Reese in the kitchens with the cook, shoving a danish down her throat, her pert rear facing him as she leaned over the large wooden table used as a makeshift dining surface for servants.

“Keep ’em coming, Theresa. You know I like the buttery ones.”

“You’ll eat me out of castle and hearth, Miss Reese.” The cook’s ruddy face wore a scowl, even as she piled more food under Reese’s nose.

“I’m growing, didn’t you hear?”

“Grew. The Allon leaves have a one-time effect.” Theresa the cook was more handsome than beautiful. Some were more blessed than others, even among Fae. “No longer applies. But you needn’t remind me of the young. I have a strapping boy of my own. Twice your size and twice the trouble.”

“Oooh, do tell. How do Fae boys get into trouble? In New Kingdom they took me to a brothel—”

Keen had heard enough. Reese didn’t need more ideas on how to get into trouble. She got into enough of it all on her own. “I’ve spoken to Radnor,” he cut in.

Reese spun around in surprise. He might have entered quietly. And ogled when she wasn’t looking. But he couldn’t help himself. He wanted to soak her up while he still could.

Her gaze skimmed down his body, just as his had drunk in hers moments before.

She crossed her arms, clearly still upset that he’d agreed to marry her sister after he and Reese had…formed a connection. But he’d had no choice. Portia had been waiting for him after the tavern. If he’d stayed with Reese the way he’d wanted to, it would have gotten them both killed, along with her friends. To forfeit his life was one thing, but hers? Unacceptable.

Keen had deflected Portia’s inquiries about the Halven’s whereabouts by telling her they’d left the land, and it had saved their lives. Not even Portia dared enter Old Kingdom without thorough planning. And now that she could use Keen to infiltrate Old Kingdom through marriage to Illa, Portia would have everything she wanted without going to war.

He cracked his neck and tried not to think about what he’d been forced to do. He wanted to rip apart Old Kingdom castle with his bare hands to ensure Portia never owned any part of it—never forced her will on others. And that wasn’t even what was driving him crazy the most. “Radnor tells me that you will remain in Old Kingdom as his daughter and fight alongside him if needed,” Keen said, his voice harsh with frustration.

Her mouth went slack, as though he’d taken her off guard. “Why would he say that? He came by while I was sick, but as far as I know, Hakon has one true daughter. And I’m not her.”

“Not according to him.”

“What’s your point?”

“You will not fight. Ever.”

This time her jaw dropped completely. “Come again? Because I think you just tried to tell me what I will and will not do. We discussed this. You have no authority over me. You’re not my father. Not my…whatever. We’re nothing to each other. Right, Keen?”

He let out a slow breath that might have ended on a growl. “As soon as it’s safe, you will return to the Earth realm.”

She tossed another bite of food in her mouth and chewed slowly as she studied his eyes. He wanted to kiss her mouth and lick the flakes of danish off her lips.

Heat filled his body, and he glanced past Reese to the cook, who also had her arms crossed.

“Been a mam for many years, Keen Albrecht. Don’t like the way you’re looking at Miss Reese. You’re engaged to another. Keep them eyeballs in your head.”

He stared heavenward. This was not what he needed.

He’d controlled his attraction to Reese for weeks, with one exception, which would be branded in his mind forever. He needed to just get through this last conversation…

Last.

Keen had told Reese he wouldn’t leave her, but physically he had to. He didn’t trust himself around her, and the sooner he left the castle, the better. He wasn’t breaking his oath to not leave her—not really. His heart and mind would always be with her.

He rubbed his eyes. “As I said, Reese, you will not fight. Even if your father wishes it.”

Reese glanced over her shoulder. “Theresa, will you excuse us for a moment?”

Theresa scowled.

“Oh, don’t worry about this one,” Reese said. “He’s no threat to me. In fact”—she turned to glare at him—“Keen should watch himself. I’m not very happy with him right now.”

Theresa smirked and exited out the servants’ door. That was when his little one stalked forward.

His eyes dropped to her mouth. She still had the faintest flake of pastry there.

She was killing him.

“I don’t wish to argue with you,” he said. “I’m on my way out. This is the last we will see each other.” Had his voice come out choked?

He took in her beautiful face, her determined, lively eyes. She’d stunned him silly from the moment they met, and she still had the capacity to bring him to his knees.

He understood it now—her effect on him. She’d taken hold of his heart from the moment she talked back to him, and he would never be the same. But if there was one thing his kind did for those they loved, it was protect them. If that was all he could do for Reese, it would have to be enough.

She seemed taken aback at his words. “The last time, eh? I thought you said you wouldn’t leave me?”

He reached across the miserable space that separated them and gently lifted the flake of food from her lip. Her warm breath left her abruptly at his touch. “I want you safe.”

She looked away, her face strained. “I’m fine. You don’t need to worry about me.”

Keen felt his face tense, his chest and arms go taut. “It is impossible for me to not worry about you.”

Her gaze flashed back to his. “Because you don’t think I can take care of myself?”

Would she never understand? “No, that is not why. I explained it to you when you were sick. Do you remember?”

“I haven’t forgotten a single thing. I remember everything we’ve done together.”

And just like that, heat and lust consumed him. He wanted to pull her into his arms.

He remembered—he simply couldn’t act on his feelings.

He reached out and cradled her head in his hands. “Please. Do not fight. I couldn’t stand anything happening to you.”

Her eyes grew glassy. “I can’t promise that. I need to take care of my friends and myself. You’re not the only one who’s been wronged by Portia.”

He dropped his hands. “No.”

And that was why he was in this situation, betrothed to Reese’s sister. Because he’d made an oath he could not break. And because appeasing Portia had been the best way to protect Reese. “I am sorry for what you’ve been through. For your friends’ losses.”

“Anything else you’re sorry for?” Her voice turned bitter, like that of a scorned woman.

He stepped closer and lowered his head until his lips hovered above hers. “There is nothing I regret. Not with you.”

Reese swallowed.

“Goodbye, little one.” Keen turned and strode away before he did something he would regret.