He looks back to the book and glances back up at me. We have been staring at each other for the past hour. He doesn't know what to say, doesn't know what to ask. I don't know how to answer him, I don't know what to tell him. So we continue to stare at each other and the book, letting the seconds on the clock tick by."I don't want to know. Do I." He states.
"Maybe not." I answer.
"But if I want to know who you are I need to know. Don't I."
"You already know who I am." I answer.
"I know what you want everyone to know. I also know what I have learned on my own." his answer is guarded, calculated. Like he has played this game before.
From the look in his eye the other day we were in the arena I could believe that theory. From what I saw in that arena I could believe a lot about this man. I glance back at the book, before flicking my gaze back at him.
"What is it that you think you have learned on your own exactly?" I question.
This time it is his turn to look at me, to consider his answer, or his next question. This little round about way we have been going about answering each others questions could end very quickly otherwise. He knows that. I know that. Each word, each breath that we take has to be thought out at this very moment. Anyone who has played the game knows that.
"That you are more powerful than you let people believe. That there is this dark side of you waiting, wanting to be released. I also know that for whatever reason you need this book, and that you are running out of time. Otherwise you would have waited for nightfall to grab it."
If he has played the game before, than his answer doesn't show it. But if he really knows anything about me, than his answer was the best call he could have made. If he lied to me- well it would have been his time to die. If he answered me honestly, than it would still be his time to die. But it would be better for him to say the truth than die for a lie.
"I also know that you need my help." he tells me, his gaze never wavering from mine.
"Why would I need your help?" I scoff.
"Because you are running out of time. Its obvious to anyone that cares to pay attention to you." his words hold a certain level of vulnerability, and it is clear, he isn't playing the game. He never was. He was just doing the dance so I thought he was.
Deep down I know that there is more to him than meets the eye. I always knew that. But to play an assassins game so well, to might I dare say trick an assassin at her own game? That takes courage, and a head knowledge at how the game works.
"Even if I was running out of time. How would you be able to help me?" I mock him, in all honesty I need another hand. I need someone I can trust to help me sneak around and watch my back.
"I could take Henry into giving my old job back. And if he doesn't do that then I can get into Brandon's way. I could buy you time if you need it. Or I could even do what needs to be done outside of the palace for you. I don't care what I do. What I do care about is helping you." He emphasizes the last two words of his statement.
"You don't even know what I have to do."
"What I do know is that you need my help, and that you could kill me in a matter of seconds if you wanted to. So I am trying to give you not only one, but two positive out comes of this conversation this afternoon. Whether you decide to take those doors or not is completely and utterly up to you."
I look at him, and then the book again.
He was right, I could kill him if I wanted to. But I don't. There is no need to. I know his loyalty stands with me. If it didn't he would have turned around and left when he came in here. He would have gotten Henry, not close the door and try talking to me.
The only problem I have now is my pride. I shouldn't need his help. I don't need his help. What I need is a distraction. But that's not what my pride is telling me. My pride is telling me that by having him distract Henry and the others, that I need him. That I need his help, because that is exactly what he will be giving me. Is help.
"Look, I don't care what you decide to do- well that's not true. I would love to live. But whatever decision you make needs to be made now. Henry is on his way, and he wont take time to talk to you. I promise you that."
I don't question how he knows Henry is coming. I just look back at the door. As if I could hear him coming down the hall. I stare for a few more seconds, until I really can hear him walking down the hall. Walking straight to my door, straight to me.
So for what feels like the thousandth time this hour. I look at him, and then I look at the book.
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Another short chapter! I am sorry lovelies! I truly am, but I am trying to make each and every chapter count for War of Faeries. I know how this book is going to end, and believe me we are getting close. I just want to savor the moments. So please bear with me....
Anyways don't forget to hit that star on the bottom and make it orange!
As always Happy reading!

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War of Faeries
FantasyEighteen years ago, the world as we know it was changed forever. Once choice made by one person changed the course of multiple lives. Eighteen years ago, Annistyn had a beautiful baby girl, everything was perfect. Perfect for the course of a few hou...