Ulric stormed into his rooms, slamming the door hard behind him. Frustration was pulsing through him violently, making it hard to breathe. Turning, he froze, strengthening his hold on his façade as he realized that somebody was waiting for him within the confines of the room. Immediately his mind began to work wildly on ways to defend himself from the intruder.
Until she turned. Suddenly he didn't feel angry or frustrated or threatened, he felt positively giddy. Dropping his false face he beamed and rushed forward to wrap her in a warm hug.
"Eira!" He cried, thrilled and relieved.
"Ulric." She sighed, returning his embrace.
"Why are you here? Are you under orders? Does the king know?" He hurried, frazzled by his excitement.
She laughed, pulling away from him gently. "Master Genevieve sent me, and yes, the king knows. I am Lady Esmeralda of the Northern courts, sent for by my father, the Ambassador." She winked.
"Oh, so I should know you're here."
She nodded with a smile, "apparently you were the one who summoned me."
He laughed, sinking to the bed. "You made the journey alone?'
"By my own request." She nodded, frowning, "I would have allowed for an escort, were it not for..."
Ulric lowered his gaze, nodding. In the past, her escort had always been the young Shifter, Aidan, another slave for the master they shared. He had been more than an escort to her, it seemed. However, nobody had known anything of her feelings for the boy until he had been killed in an encounter with the humans. That was the same night Ulric had been freed of his curse, the beast that controlled and plagued him. It was also the night Red had died...
"But let's not think about that." She hastened, reaching to grasp his shoulder.
He smiled bleakly at her as warmth flowed gently through him. He knew she was manipulating his emotions, but he appreciated her effort. Even if the hollow feeling in his stomach did not recede.
"We've all lost things in this war, Ulric, please don't forget that." She tried, wide-eyed.
"How could I?"
"Are you still seeing her where she isn't?"
"Worse, I'm seeing her where she is."
"I don't understand."
"Red is here, Eira. She is the king's special guest. They're throwing an entire festival for her."
"Here?" Eira repeated, paling.
"Her room is across the hall, right next her 'guardian's' room." He nodded, bristling a little.
YOU ARE READING
Whisper (Book II)
FantasíaThe rumors about Red and her successful trek through the Forbidden Forest have spread far and wide. So far that King Gavin has taken notice and deemed Red a worthy suitor for his son, Prince Owen. When she is invited to the castle and given no choic...
