Broken Prince (The Broken Ones) (29 page)

"We’ve far to go today," Kei said, bumping
her shoulder with his. "Can you keep up?"

"Of course," she sputtered, glaring at him.

He laughed and took off after the horses. With a grin,
she sprinted after him.

She’d worried her near death and sickness would have sapped
her strength. Thankfully she discovered her body was only a little weaker than
before. Perhaps it had been the healing magic, or even the full meals and soft
bed. Whatever the reason, she managed to keep pace with Kei and the horses.

Garen roamed around them and many times she caught
sight of other Were through the trees. Rhee-En had kept his promise to watch
out for them and she found herself starting to like the scarred alpha Were.

When they finally stopped for lunch she plopped down
on a log with a groan. Taking slow, even breaths, she slowly calmed her heart
rate. While Bo readied their food, Kei and Prince took care of the horses. Her
muscles began to protest and she stood, pacing slowly and doing some of the
stretches Cassia had shown her.

"Be careful you do not tire yourself."

Rising from a stretch, she placed her hands on her
hips and stared at Prince. "You’re talking to me now?"

"You are angry."

"Angry? Yes. Confused. Yes. Hurt. Yes."

With each word he jerked as if she slapped him. "Arowyn,
I…" He shook his head, lowering his eyes.

"Of course, don’t answer," she snapped
bitterly. Hands clenching in frustration and anger, she struggled to keep from
screaming at him. "Look away. Walk away next. Just keep walking and don’t
look back."

His head shot up, his lips in a thin, angry line. "Is
that what you want?"

She stared at him incredulously. "Of course not,"
she yelled, not caring that Bo and Kei were trying very hard not to notice
their exchange. "I want you to look at me, to see me! I want you next to
me, by my side for the time we have left!"

"But then I will be gone," he said softly.

"And?" Shaking her head, she let out a weary
sigh. "I almost died. If I learned one thing, it’s to live while I’m
alive, to cherish the ones I love and let them know I love them."

She knew immediately she’d said the wrong thing. The
cold, stony mask slipped over his face as he frowned. "We have discussed this."

Pressing her lips tightly together, she managed to
hide their sudden quivering. Remarkably, her eyes remained free of tears. Perhaps
because despite the shattering of her heart once again, her anger remained
stronger.

"We have," she finally said. "But I
know you love me, even if it isn’t the type of love I have for you. How can you
deny that? What about our friendship? Everything we’ve been through together this
past year? Doesn’t all of that mean anything to you?"

"I do not…know what I feel."

His words shocked her. Her brow furrowed as she tried
to figure out what he meant. "Come morning, you’ll be home. I hope you can
figure it out by then."

"As do I."

Before she could continue the conversation, he turned
and walked away.

She wanted very much to hit something.

Chapter 35:

The Last Night

As the afternoon went on, Aro found herself straining
to keep up. Pride kept her from asking Bo or Prince for a ride. Her anger at
Prince helped to fight her growing fatigue. She didn’t understand him, or what
he felt or thought. She didn’t understand why he acted like he did.

Garen slipped from the trees to her right to pace her
and Kei.
The wardwall is just ahead. Watch your nose,
he said with a
mental laugh.

Kei slowed, but curiosity got the better of her and she
kept going…and slammed into an invisible wall.

Garen laughed again as she rubbed her forehead.

"Not funny," she grumbled. Raising her
hands, she pushed them out until they hit the wardwall. Pushing as hard as she
could did nothing.

"Nothing goes in or out," Prince said
quietly behind her.

Turning, she saw he and Bo had ridden up behind them. "I
can’t see it."

"It isn’t hard," Kei said before Prince
could reply. "I’ll teach you."

Patting the wall once, she smiled at Kei. "We
should find a spot to camp then."

She didn’t look at Prince. She didn’t want to start
another fight with him. To her, ignoring won over fighting. She headed east
along the wall with Garen and Kei spreading out, searching for a suitable site.

Unable to help herself, she did glance back once and
then stopped under the shadows of the trees.

Prince had dismounted and stood next to the wall,
hands and forehead resting against it. Eyes closed, the quiet longing on his
face made her breath catch.

Turning quickly on her heel, she ran. Find a site.
Sleep. Travel to the gates of Rivenward. The sooner she could make these
happen, the quicker Prince would be home again. The sooner he’d be happy again.

* * *

They hadn’t found any water, but the site they
eventually chose contained a thick grove so shadowed she hoped they’d be able
to sleep even during the day. After eating some packed food quickly, she found
a promising spot and spread out a small blanket. Curling up on it, she tucked
her cloak around her as a blanket and waited for Kei.

It didn’t take long for him to return from checking
the horses once more. Kei dropped down beside her, though he didn’t cuddle into
his cloak like she did.

"It’s cold today. Why do only my eyes change? Why
can’t something useful happen like I can stay warm like you?"

He grinned over at her. "You should stop asking
for such things. They might happen."

"You’re right," she admitted. If she
actually did grow pointy ears and claws she didn’t know how she’d react.

"Go to sleep, we’ll be travelling through the
night."

"I know! I’m not tired though." She sniffled
and rubbed her chilly nose. Wiggling more into her cloak, she closed her eyes
and tried to think sleepy thoughts.

Instead she just listened to the birds, the horses and
odd sound the other boys made as they tried to sleep.

Prince is coming.

Cracking an eye open, she saw Kei trying not to smile.
I don’t know if I want to talk to him or not.

Would you regret it if you didn’t?

True.
With a
sigh she rolled over to face the sound of the approaching footsteps. As he
neared she pushed herself up with one arm.

Stopping beside her, he dropped down into a crouch.
The darkness of the shadows hid most of him from her, but she saw he had the
hood of his cloak up against the chill as well. She worried then, over how much
the last few days had taken out of him. At least he’d be home soon, and then he
could get better. He’d have his family and friends and magic back.

A lump formed in her throat and she swallowed, staring
up into his face and trying to see what mood he was in. Her sight suddenly
blurred and refocused. She jerked back in surprise.

"Wither me!"

He leaned away slightly in surprise at her outburst. "What
is it?"

She blinked rapidly. "I can see you. In the dark.
I can…wither me!" She swiveled around to face Kei. "These eyes
actually work!"

Kei had sat up at her apparent distress, with a laugh,
he flopped back down. "I told you to stop asking."

She grinned. "You did."

"Arowyn."

Her smile faded at Prince’s solemn tone. Slowly, she
turned back to face him.

Staring down at the ground, he refused to meet her
eyes. "I have thought, on what you said. I am sorry for my actions the last
few days."

She didn’t know what to say. The standard "it’s
fine" just wouldn’t leave her lips…because it wasn’t.

When she didn’t answer, he looked up at her, his
expression determined. "May I have the honor of sleeping next to you
tonight? Like we used to?"

Her mouth opened and closed in surprise, but words
refused to form for fear she’d say something wrong again and he’d leave. Lowering
her eyes, she nodded slowly.

Kei shifted next to her and she turned her head in
surprise as he got up. "Where are you going?"

He squeezed her shoulder. "You need some time."

Leaving her with those cryptic words, she stared after
him for a moment before turning back to Prince. He continued to watch her, and she
felt heat rising to her cheeks. "Well, come on then. We’re supposed to be
getting some sleep."

Wordlessly, he settled down beside her. She hesitated,
uncertain how close he wanted to be. Seeing her confusion, he reached out and
grasped her arms, pulling her to him.

She stiffened as his arms wrapped around her, pulling
her close. A hand reached up, gently guiding her head to his shoulder.

A slow breath shuddered out of her. They’d never slept
like this, her curled up against him. So close. Nervous butterflies tickled
through her stomach.

She had no idea how she was possibly going to sleep. "Did
you want to talk?"

"I just want to hold you," he whispered
against her hair.

She closed her eyes tightly, took one last deep breath,
and then melted against him. Shifting slightly so she was closer, she tentatively
slipped her hand into the folds of his cloak and rested it on his chest. His
hand rose to cover hers, while his other arm squeezed her against him.

She had the sudden urge to mention it wasn’t night,
but such a thing would surely ruin the moment. A small smile tugged at her lips
and she wiggled closer to him, sucking in his warmth.

"Thank you," she murmured.

"My pleasure."

She tilted her head up, trying to see his face. Had
his tone just been teasing? From the curve of his lips, yes it had.

Smiling again, she found the comfy nook between his
arm and chest. Being in his arms, everything seemed perfect.

The hand at her waist slowly moved, gently gliding
from waist to hip and back. His thumb traced lazy circles across the back of
her hand for a while and then slipped along her arm. She held her breath, not
believing he was touching her like this.

Fingers slid over her shoulder, along her neck and up
to cup her jaw. Tilting her head up, she tried to see his face. He shifted
slightly onto his side, his head dipping to press his cheek against the top of
her head. Every movement occurred slowly, gently. Perhaps he didn’t want to
frighten her, or tried to give her ample opportunity to ask him to stop.

Stopping was the last thing she wanted him to do. Her
lips parted, her mind wanting to ask him what he was doing, but her heart quite
firmly said to stay quiet. His thumb moving softly back and forth along her jaw
distracted her terribly. His fingers curled, the backs of them running down her
neck and under her chin, turning to rise and trail across her lips so very
softly she wondered if she imagined it.

Cautiously, she moved the hand on his chest higher.
When he didn’t try to stop her, she continued until she felt the soft skin of
his neck. Her fingers swept up his neck, along his jaw, and strayed by his ear.
They wandered; learning, exploring, and touching him as softly as a feather.

Heart thumping rapidly in her chest, she struggled to
keep her breathing light and even. His warmth enveloped her, not that she even
needed it now. His simple touch lit a fire inside her, demanding more, begging
for more.

"Sleep well," he whispered.

She blinked in surprise. A resigned sigh escaped her
lips before she could stop it. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on feeling
the continuing gentle caresses of his hands on her face and side.

Despite wanting to enjoy every moment of it, the sound
of his heartbeat sent her into a peaceful, dreamless slumber.

Chapter 36:

Bittersweet
Goodbyes

The rumble of a chuckle under her head woke her.

"You need to get up, Aro," Prince whispered,
jiggling the arm beneath her.

"Mmm, I don’t want to." She snuggled closer
against him, smiling. He hadn’t left. His arms remained around her. It hadn’t
all been a dream.

"Up, up!"

The reality of why they were getting up hit her hard.
The last leg of their journey. "I’m awake," she grumbled, suddenly
not in as good of a mood.

As they gathered their few belongings they’d unpacked
and prepared the horses Kei drew her aside.

"So? How did it go?"

Ducking her head to hide a sudden blush, she shrugged.

"Did he tell you?"

She really didn’t want to have this conversation. "No.
He didn’t even kiss me." Kei waited expectantly. "He just held me all
night. That’s it."

The Fey snorted in annoyance.

She raised her eyebrows. "You wanted him to kiss
me?"

"I remember what you said, that he wasn’t to do
it again unless he loved you. So, yes. I was hoping he would."

"Well, I doubt he ever will," she said
crossly. "He likely doesn’t want you to punch him in the face again."

Kei’s laugh wasn’t loud, but it had a decidedly wicked
tone to it. Narrowing her eyes, she scowled at him. "You’re too
protective," she complained.

Prince appeared by her side. "There is nothing
wrong with that."

Of course he would think so, but then he hadn’t heard
the whole conversation.

"Ride with me."

She looked up at him in surprise. "I…yes."

He grinned, the boyish look crossing his face
startling her. Who was this Prince?

Kei laughed in delight and ran off before she could
hit him.

She rode in front of Prince as usual. The wind picked
up and clouds rolled by, often blocking out the little light of the stars and
moon. In such darkness, this slowed them as they let the horses pick their way
along at their own pace.

It didn’t take long for them to leave the forest. Once
again in human lands, she didn’t have to try to see the wardwall. Pastureland
ended abruptly and forest began, a clean line running ahead of them.

The rolling walk of their mount and Prince’s warm body
behind her made her drowsy. More than once, she found herself starting awake.

"You can sleep. I would never let you fall."

Holding the reins around her, his arms brushed against
hers and kept her safe. "I know, but I don’t want to sleep. I want to be
with you. Talk to you."

"Then we will talk," he answered.

They did, about nothing at all. It was wonderful,
perfect. Time passed too quickly, and before she knew it the stars faded and the
sun began to rise behind them.

They smiled and laughed and…little parts of her broke inside.
With every word, every step, he was leaving her.

Yet he had given her this, for whatever reason. She
would not spoil it. One day it would be a memory she treasured.

They crested the top of what turned out to be the last
of a long series of rolling hills. The rising sun had cleared the clouds away
and sunlight lit the lowlands before them. In the distance she saw a small
stream crossing to the forest, beyond that, the faint brown mark of a road.
Focusing hard, she thought she could see the glitter of the sunlit sea on the
horizon.

Taking the reins in one hand, Prince leaned forward,
tucking his chin over her shoulder, his face next to hers. He pointed ahead. "Look,
Aro. Can you see it?"

Her eyes slipped along the tree-line and then stopped,
locking onto two towering structures amidst the forest border in the distance. "What
is that?"

"The Guardians of the Gate."

"Statues?"

"Yes, of our first king and queen. The gate is
between them. They are impressive, yes?"

She nodded quickly, even though she couldn’t make out
more than their size. "They’re certainly big."

He chuckled. "They are, and quite beautiful as
well."

His face remained so close to hers, she couldn’t keep
from tipping her head against his. For a moment, she felt the soft pressure of
him returning the gesture before he leaned back. The tenderness of his action
left her warm and happy, a soft smile coming to her face all on its own.

Craning her head around, he surprised her with his
boyish grin again. His eyes met hers and then he laughed, shaking his head. "I
am not used to your eyes."

Quickly, she lowered her lashes and turned away. "I’m
sorry," she whispered.

Fingers caught her chin, turning her head back to face
him. "Do not be. They are a part of you now."

Looking up, she met his gaze again and forced herself
not to look away as he stared at her strange new golden eyes.

"They suit you." Releasing her chin, he
tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

Behind them, she heard a rumbling laugh. Making a
face, she refused to turn and see the boys’ reactions to her and Prince.

Though the gates to his home were in sight, Prince
kept the horse at a leisurely walk. She didn’t complain, the more moments she
had with him the better, yet she did wonder once again at his sudden change.
Maybe he just wanted her to be happy.

They reached the lowlands and the horse slowed, its
hooves making muted sucking noises as it sank into oversaturated soil.

"We will have to go around. It will only get
worse." Prince pointed to how the land continued to dip until it reached
the small stream she’d seen before rising again. Her eyes settled on the road,
which apparently lead to the gates.

As Prince guided the horse north around the wet ground
she tried to figure out why there even was a road. Finally, she just asked.

"We do some trade with the humans. Most believe
we have humans working for us who buy and sell and move the goods, though in
truth we simply wear a glamor and do it ourselves."

"You don’t have everything you need in Rivenward?"

"We do, for the most part. We trade for gems and
some metals that are brought in from overseas. Human art is collected by some.
Mainly it is just that your items are different and it is an excuse for some to
travel. Life can easily become tedious."

They stopped at the stream to water the horses and
wash up. It didn’t escape her notice Prince took extra care to get the dirt
from his hands and face, to smooth down his clothes and he even ran his fingers
through his hair.

Her heart lodged in her throat, but she smiled and
chatted with Bo about nothing even as her eyes kept straying to the ever closer
gates.

"They’re impressive. It’s rather amazing we’ve
never heard stories of them."

She nodded her agreement, taking in the details of the
two statues. Two beautiful Elves in armor, swords in their hands, crowns upon
their heads, their stony eyes locked on something far in the distance. Though
beautiful, she also found them frightening.

The horses finished and they mounted and continued on,
keeping to their slow pace. Bo moved his horse up next to them, Kei and Garen
moving about around them, almost as if they were playing some game. She smiled
slightly, perhaps they were.

They reached the road too soon, and she found it
harder and harder to breath.

"Will I be able to still talk to you?"

"I…do not know," he replied. "I am not
sure if the wardwall will disrupt it, or even how far apart we can be. Our pack
is small and the bond really not that strong." He hesitated before
continuing quietly, "Do you know where you will be?"

"I don’t know. Back to the forest first, to
return Rhee-En’s horse. Maybe we’ll try to winter in one of the cities though.
If we can find some work."

"I would suggest Westport," he offered. "It
is the second city north of here."

"The one with the quarry?"

"Yes, and partly east of Rhee-En’s lands, should
you need to return there. They also have the largest human port of the city
states. Perhaps you will hear word of your family."

"Then yes, we will try there."

"Arowyn."

She turned at the sudden change in his tone.

His head tilted solemnly as he pulled the horse to a
stop. "I think this is far enough."

Swinging around, she saw they’d almost reached the
massive gates. Prince slipped off the horse as she stared at them. She hadn’t
realized the gates themselves were so huge. The statues had made her think them
smaller. Beautiful carvings etched every part of them, so many, her eyes darted
back and forth trying to see them all.

Something thumped, making the ground shake and the
horses shift nervously. With a mighty groan, the massive gates began to slowly
swing open.

With a squeak of surprise she dismounted quickly,
turning wide eyes on Prince, who chuckled at her sudden panic.

"Apparently the seer is getting better. It seems
they know I am here."

She nodded once and turned back to watch them
magically open. Behind her, she heard Prince quietly say his farewells to the
others.

Light trembles spread through her body. She didn’t
want her turn to come. The perfect words still eluded her. How did you say
goodbye to the one you loved? How did you put all of your feelings and hopes
and fears into a few simple sentences?

Her sullen thoughts suddenly stopped short as Elven
knights walked two abreast through the gate. Armor gleaming in the sun, they
marched in perfect unison. Her eyes widened at the drawn blades each held.

"Prince," she whispered harshly, not daring
to turn around.

He stepped up beside her and she risked a look at him.
A small smile curved his lips. He didn’t look worried at all. Glancing down at
her, he finally noticed her distress. "A welcome." His head snapped
up suddenly. "That is unexpected."

Following his look, she watched the knights split,
three going to stand on either side of the gate. As the last pair parted, a
woman strode into view, hands outstretched at her sides, holding the reins of
two mounts.

"I will return," Prince said quietly before
striding forward to meet her.

Aro stared in shock, wondering what was going on. Her
eyes focused on the woman as she drew closer. The lady was, quite simply, the
most gorgeous creature she’d ever seen. From her perfectly done hair to the
tips of her sparkling shoes, every part of her, every curve and piece of
clothing, radiated perfection and beauty.

Closing her eyes, she tried to control the sudden
feelings of worthlessness assaulting her. No wonder Prince wasn’t in love with
her if the women looked like this at home.

She kept her eyes shut until she managed to control
the fiery burning of unshed tears. Prince still talked with the beauty, though
he now had the reins of both horses in one hand. The woman handed him a small
pouch, and Prince nodded, his face intent upon hers.

Finally he turned and made his way back to them. Aro
didn’t watch him though, her eyes locked with the woman’s. The Elf regarded her
thoughtfully until Prince reached her side, and then she turned on her heel and
walked regally back to the gates.

"Who was that?"

Prince raised his eyebrows at her snappish tone. "Aeriella.
Our seer."

"I see she grew up," Aro muttered.

Prince frowned. "She has made your life much
easier. She saw my return, and that I wished to repay you for bringing me home."
He held out a set of reins to her, the other to Bo. "These are for you.
Not our best stock, they cannot leave Rivenward, but you will not find better
horses in these lands."

He turned to Kei and stepped to the side of one mount.
"You rarely ride, so I have something special for you here." He
patted a large pack. "She has marked other gifts and there are a few bags
of coins and gems." His eyes found hers. "You never need to work
again," he said softly. "You can buy a house, a bed, whatever you
might want."

Bo thanked him loudly, and profusely, while she just
stood there in shock. She’d never expected anything from him. Had she thought
he’d allow it, she would have refused it all.

He turned to her, a small expectant smile on his face.

"Thank you so much," she said breathlessly. "I–"

"A moment, Aro," he said gently. "I
have one more gift to give." He pulled the small pouch from his belt and
walked over to Garen. "I have not known you long, but you have become
family as well." Opening the bag, he pulled forth a small glowing sphere. "This
is an Elven glamor rune. If you agree, I can set it upon you." He paused,
apparently listening to Garen.

"No, it would make you appear as a large dog, it
would encourage people to avoid you." He listened again. "With this
you could enter cities and travel amongst humans unnoticed."