Anathema's Curse by Rachael Loper

Author:Rachael Loper [Loper, Rachael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rachael Loper
Published: 2023-07-06T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Kazlon is waiting in the sitting room with a book in hand, reading, as we return.

"Asher, can I have a moment alone with Anathema?" His words sound more like a statement than a request.

Asher sketches a bow, letting his hair fall forward.

Valor comes running at my arrival and nearly knocks me down. I bend over and pet him rough and blithefully before lifting my head back up to Kazlon, who is back to his stoic mannerisms.

"He missed you quite a bit. All he has done is whine since we've been here." The king stands, crossing his arms and watching me blandly as my wolf trembles and licks me.

"Aw, poor guy. I figured he was with you since he wasn't with Asher upon my waking," I say, looking for confirmation.

"He was, but we hadn't been gone long before returning here. He searched the entire lodge for you. I almost pulled you back to get him, but I didn't want to interfere with your fun. Did you enjoy yourself?" Kazlon tenses his eyes, seeming upset with me, though he doesn't sound it.

He's already a threatening force by simply existing, but standing tall over me as he gets closer, urges me to fear him even more. He must take notice of my uncomfortable shift in emotion, because he steps back coolly and leans against the embroidered chair he sat upon when we arrived.

"I did. Thank you for letting me go out. It was refreshing." I meet his eyes, trying not to look timid. Something is off about him tonight, but I can't place it.

He lets his arms go lax at his sides and sighs. "Anathema, you are free to do as you please. I didn't allow you to do anything. I just suggest you don't go out alone, because it's high-risk to someone who barely knows anything about this world. I made a deal to protect you. That's hard to do if you wander around without a guard or me. People will know you're not from here and jump at any opportunity to exploit that. There are still Fae amongst us who live Unseelie." Kazlon pinches the bridge of his nose, furrowing his brow as if I'd somehow stressed him out with my presence alone.

All I can do is stand awkwardly, teetering on the edges of my feet. Whether or not he is upset, confuses me. I never know what type of mood he will be in, so it causes me stay on guard for the worst with him at all times. He seems triggered by the smallest things, going from contentment to frustration in a matter of seconds.

"Until we properly train you to wield a weapon, I got something for you that even a child can easily use." The Spring king reaches into a hidden pocket inside his green, brocade vest and pulls out a stick. I'm not sure if he is purposely trying to make me laugh or if he is serious, but I crack up, anyways. His expression shows no apparent sign of humor, making me go silent the moment I meet his face.

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