Queen of the Wildwood by Angela J Ford

Author:Angela J Ford
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2020-03-31T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 5

Silver mist greeted us in the morning. Vague shapes appeared in the fog—fingers, the face of a lady, the form of a hulking orc, an overgrown wolf. The atmosphere was thick with animosity, and a darkness hovered over us. Something in the air reached out, seeking to take hold.

Aelbrin led the way, saying nothing about our intimate night of pleasure. He’d taken me again and again, as though that alone could stop time and our inevitable separation. Even now I sensed a deep sadness emitting from him.

My hair stuck to my back and my feet hummed with discomfort at each step, for the boots he’d given me were too large. The shirt I’d borrowed billowed out, adding to my discomfort. The pants slipped off my lean hips, forcing me to continually hoist them up. My limbs trembled as I stumbled uphill, slipping on moss, broken branches, and pine needles.

Aelbrin turned back often to assist me. When his hand touched mine, my skin went hot, and I willed myself to follow through with my decision. Once he led me to the Dark Queen, I hoped he’d flee, even though he believed he led me to my doom.

I pushed those dreadful thoughts away and flexed my fingers, forcing clarity into my mind. Practicing magic was dangerous when I was confused or distracted. I needed to concentrate. An unclear mind led to emotions overriding my control. I couldn’t let my rage balloon into devastation again.

When we reached the hilltop, a gust of wind rushed across the knoll. It lifted my hair, blew out my clothes, and examined me from every angle. I heard a cruel laugh before the wind fizzled out. Violation made me cross my arms over my chest for protection.

“What was that?” I demanded.

Aelbrin glanced back at me, and the look he gave me almost swayed my resolve. The wind had blown his wild hair straight back, giving him a rather severe look. His haunted eyes had gone dark. “That was the gatekeeper, checking to ensure you carry no weapons. She will report her findings to the queen.”

A bead of sweat trickled down my forehead.

“Yula. My dear rose girl. This is your last chance,” Aelbrin urged. “I’ve brought you this far, but if you wish to flee and seek another way to save your people, I will help you.”

A memory of his warm, insistent kisses plagued my thoughts. We were good together, and he was wise, but try as I might, I could see no other way. Besides, if we failed, people would die, and I was tired of people dying because of me and my magic.

Only one path was clear, and I had no choice but to take it.

My stomach twisted but I lifted my chin. “I can do this.”

Aelbrin held my gaze as he came to stand before me. His fingers grazed my wrist and sent a tingling sensation down my spine. He scanned my face as though searching for something.

My heart kicked against my chest. Was he going to kiss me again?

The moment snapped as he let go of me.

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