The King's Curse (The Cursed Lands Book 1) by J F Rogers

Author:J F Rogers [Rogers, J F]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Noblebright Publishing
Published: 2023-05-29T16:00:00+00:00

Thirty-Six

“Why are you saying this?” I fought myself free from his grip. “Have you changed your mind?”

“No. No. I—” He removed his cap and raked his fingers through his black hair, probably pulling some out in the process. The vein in his temples pulsed. Surges of orange and purple infiltrated the black surrounding him. “There’s no telling what he might do”—he spoke under his breath, then glanced about as if to ensure he wasn’t overheard—“to you… to Iisakki.”

If he was trying to frighten me, it was working. My resolve faltered. I fisted my shaking hands and looked to Rhys, who appeared ready to break his binds and leap to my rescue.

“It’s not—I mean—” Liam rubbed the back of his reddening neck. “I’m not saying I’m in love with you or anything.”

“Of course not!” Heat rushed to my face. It must be as red as his neck.

“I’m concerned. I know your father. No good can come from setting foot before him.”

Was he right? Should I run?

His oceanic eyes appeared haunted. “You don’t know him like I do.”

Iisakki wound his cat form around my legs, purring. I picked him up. As I clutched him to my chest, Liisi filled my mind, then Kieron. Children. Innocent victims of Auberon’s curse. My father’s curse.

A confidence I didn’t know I possessed, a newfound resolve, filled me to the brim. I was too close to turn back now. All I’d been through—no, all God had brought me through—had gotten me to this point. I needed to stop running away and move ahead with purpose, face my fears.

I leveled my gaze on Liam and firmed my voice. “I have to see him.”

Liam backed away with a nod. His shoulders slumped. “I was afraid you’d say that.” Looking tired, he turned back to the door, then threw one last glance over his shoulder. “You sure I can’t change your mind?”

“I’m sure.” I punctuated my answer with a firm nod.

He heaved a heavy breath, then pushed through the door.

Tinkling bells rang overhead. A sharp smell assaulted my nose. It wasn’t like anything I’d ever smelled before—floral and sweet. My aching head pulsed, and my nose twitched, threatening to remove the noxious odor. But I held back the sneeze. Like an army, shelves of faceless heads displaying hats prepared to do battle with rows of shoes on the opposing wall. Racks of clothing scuffled in the center, a melee of maroon, gold, black, or brown. Not one bright, happy color. Between the lack of space, oppressive colors, and overpowering perfume, breathing didn’t come easy.

A woman in a blood-red dress with no aura burst through maroon curtains in the back of the shop. Below a tiny top hat askew upon her head, dark curls framed one side of her face, not falling past her jawline. But on the hat side, her hair spilled down to her shoulder. Her gaze landed on Liam, and her eyes lit up beneath layers of makeup, then dulled. She squared her shoulders, feigning aloofness. “Liam, darling. How wonderfully unexpected.

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