Corrupted: An Epic Dragons and Immortals Romantic Fantasy (Fallen Emrys Chronicles Book 1) by E.E. Everly (motivational books for men txt) 📕

long since set by the time we arrived. Kelyn shared his day with me as we paced the hall’s length in the oil lamps’ light, turning once we reached the end.

I smiled. I laughed. Kelyn angled his body toward mine and talked with his hands. He was passionate about helping his people, about serving them. He was bred to be a king.

I was proud of him. I was proud I saved his life for his people.

Kelyn didn’t ask me for an answer to his proposal, even as days wore on. I knew he was actively courting me—getting to know me. At least that’s what Kenrik snidely called it.

Kelyn’s hand often slid into mine, and he smoothed circles on the palm. I giggled as he swept hair from my forehead or rested his palm against the nape of my neck as he gazed into my pupils.

Oh, his blue eyes.

They were the one thing that steadied my galloping heart and washed away the blood that spurted from his chest in my nightmares.

He kissed me every day. Just once, before bed. Very chastely. He didn’t want to scare me off. He was patient—a man of his word. Even so, his heat lingered on my lips.

Kenrik teased me over Kelyn’s attentions. Though we brooded out the daylight hours, I knew what he thought about Kelyn and me.

Kenrik was also trying to win me in his own way. We found empty guest rooms, and I punched pillows until they exploded. This resulted in our laughter as we blew feathers around the room and launched them into each other’s faces.

I showed Kenrik my light. I showed him how I shielded myself in battle. I showed him how I heated water, and how I floated objects. In the armory, with Kenrik holding up a metal shield, I attacked him with a fury of orbs until the metal grew too hot and he begged me to stop.

More than once, I healed his burnt arm. When I did, he watched me, never taking his eyes off my face. He didn’t ever caress my cheeks as Kelyn did; he didn’t ever kiss me.

And I loved him for it. I loved him for letting me beat him up over and over again. And for those times of silence.

I was healing because of him.

Or maybe I was just distracted.

That was it. I was completely distracted. Ignoring my sin.

The first snow was late. For some reason, anticipating the storm made everyone restless. After the men returned, they sparred once again in the great hall, which was the most spacious place to assemble. The men pushed the tables against the walls and spent hours blowing off steam. Most of them weren’t scholars, so they didn’t congregate in the libraries or the sitting rooms with the ladies, but after many hours of chatting and weaving or stitching, the ladies eventually trickled down to watch the men.

I started this trend. Half of the ladies were ever so grateful.

I followed Sorfrona and Tiwlip down to the hall. Tiwlip spoke to me civilly. Kenrik assured me he didn’t speak to her of his affections for another, but even so, she didn’t ever meet my eyes. She wasn’t blind. My heart ached for her. I didn’t want their breakup to happen because of me.

Sorfrona had no idea Kenrik turned Tiwlip down. Every once in a while she mentioned how she was eager to travel to Hyledd in the spring—as if for a wedding. Tiwlip didn’t correct her.

As the ladies filtered in, I felt egos puff. Men broadened their chests and began fighting for show.

Kenrik wiggled his brows at me.

I smiled.

With the body heat in the room, most of the men had shed their shirts. The ladies blushed and tried not to stare at them directly. Most of them whispered to each other behind cupped hands while they batted their eyelashes.

Kelyn was sparring with another man. He called a halt to his match. “Ladies, I propose some encouragement for these hardworking soldiers. They’ve been sparring all afternoon, and their energy is flagging. Who will offer a token to the winner of the next match between Gobrwy and Trevis?”

Gobrwy—a brawny, dark-haired man—and Trevis—a broad-shouldered blond—stepped forward and bowed.

A few ladies reddened. Lady Daere stepped forward and waved an embroidered handkerchief.

“Wonderful,” Kelyn exclaimed. “Men…” Gobrwy and Trevis crouched at the ready. “Begin!”

The two men grappled with each other. Ladies gasped and cheered. The other men called out good-natured jeers. I noticed where Gobrwy faltered, Trevis advanced. Gobrwy would be down in…

“Match!” Kelyn yelled.

Trevis pulled Gobrwy off the floor and clapped him on the back. Lady Daere stepped forward and held out her handkerchief. Trevis took it, but not before kissing Lady Daere solidly on the hand. His eyes caught hers. Apparently he had a lot of motivation for winning his match.

The games continued. The supper hour drew near, and the men were going to break when someone called out. “Prince Kelyn and Prince Kenrik have yet to spar. One final match!”

Everyone clapped. A few whistles pierced the ruckus.

The soldier turned to me. “Lady Niawen, will you offer a token to the winner?”

The blood drained from my face, I was sure. Kelyn grinned at me, and Kenrik was busy studying his nails, pretending he wasn’t keen on the idea.

This is not good. Not good. “But of course.” I pulled out my handkerchief. Every muscle in my torso tightened. Kenrik was the stronger fighter. Of that, I had no doubt. Kelyn fought with greater intensity, but his advances were sloppy. I didn’t know how many people knew of their affections for me, but forcing them together wouldn’t end well. And their brawl would reveal everything. At least to me. I didn’t want to watch. I didn’t want to see their emerging emotions. I couldn’t stand by as they fought