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

didn’t want you to go with them on the mission. You shouldn’t have been subjected to the horrors you saw. The blood of those men should not be on your hands.”

“It’s all right,” I said. “It’s too late. I made the choice to go.”

“As long as you’re under my roof, you’re my responsibility. I owe this to your parents. If I ever stood before them, I’d like to say I took care of you with every ounce of my strength—that I fought for your purity.”

“You’re very sweet.”

“The blood is not on your hands, Niawen,” he said. “The burden is mine. As the ruler of this realm, I’m responsible for every life. Give me your guilt. Let it go. It’s on me. Then be free to choose happiness. Do you understand?”

I sniffed and nodded, but I couldn’t let my mistake go that easily.

“And make a decision. Tell my sons what’s in your heart and mind. Tell them you can’t marry them. Or tell them your heart’s still broken. Travel the country if you must. Go to Brenin’s realm. Track down that fur trader.”

I laughed. So Sieffre wasn’t blind to Owein’s affections for me either. He rose, and I followed him.

“Thanks for the talk,” I said.

He leaned in and embraced me. “My Niawen. Be happy.”

THIRTY-THREE

“Look at your face.” I lifted the slab of meat off Kenrik’s eye. I didn’t understand the strange healing custom.

“I can’t look at it. My eye’s swollen shut.”

Kenrik was lying on a chaise in his mother’s drawing room. Sorfrona slipped out when I told her I wanted a minute alone with Kenrik.

“Your nose is smashed,” I said.

“I’m feeling very relaxed. Mother gave me a sedative in a bitter tea. I couldn’t wait for you to finish tending to Kelyn’s wounds. I don’t blame you for going to him first.”

“I hope that’s the sedative talking. His shoulder was dislocated. I had to heal him first.”

“You love him. I shouldn’t have bothered.”

“Don’t cross me before I heal your face. I might leave your nose crooked. And don’t guess at my feelings. You don’t know how I feel about Kelyn.”

Kenrik leaned his head back. “Please, my lady, do your worst.”

I scowled at him but closed my eyes and dove with my light. Kelyn had really disfigured Kenrik’s nose. What would Kenrik have done without me? I placed one hand on his forehead to dull the throbbing and gingerly touched the bridge of his nose with two fingers and my thumb. The healing took much longer than mending Kelyn’s shoulder. I grew weary and dropped onto the chaise beside Kenrik.

His hands encircled my waist as he pulled me closer to the center of the cushion—closer to him. He scooted over to make room for me.

“Hold still,” I said. “If I slip up, the results won’t be pretty.”

“You’re teasing me. You wouldn’t mess up a face this handsome.”

I rolled my eyes. “There. All done.”

He ran a finger down the bridge of his nose. He massaged either side of his nostrils and felt his eye.

“Can you see me?” I asked.

“Yes. I see your beautiful emerald eyes. Your pouty lips.” Kenrik brushed a lock of hair off his sweaty forehead.

“Oh, good. What are they telling you?”

“That I’m in big trouble.” He touched my cheek.

I pulled his hands away and stood. I wasn’t used to Kenrik’s intimate touch. “You need to sleep the tea off.”

“I’m fine.” Kenrik whipped himself upright on the chaise and planted his feet on the floor. He hunched over, obviously regretting his sudden movement.

“I can’t talk to you like this.” I didn’t want to talk to him about us. I didn’t want to hurt him.

“Say what you have to say. Put me out of my misery.”

“You’re so sure I’ll relieve you of your misery?”

He gazed up at me. “Or drag me further into it. Which is it?”

I studied his penetrating eyes before I spoke my answer. “Kenrik, this won’t work. You should accept Tiwlip.”

“Why would you say that?” He rose, wobbling, but caught himself on the chaise’s back. “You know I can’t. That’s over and done with. She’ll heal.”

“You’ll marry someone else, then.”

“My father can’t make me marry anyone.”

I sighed and crossed my arms over my chest. “You are stubborn.”

“Does my happiness concern you so much? If you’re marrying Kelyn, then why should you care whom I marry?”

I flung my arms wide. “I’m not marrying Kelyn!”

I’m not? I just found my answer.

“You’re not?” Kenrik asked.

This was out of hand. “I didn’t come to the mortal realms to marry anyone. I didn’t expect humans to fall all over me.” Nor two princes to fight for me.

I turned to leave the room. I didn’t need any more contention. Sieffre was right. I should move on. Explore more of this world.

Kenrik grabbed my hand. He pulled heavily as if he still needed the support.

I pushed Kenrik, and he stumbled half a step. “Your father asked me to make a decision. I shouldn’t lead you or Kelyn on. I’m not ready to fall in love.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I can’t love anyone from this world. Ever since I came here, men have been coveting me, eyeing me, pawing me. First Owein, then Kelyn, and you. Even strangers in the marketplace!”

Kenrik snickered. “I saw you before Kelyn.”

“This isn’t a game!” Couldn’t he read the pain on my face? Pushing Kenrik away was killing me. Oh, Kenrik, don’t stare at me like that. As if I was the only thing worth living for.

He edged me against the wall and pressed his hips against mine, pinning me. I cowered limply against the wall and his body, letting his advance, his drive, course through me. He could have devoured me with his look.