Broken Promise (The Broken Ones Book 3)

by Jen Wylie

  The loud noise startled her, but she shook her head, returning his hard gaze with one of her own. "I wasn't going to. I'm just not thinking too quickly right now." She straightened, her back cracking, and then leaned back in the chair, making him wait. "Do you know who I am? And I don't mean my name."

  He chuckled and sat back as well, fingers drumming the table. "I've heard you are the one the Fey prophesized about. The one to heal them of their madness."

  "I am," she answered quietly. "I can take their power and their fury, and for some reason when I do, they are then well again. I've…learned to hold some of that power, and to use it to heal myself. It isn't my own."

  "That is rather remarkable, don't you think?"

  She shrugged and looked away. "It's not a life I'd have chosen. But I do want to help them if I can."

  "This power you have, and your knowledge to use it to heal, is what saved your life. The power would have healed any damage done by the drug." He frowned. "Though I saw no change in you for days, which is strange."

  "It got loose," she muttered to herself, remembering how she'd woken and found it not tucked safely within.

  His chair screeched on the floor as he jerked up and leaned toward her. "How do you mean?"

  She raised a hand to her chest. "I… I've always held it tight within me when I didn't need it."

  "And there is the answer. Hold it gently, let some flow within you."

  "I don't want to waste it," she argued. "I'm not like you, I can't make more."

  He let out an irritated huff. "You've much to learn. Leaving it to settle within you will allow you to heal more quickly, but not take nearly as much power as it would if you directed it." He waved a hand, dismissing her worries. "Let it out. I imagine it will help with your weakness and to clear your head."

  Nodding slightly, she did as he suggested. If the power waned, she'd just hold it tight within her once more. "Why are you doing this?"

  His lips curved up in a small frightening smile that didn't reach his eyes. She stared into them, such a pale blue they reminded her of ice, which fitted him rather perfectly.

  "I could tell you it was for noble reasons, rescuing the lady in peril, yet I think you are smart enough not to believe that. Interestingly enough, an Elf sent out a plea on your behalf, which I happened to hear."

  She straightened at that. So the Elf had actually done as he said and tried to find help for her? She hadn't really expected it.

  "Being close by, I came to investigate. Clearly Lord Vesrin broke Elven Law, and in my city."

  "He what?"

  "We are not to hold humans against their will, or cause them physical harm unless we are attacked ourselves." Before she could comment on that, he continued, "It is a good thing I arrived, for you'd left quite a mess in the street. Had it been discovered by humans, there would certainly have been dire consequences."

  She didn't care about the consequences. "What happened to the Elves?"

  "Lord Vesrin fled. Nylian is dead, and I have disposed of the body. You wounded Garsin quite badly. My men put him in the yard. When we checked yesterday he was gone, whether he healed, or if the body was disposed of I don't know."

  "I hope he's dead," she whispered.

  "I hope he is not," Roan replied briskly. He shook his head. "You have killed at least one Elf. Do you not see the danger you are now in?"

  She didn't. As far as she was concerned, they deserved it after what they'd done to her. Setting her jaw, she stared off into the corner.

  "What am I to do with you?"

  She looked back at him. "If you could get me some clothes, I will–"

  "Have you listened to a word I said?"

  Opening her mouth, she closed it quickly at his fierce glare.

  "You are now addicted to riath. The power within you might keep you alive, though even of this I cannot be sure. You will soon go through withdrawals that will either stop your heart or drive you mad. On top of this, you will most assuredly have at least Lord Vesrin hunting you, and this time he will seek your death." His hand slapped the desk as he leaned toward her. "Do you understand, Arowyn?"

  "I'm dead either way?" The words came out surprisingly calm. The idea of death didn't bother her very much anymore.

  Her lack of response certainly surprised the pirate. He stared at her a long moment, eyes searching hers in confusion. "What am I to do with you?"

  "You're repeating yourself," she said with a small smile.

  "I can help you with the addiction. I can keep you safe from Lord Vesrin. I'm just not sure why I should."

  His coldness, his constant frowns, reminded her so much of Prince, even if he didn't physically resemble him at all. "You shouldn't," she answered. "I hear I'm quite troublesome."

  Her reply shocked him all the more. It amused her to see him thrown off by her response yet again.

  He roughly cleared his throat. "Yet you are the hope of the Fey. Only you could bring them back to what they once were." He paused a moment. "The Vor are rising. The Fey will be needed."

  "So you will help me?"

  "Yes. Though not for nothing."

  "You are a pirate."

  "So I am. What will you give me in return?"

  His words quickly stole away her mirth. She had nothing. Bo and Garen were dead, the house destroyed. "What do you want?"

  Apparently he expected the question, for he answered quickly. "For starters, you will tell no one I am anything other than human." She nodded. She could do that. It wasn't like she had anyone to tell. Twinning his fingers over his chest, he leaned back again, now in his element. "Information is as important to me as goods. You will answer any question I ask, and you will tell me the truth."

  She wrinkled her nose at that but nodded anyway.

  "And lastly…" He pursed his lips and then frowned again. "I suppose you will just have to owe me a favor."

  Rolling her eyes, she nodded again. What was with everyone wanting favors?

  Standing, he leaned over the desk, hand out. "It is agreed, then?"

  She shook his hand. "Agreed."

  Chapter 18

  The Pirate's Price

  "Now eat." He gestured at her still mostly full plate. "You're lucky you didn't die of starvation."

  Picking at her plate and eating small bites at a time, she cast discreet looks at him. She couldn't quite decide what to make of him. His rugged appearance didn't help her much. Wearing his glamor rune, she really had no idea what he looked like. His cold demeanor didn't mean much to her either. She'd seen it in the other Elves. However, he'd rescued her and tended her wounds, and even though he'd not acted inclined to do so, he was helping her.

  They ate in silence until the thought of more made her shrunken stomach protest.

  He frowned again but didn't comment when she pushed her plate away and leaned back.

  "So what now?"

  "Now…I have business to attend to. You may do as you please, as long as you remain in the room."

  She straightened in alarm.

  "I've many men here," he explained. "As long as you stay out of sight, I trust you won't get into trouble."

  Too tired to argue, she instead pushed herself up to her feet. It wasn't like she didn't have things to do, and if he was going out, she'd have alone time to do them. "I'm just going to rest."

  He didn't comment, though when she stumbled into bed he did come over and partially close the bed curtain.

  "I should be back by dinner."

  Curling into the blankets, she closed her eyes and just nodded. He took forever to leave, gathering some things from his desk and taking the tray out with him. Finally the door closed and she relaxed.

  Immediately she found Kei had already awoken, and she struggled to push passed the fog to feel him. His sorrow brought tears to her eyes. She felt his surprise, confusion, relief, and still the pain.

  I'm sorry, Kei. I'm here. He couldn't hear her, but she ignored her own pain and feelings and concentrated on just wrapping him in he
r love, letting him know she was there for him.

  He was all she had left of her boys. Tears pricked her eyes as she thought of Bo and Garen. Turning her face into the pillow, she let the tears come.

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  "Arowyn, dinner is ready."

  The harsh voice and rough shake of her shoulder, jerked her out of sleep.

  Sleep? When had she fallen asleep?

  Her face felt tight, her eyes crusty and burning. She cursed and heard a faint chuckle in response. Pushing herself up, she sucked in a sharp breath at the sudden pain in her side. She hadn't gotten around to healing her ribs.

  A sudden thought occurred to her. "Who wrapped my ribs?"

  The curtain pulled back fully and she looked up to see Roan's wry grin. Her eyes narrowed and he chuckled again. He seemed in a much better mood. Apparently his "business" had gone well.

  "One of my women," he answered. "She also cleaned you up."

  She gave a faint grunt in response. She shouldn't have been surprised. Though not as beautiful as an Elf, he was certainly more ruggedly handsome than should be allowed.

  "Is it too tight? Would you like me to look at it?"

  "It's fine," she snapped.

  "Then come eat." He walked to his seat at the desk. By the time she made it to hers, he'd already set out a plate for her and started to eat.

  The silence got to her over time, and she finally couldn't stop herself from speaking. "I don't know why I fell asleep. You'd think I've slept enough already."

  "You are healing. The sleep induced by riath isn't natural. You are more aware, and your mind doesn't rest as it should."

  "Really?"

  He nodded. "Did you know many have been able to direct the dream memories, to actively search for ones they wanted to see?"

  "Is that why mine were all happy? Usually I have nightmares."

  His eyebrows lifted at her comment. "Perhaps."

  The uncomfortable silence resumed. She ate a little more before another question nagged at her long enough she finally blurted it out.

  "Where am I sleeping tonight?"

  He didn't even glance up at her. "Where you have been."

  Her eyes moved to the bed. "If I'm not mistaken, that is your bed."

  "Yes."

  When he still didn't lift his eyes from his food, a cold knot formed in her stomach. "And you will be sleeping where?"

  He finally looked up. "In my bed."

  "With me."

  "With you."

  Her mouth opened and closed a few times, but she was at a total loss for words as her insides seemed to freeze solid.

  "Don't tell me you've never shared a bed with a man before?"

  His condescending tone, and the amusement in it, made her clench her fists in anger. "Of course I have. But I knew them, and I don't know you, and I don't trust you."

  Her words left him speechless for a moment and she realized what she'd said, and implied, but didn't really care. He could think what he wanted, he probably would anyway.

  "I have offered you my protection, Arowyn. You have no reason to distrust me."

  Shaking her head, she grunted her disbelief of that. "Your protection from Elves," she said. "Does that include yourself?"

  "It includes myself," he agreed, an amused half smile crossing his lips. "And any humans who may prove bothersome to you."

  "Interesting." Tilting her head to the side, she regarded him thoughtfully. "If you touch me you will most certainly regret it."

  "I am sure I will." He still sounded amused. "Is there anyone else I need to add to the list?"

  Since there was, she bit her tongue. He didn't need to know about her other troubles.

  "Arowyn," he said warningly. "Part of the deal was for you to speak, and be truthful."

  "Rot." She had agreed. Of course she'd been much more out of focus at the time, but he likely took advantage of that. Smart man. Stupid her. "I don't expect you to protect me from them," she finally answered. "In fact, if the Dragos comes, just… leave us be. He might hurt me, but he won't kill me." Not yet at least.

  "A Dragos," he said incredulously.

  "Damon."

  "Whatever does he want with you?"

  She shrugged. If only she knew. "He's interested in the Fey prophecy and my part in it. I've no idea why. I think he's a bit insane."

  "I will have that story later." Leaning back, he looked off over her shoulder, lost in thought. His eyes snapped back to her. "You said them. How many enemies have you accumulated?"

  Shifting uncomfortably, she looked down at her plate.

  "Who else, Arowyn?"

  "The Were king," she mumbled. He remained silent so long she finally peeked up at him. Sitting stiffly in his chair, she couldn't decipher the look on his face. "He's apparently angry with me," she continued.

  "And what did you do to cause this?"

  The tell-the-truth part of the deal had really been a bad thing to agree to. "I needed power, for Prince…Shael," she added. She'd have to remember to use his name, not the one they'd all called him for a year. "He was dying, and we were so close to getting him home. I might have…somehow…made a pack…and…well. He found out and wasn't happy about it."

  "You think he will hurt you," Roan stated in a quiet, strained voice.

  Apparently she'd shocked him good with that one. Not that she could blame him. Who would want to take on the Were king? She shifted in her seat and shrugged a shoulder. "I was told he was quite angry and coming for me." She paused a moment. "It was suggested taking a ship back west might be a good idea. If I wasn't terrified of boats, I might have considered it. Have you ever seen an angry Were king? I haven't, but my imagination is probably not even close, and believe me, it's been quite bad enough." Realizing she was babbling, she pressed her lips together.

  "Are you afraid of the Were?"

  The question surprised her. "Other than the king? No." She smiled softly. "I get along with them well. Some I'd even call friends. Of course, I wouldn't want to fight one," she added, thinking of the giant wolves.

  "You are not quite what I expected."

  Her eyebrows rose. "What do you mean?"

  A long moment went by before he answered. "You fought bravely in the street, yet…you appear quite small, innocent, and…breakable. I'm not sure what to make of you."

  "Most people don't," she answered.

  He tipped his head in agreement. "Are you finished?"

  She nodded, pushing her plate toward him. The return of his cold demeanor rather shocked her and she wondered what she'd said. Perhaps he'd realized how much trouble she could possibly cause him.

  "I must go out for a while. Is there anything you need?"

  "Clothes," she said immediately.

  "Tomorrow," he answered promptly, and began gathering everything onto the tray.

  "When will…" She hesitated and then continued when he glanced at her expectantly. "When will I start to…withdraw?"

  "To have withdrawals," he corrected. "And that, I am not certain. You were given so much I imagine some is still in your body. Your ability to heal may ease the symptoms for a time. There is no need to worry. It will be a slow process, and I will be watching."

  She nodded her understanding and stood. At least her legs didn't feel as wobbly. "One more question," she said suddenly. "What am I to call you?"

  "When we are alone, you may call me Roan. With others, everyone calls me Captain."

  "Very well. Good night then, Roan."

  Returning to bed, she drew the curtain and listened until he left. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on Kei. Things are better now, I think. He couldn't hear her, but she hoped he understood. She stayed close to him until he slept and then sighed. Time for some pain.

  Gritting her teeth, she began the slow process of healing her ribs.

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  Pulling back the curtain, she was surprised to find Roan at his desk. He hadn't woken her when he'd come in, or gotten up. Nightmares had though, and she'd noti
ced him sleeping beside her. At least he'd kept his word and stayed on his side of the large bed. She yawned. It'd taken her a while to fall back asleep. Loud noises, laughter, and the occasional song kept startling her. It sounded as though they lived next to a rowdy tavern.

  "Good morning," she said quietly as she got out of bed.

  His gaze flicked over to her and he nodded once. The breakfast tray sat on the desk, but he'd apparently not waited for her. She went into the bathroom and didn't hurry, worried he might still be in a bad mood. Maybe she'd be lucky and he'd leave early.

  She wasn't so lucky. At least she felt much better. She hadn't fully healed her ribs the night before, but the pain was much less today. Since he wasn't talkative, she began to eat without a word. He remained silent until she finished.

  "I will be out this morning but will come by around noon."

  "With clothes?"

  "Yes, with clothes," he said coldly.

  She opened her mouth and then closed it again.

  "What is it, Arowyn?"

  "Would it be possible to send the prince a message? That I'm…with you."

  Her question got his attention at least. "Interesting you should ask. I sent one yesterday after you woke."

  "Oh…then, thank you."

  "I didn't do it for you. I thought he would appreciate knowing what had occurred, and that you weren't dead."

  Of course, politics. She should have known. "If he replies, could you let me know?"

  "I doubt that he would, but yes, I will." He put away his papers while she watched, unsure what to do. "Shall I have a bath prepared? Are you feeling well enough?"

  His question startled her, but she nodded. "Yes, please."

  He left without another word.

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  A boy knocked on the door and hollered when the bath was ready. The wrappings on her ribs and wrists took some time to get off. The lukewarm water felt wonderful to soak in. She stole soap from the dresser and scrubbed.

  Unfortunately, she couldn't scrub the pain in her heart away. Too much, everything was too much…Kei, Prince, Bo and Garen. How could she be expected to deal with so much loss all at once? It seemed never ending and had come to the point she didn't know what else she could lose. Death, loss, they had become such common things she'd begun to experience a chilling numbness toward them.