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  “He is safe and well, Citlali.” Amand glanced back at Hanne, who nodded. “I give you my oath that no harm will befall him here. He is, as are all of you, under my protection. I will care for Taima as if he were my own brother.”

  “I believe you. And I thank you.” They stopped as Citlali took a moment to gaze at Amand. Hanne made sure to look elsewhere when Citlali finally guided Amand’s head down to kiss him. “Will you stay with me?”

  “Of course.” Amand smiled. “We both will.”

  Hiding his wince, Hanne nodded. He’d intended to keep far away from the too-tempting Taima. How do I escape fate, destiny? He’s mine. I know it, feel it. Like a fire in my veins that will burn forever.

  “Citlali, may I speak freely?” Hanne asked.

  “Yes, Hanne. Of course. What is it?”

  “I assisted in tending to you brother’s injuries. The draught he took to ease his pain also … relaxed him enough for him to say things that concerned me.”

  “What things?” Citlali reached out to clutch at Hanne’s arm, gripping it hard. “He’s been so aloof, so secretive. Please tell me he’s not involved in any of this terrible business.”

  For a moment, Hanne was puzzled, then realized Citlali’s fear. “No, No, Citlali. He’s not working with our enemy. But he’s been touted for marriages he doesn’t want. As the Lady of the Estate, he assumed this was with your blessing. I am sure it is not.”

  “Of course not, no indeed!” The expression of outrage on Citlali’s face was everything Hanne could have wished for. “Was this Lonato’s doing?”

  “That was the name he mentioned. All I ask is that you make sure he knows you love him and would not force him against his own heart’s desire.”

  “I will, Hanne, and thank you.” Citlali stood on tiptoe, feathering a kiss against Hanne’s cheek. “I thought Lonato overstepped the bounds with me. I had no idea he was attempting the same with my brother.”

  Satisfied that Citlali would speak with her brother, Hanne allowed a little distance between himself and the others. Already Taima’s scent called to him, and Hanne ruthlessly ignored it.

  The relief Hanne scented from Citlali temporarily overwhelmed Taima’s, but it didn’t last. She perched on the edge of the bed as Taima opened his eyes.

  “Why didn't you tell me about Uncle Lonato?” Citlali asked as she stroked Taima’s hair.

  When Taima’s glance moved from his sister toward Hanne, Hanne looked away. If he looked into those exquisite blue eyes he’d say or do something he’d regret.

  When Hanne ignored him, Taima finally spoke, his voice heavy with sleep.

  “I thought you would agree with him. All the time I hear how I don't understand politics and alliances and allegiances. All I have to worry about is making a good marriage. Therein lies my usefulness.” His voice cracked slightly and Hanne took two steps toward him before stopping abruptly. Hanne felt Amand’s gaze on him, but refused to meet his lord’s eye.

  “I would never allow you to be just given away to make an alliance, Taima. Never.”

  Almost shaking with the urge to comfort his mate, Hanne stood impassively by as Citlali hugged her brother tightly when he struggled to sit up, then held him as he gave release to pent up pain, fear, and grief.

  Only when Taima had control of his emotions did Hanne relax a fraction.

  Taima looked at him, and then to Amand. “You aren't a prisoner? None of you?” he asked. “Hanne said that Amand regards you a guest.”

  “No.” Citlali shook her head. “None of us are his prisoners.”

  “I heard Uncle telling our fighters that you had been taken by Duende seeking a ransom for your return and that he would have to assume control in your absence. They refused to accept him summarily, deferring to your acting commander-in-chief in both your and Muraco’s absence. When I’d learned of what had happened, I confronted Lonato, and I demanded we come after you. But Uncle said he couldn't spare any fighters, and that the Duende would attack the castle after capturing you, and there was a ransom to be paid. So I came alone to find and help you.”

  “That’s impossible, Taima.” Amand stepped forward, standing at Citlali’s side and resting a hand on her shoulder. “When we rescued your sister and her retinue, there were no survivors among the gremlins and goblins that attacked them. Do you understand? We killed them all. Who could have reported anything to your uncle?”

  “No one.” Hanne growled. “No one escaped us. Not even one. We killed them all. Lonato couldn’t have said who held Citlali or what had become of her or her retinue. Unless he already knew in whose hands they were.”

  “It makes sense, Amand.” Citlali clutched at Amand’s hand. “Hideous, evil, and depraved, but sense nevertheless.”

  “I don’t understand.” Taima shook his head.

  “Taima, we were captured by goblins and gremlins, not Amand and his people. Hanne rescued us. Muraco and Namid ...suffered at the hands of those who took us. Hanne and his men rescued us, and killed the others. All of them. How would our soldiers know what had happened to us? Since we are Amand’s guests, where did this ransom note come from?”

  Taima blinked and Hanne couldn’t stand being a spectator any longer. Striding to the other side of Taima’s bed, he perched as close as he dared and laid a hand over Taima’s.

  “Citlali was never a prisoner. We sent no such ransom note, and no one could have known what happened to her. Naira and Rayen heard the gremlins talking about a payment they would get for capturing us, and the blame would be on Amand.”

  “Lonato! He wants our lands.” Taima’s eyes opened wide and he clutched at Hanne’s hand.

  Hanne squeezed it gently.

  “He caused a rift between brother and sister. How easy to create suspicion and mistrust between Fey and Duende?”

  “I believe you’re right, Hanne.” Amand nodded. “Citlali, who is better placed than he to know your mind? Although, I wonder how he knows so much of my people.”

  “Perhaps we, too, have a traitor.” Hanne patted Taima’s hand before slipping it back under the sheet. He ached to touch, to taste, but instead he rose and walked away.

  “I have heard much that has made me ashamed to be Fey.” Citlali rose and faced Amand. “Lonato has been cruel and relentless, using my name.”

  “Don’t be ashamed, Citlali. What he did was done for his own ends, not yours. But now we know.” Amand smiled at her, then turned to Hanne.

  “Go back to the hall. Wait for me there. I’ll escort Citlali to her room, then join you. We can update the other captains. We need time to sit, think. Then we can plan.”

  “Yes, my Lord.” Hanne glanced back toward Taima, but he was already asleep. To Hanne’s gaze he looked even more beautiful without the cares and fears to weigh him down. A shard of jealousy twisted deeply in Hanne’s stomach as Amand and Citlali shared a kiss.

  With his teeth firmly gritted together, Hanne left without another word.

  Chapter Eleven

  Once the effects of the sleeping draught wore off, Taima’s frustration began to simmer, bubbling ominously beneath a calm exterior, ready to erupt. He couldn’t shake off the memory of Hanne’s kiss, or the way it had made him feel.

  It wasn’t his first kiss, although kissing a young princeling was daring for anyone outside of a royal family. But none of the kisses he’d experienced even came close to Hanne’s. Taima felt as if he’d suddenly come to life. Even now, two days later, Taima was sure his lips still tingled, and the memory of the kiss stirred his groin.

  But that wasn’t the source of Taima’s frustration, but rather Hanne himself. Since he’d walked out two days earlier, Hanne hadn’t revisited. Questions asked of the twins, his sister, even Amand himself, were all greeted with shrugs, shakes of the head, and a rapid change of subject.

  Well, now that he was deemed fit enough to leave the healing rooms, Taima intended to chase down the elusive Duende captain and find out just why Hanne was avoiding him. Taima had no plan in mind. He woul
d speak to Hanne once he found him.

  Taima walked slowly around Amand’s citadel, marveling at the differences between Amand’s home and that of his own.

  Not meeting Hanne inside, Taima sought him outside. He was surprised at how friendly the people he met were. Whether human, Duende, or half-blood, all nodded and greeted him as he wandered aimlessly around.

  Then Taima spotted his quarry. Hanne was leading his horse into the stables. On the balls of his feet, Taima stalked his prey, pleased when he caught Hanne unawares. The big Duende’s expression changed rapidly from surprise to surly, but Taima didn’t care. He would have his answers.

  “Why did you kiss me?” Taima stood before Hanne, hands on his hips, chin tilted. Yet he tried to appear as if the answer didn’t matter.

  Hanne took a deep breath. “It was foolish—”

  Fury boiled over within Taima, making it impossible for him to speak. Of all the answers he expected, this wasn’t one of them. He whirled around, not wanting Hanne to see how hurt he was, needing to put distance between himself and the Duende warrior.

  But he stopped dead as Hanne shot out his tail, wrapping it around Taima’s waist and dragging him back. Hanne gave a bellow of fury that made Taima wince due to their proximity. Then they glared angrily at one another, neither prepared to back down. Taima found it much easier to cope with his anger than his pain.

  “It was foolish.” Hanne repeated, speaking each word slowly and deliberately, his voice a low growl. “Foolish because it revealed my weakness, and a good warrior never reveals his weaknesses. I am not of your kind. I know nothing of courtship rituals. I do not have the way with words your people have.”

  Taima bit back a gasp as Hanne pulled him closer, his nostrils flaring as he sniffed loudly at Taima’s throat.

  “But I do know my own mate. I also know you do not feel the same as I do. You aren’t sure what you feel. You expect wooing, pretty words, to fall in love, and it has always been in your mind to mate with one of your kind. I am not pretty. I have no golden words, no dainty gifts. I have me. As I am. That is all. You deserve better, you expect better, and I accept it. Forget the kiss.”

  “Will you?” Taima swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. Mate? He thinks I’m his mate?

  “Never. I won’t lie, but neither will I dream uselessly of what can never be. In that way lies madness. I may never know my true mate at my side. If that be the case, then so be it.”

  “You don’t know the meaning of love. You don’t love.” Taima’s anger finally boiled over. This was no different to hearing Lonato make decisions about him without any consultation, and he would not tolerate it any longer. “You wouldn’t just walk away if you did.”

  They continued to glower at one another, then Taima’s anger evaporated, leaving him open and vulnerable in Hanne’s tight hold.

  Slowly, Hanne uncoiled his tail, and shoved Taima away from him. “Leave me.” Hanne turned away from Taima and busied himself with his horse as if Taima no longer existed.

  Emotions whirling inside him, his head spinning, Taima backed away. Anger, frustration, desire, and despair all fought for dominance, leaving Taima feeling sick and exhausted. Perhaps Hanne was right. A Fey and a Duende couldn’t have a future together. Could they?

  Unsure where else to go, his heart heavy and aching, Taima returned to the healing rooms. His physician, an older Duende called Murtagh, looked up as he shuffled in.

  “My Lord, are you ill? You seemed so well, or else I wouldn’t have permitted you to leave.” Murtagh hurried to his side and Taima felt even worse by worrying the physician.

  “My body is well enough. I’m just a little … heartsick. Am I in your way here? I know Amand has allotted quarters for me, but I don’t want to be alone.”

  “You’re welcome to spend another evening here by all means, my Lord. Is there anything I can get for you? Are you hungry?”

  Food was the last thing Taima felt like, but he didn’t want to be a burden on anyone, and not eating would certainly cause people to worry.

  “Some soup perhaps? Could word be sent to my sister so she doesn’t worry?”

  “I shall arrange both, my Lord. Go, lie down. Perhaps you needed a little longer here. You needn’t worry. I have few patients at present.” Murtagh hurried away and Taima made his way into the side room he’d previously occupied.

  An hour or so later, Taima looked up from the book he was reading to see Citlali in the doorway.

  “Are you ill?” Citlali came in and sat on the edge of his bed. “Murtagh was concerned. He’s never cared for Fey and wondered if he’d not cared for you properly.”

  “I’m such a burden to everyone.” Taima lowered his book and shook his head. “No. I’m not ill. I just didn’t want to be alone. Murtagh pops in and talks to me. Citlali, do you understand the Duende?”

  “I-I don’t know that I can honestly say yes.” Citlali took hold of Taima’s hands. “Amand is nothing as I thought, but I’m learning very quickly that there is a lot more to them than Lonato and others like him would have Fey believe.”

  “They are not as I expected.” Taima looked up at Citlali. “Hanne, he ... he surprised me.” Slipping one of his hands free, he touched his lips, and Citlali frowned.

  “Taima, remember this. They have suffered at the hands of those who claimed to act on my instructions. Similarly, with the humans, their villages have been decimated to provide miners or soldiers for Lonato. Amand got word of the planned attack on us and came to rescue us. He opened my eyes to what is happening. We did not get on immediately, but we do now. Things are very different. He can be trusted, as can Hanne. Rest, Taima.” She stroked his forehead as he yawned deeply.

  “Thank you, Citlali.” Taima realized she didn’t understand. Citlali thought he was still concerned about trusting the Duende as allies. Then a thought popped into his head, but he was too tired to act on it.

  Murtagh came and smiled at him. “I added a little of the sleeping draught to your drink, my Lord. You need to rest and regain your strength.

  “I’ll be fine in the morning.” Taima looked from the physician to his sister. “I know what to do.” Smiling to himself, he shut his eyes.

  ****

  With the dawn of a new day, and purpose in his step, Taima sought out Muraco. If anyone could help him understand Hanne, Muraco would. His friend was outside, close to the back door of the kitchen, being tended by one of the half-blood Duende.

  Jealousy threatened to rear its ugly head, but Taima pushed it down firmly. If Kai made Muraco happy, then Taima would be happy for them both. Over the years Taima had grown to love Muraco as a brother. Even before the death of his father, Muraco was the one man Taima always felt comfortable with, and knew he could turn to about anything.

  “Muraco, could we talk for a few moments in private? I really need your help.” Taima looked beseechingly at his friend. I just pray he can help me with this.

  With a snort, Kai started to rise, anger in his eyes, but then Muraco pulled him in his arms, kissing him. Taima politely turned away, realizing Muraco was demonstrating where his loyalty lay. Much has clearly happened here while my family and friends have been in Amand’s fortress.

  The kiss only ended when they were both panting heavily, and a smile had replaced Kai’s previously sullen expression.

  “I have work to do in the kitchens.” Kai touched Muraco’s cheek with his fingertips. “Lord Amand has been indulgent in allowing me time while you heal. I should not take advantage of his good will.”

  “Give me a few minutes, and I will join you, Kai. It will be good to feel useful again.” Muraco stretched and wriggled his fingers. “Even if all I do is peel vegetables.”

  “Thank you, Kai.” Taima offered a smile as the young man passed him. For a few seconds their gazes met, and Taima permitted the scrutiny, knowing Kai was searching for any sign of duplicity.

  “Muraco has been like an older brother to me for many years. I value his advice, and wish him every happiness
with you.” Taima hoped Kai accepted the good wishes.

  Cocking his head, frowning slightly, Kai studied Taima. Then he straightened and gave Taima a curt nod. “When he’s ready to join me, don’t let him walk unaided.”

  Taima leaned in a little closer, dropping his voice to a whisper. “I’ll be sure to call for you to help him.”

  “He’s stubborn.” Kai jerked his head in Muraco’s direction.

  “I know.” Taima watched Kai stride into the kitchen, elated things had gone so well. Then he turned his attention to Muraco.

  “He is very possessive.” Muraco leaned back against the wall to bask in a patch of sunlight. “He is going to have to learn to share my time. Something very difficult for a Duende, or even a half-Duende. What can I do for you, my Princeling?”

  “I'm so confused, Muraco. Do these people not love as we love?”

  “They do indeed, Taima, and yet … differently.” Muraco shrugged. “Why not tell me exactly what happened, my Princeling?”

  “Please, Muraco, I am just Taima. I hurt Hanne. He—we—I said something, and I hurt him. I was wrong. What can I do to make it right?”

  “Only you and he know what passed between you, Taima.” Muraco spoke softly, without censure or question. “Is there perhaps something in the words you and he exchanged that you could use as a token to emphasize how wrong you know you were? Otherwise, simply tell him you're sorry.”

  “That seems too easy.” Taima nibbled at his lower lip.

  “I can tell you this.” Muraco leaned forward. “Much of what we have been led to believe of the Duende are lies. They are a hard people by necessity. That is their way, the way of a warrior people. But since the death of your parents, they lost land and livestock, and with those losses, much of their freedom. They are not a people given to overly-emotional displays or deceit. A Duende will not have a dalliance with a life-mate. In that instance, they will love for the rest of their lives, or never again, if rejected. I have been told that Duende never rejects Duende, as the feeling between them is mutual. I can also assure you, Taima, that once you get past the hard, seemingly unyielding exterior, a Duende is as gentle, loving, and beautiful as any one of our kind. Does that help?”