No matter how seductive his touch, she had to stay focused. “Not only that, but Lionel said he heard the King was considering canceling future hunts because of the outbreaks.”
Stellan pulled abruptly away and sat up, cursing under his breath.
Clarysa scrambled into a sitting position. She understood his frustration–she hadn’t wanted to stop either. But time was running out. “And I have a guard now at all times. I can’t help you properly with so much scrutiny.” When he didn’t respond, Clarysa tugged at his collar. “Do you know any magick that will help?”
Stellan scowled. “You don’t understand what you’re asking.”
“Oh there must be some kind of potion or something that will change my parents’ minds. I could slip it into their wine. Isn’t that how it’s done?”
“Oh, gods!” With a vehement shake of his head, Stellan stood. Gazing downward, his face reminded her of his castle, icy and rigid. “Just as I’m beginning to think you understand my predicament, you go and spout something completely ignorant! ‘Slip it into their wine’, she says.” His voice mocked without restraint. “Damn it, Clarysa, your parents aren’t puppets. I can’t just pull their strings when it’s convenient for you.”
Anger flared as if he had slapped her. “Convenient for me? That’s uncalled for! I’m only trying to figure out a way to achieve this alliance.”
He threw up his hands. “So manipulating the King and Queen is your brilliant strategy? Which will last for exactly how long, Princess? Well, I’ll tell you–for as long as the potion lasts, which is no time at all, because nothing like it exists! What kind of sorcerer do you think I am, that I can possess people? Or do you believe I can control the sun and the moon as well?”
Who was this man spitting such vitriol? Didn’t he appreciate anything she had done? “Perhaps I misspoke about your abilities, but at least I’m not giving up!”
Stellan scowled. “Is that what you think of me, Clarysa?” His voice sounded low and dangerous. “That I’m a coward?” He continued before she could respond. “You don’t have to say it. I know that suspicion has been lurking in your spoiled little head for some time.” His features contorted, grew more cold and hard. He slammed a fist against the nearest tree. A handful of leaves fluttered to the ground. Then he turned away, clenched fists by his sides.
Spoiled little head? Was that how she came across to him, a spoiled princess? Tears pricked her eyes as she stood. “Your life has been awful. Living through that kind of horror must make it difficult to face the day. That’s what I meant. I know you’re not afraid.”
Despite her attempt to regain a civilized exchange, no comforting words came from the guarded man before her. The rain had stopped, but clouds hid the sun. She shivered in the cool breeze as it sifted through the trees. How could she have been so stupid? Or rather, so idealistic. Part of her didn’t want to believe the astronomical obstacles between her and a life of bliss with Stellan. But she couldn’t be as cynical as he appeared to be. It wasn’t in her nature.
Clarysa couldn’t stand the dreadful silence. Wanting to reach him but not knowing how, her frustration only grew. “I apologize for offending you. Why don’t you say something?” Stepping closer, she placed a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t you care about what happens to us?”
He stiffened under her touch. “Should I? We’ve spent what–all of five days together? Hardly enough time to build a proper foundation.”
“But Stellan, I…I love you.”
He turned and glared. “Don’t confuse infatuation with love. You’re in love with my reputation, not me.”
Clarysa stared at him in shock. Tears coursed down her cheeks. “Then I must mean nothing to you. Is that what you’re trying to say?”
“We’re too different. Our families are in complete opposition to one another.” He rubbed a hand through his hair. “Why are we even sneaking around like this?” He spread his arms wide, gesturing to their surroundings. “Is this love? We’re adults, Clarysa.”
She buried her face in her hands. Her temples ached as though she’d been kicked by a mule. “If you think it’s so bad, then why did you even come? Everyone talks about how horrible the warlocks of the Wastes are. I thought you were different!”
“Well, perhaps you thought wrong.”
She heard Stellan’s cape snap as he whirled and strode toward away. Away? She spun around. His black form skulked among the trees, now a good stone’s throw beyond her. “Stellan…Stellan, wait!” Clarysa ran forward, breathless from the daggers of fear slashing at her heart. “Why are you leaving? Stellan, please don’t go!”
But he had mounted his horse. Clarysa threw herself forward and grabbed his leg. “Don’t leave like this! Stellan, we’re meant for each other–I feel it in my heart of hearts. We will find a solution. Let’s talk and cast aside our doubts this time. Darling, please!”
An iron hand reached down and pushed her roughly away. Not so hard that she fell, but enough to make his emotion clear. Emerald eyes burned with an infernal glow, prompting her to take a step back. “The only thing I’m going to cast aside is my stupidity for having thought we could make this work. Hear this, and understand–I’ll do my utmost to destroy Pestilence, but that’s all I’m going to do.”
A hard knot lodged in her throat. Her next words came out a hoarse whisper. “What about us?”
“I’m going to forget ‘we’ ever happened.” His scowl deepened. “I’d advise you to do the same.”
Stellan muttered a curt order, prompting Midnight to canter away. In a matter of seconds, rider and horse disappeared among the trees.
Clarysa dropped to her knees, the pain in her chest so great she feared heart failure was imminent. Only gasps escaped her. What am I going to do? Oh, Stellan…I love you. Don’t leave me!
But, he had left her. What recourse remained for
