Nym pulled the dagger from her belt and Clay took an alarmed step forward but she looked at him and he froze then stepped back, knowing she would never harm Lana. He has no idea, Nym thought sadly. I’m about to hurt her more than he can ever know.
Nym lifted the dagger, offering it to Lana and she took it, confused.
“Lana, when we met I was on my way back to Eva,” she continued. “I claimed to be a traveler, simply seeing what the human realms had to offer. That was a lie. You have a right to know that I was an orphan and was raised by the elders from the time I was a small child. They had me trained in weapons, combat, and stealth. They have used me many times to see to it that human kingdoms never became too powerful in the event that they might mount an attack on the elves.”
She took a shaky breath, then continued.
“I was sent to spend time with a young prince from a human kingdom, simply to observe him for a time and wait for my orders. We became close and I cared a great deal for him. He was a vibrant and strong man, your brother.” She heard Lana’s sharp intake of breath. She couldn’t see her face but she did see that her hands had tightened on the hilt of the dagger.
“I had learned that your father was making plans to wed you to the prince of a neighboring kingdom and unite your realms under one rule, and I gave this information to my people. The elders sought to stop this union and weaken your kingdom. I think perhaps that may have been the reason why they had Clay take you from there and their intentions were likely to hold you as a hostage for the rest of your days. I was ordered to kill your brother, leaving the king with no living children.”
Tears were running down her cheeks but she tried to keep her voice strong and clear. She didn’t deserve Lana’s pity or her love and she would give her no reason to feel either of those things.
“It was not easy to bring myself to do it, but I did. In the end, we always do, those of us who work for the elders. They drill it into us over and over that we must not disobey orders. I think it’s a wonder that Clay was able to bring himself to abandon his mission. I wish I had his strength.”
She looked up at Lana’s stricken face. She was pale and there were tears in her eyes. Nym gently took the hand that was holding the dagger and moved it so the point rested on her neck.
“Lana, my friend, my sister. I betrayed you before I ever even knew you. If I could go back and change it, I would try but I don’t know if I would be able to. The instinct to obey is that strong. Please, if it’s your wish, I would die by your hand. You may avenge your brother here and now and you have my blessing.”
* * *
Lana looked down at Nym, but her mind was on Jacob. He had been the only friend she’d had all her life until she left the castle. The only person who went out of their way to spend time with the captive princess. He had cared for her when no one else did. He had sat with her, reading stories to her when she was too small to read them for herself. He had played games with her in her room. She’d loved her brother. In fact, he’d been the only person she had ever loved before Nym and Clay.
Nym had taken his life. She had claimed to care for him but she still killed him. This woman that she loved like a sister had taken the life of the brother that she loved before anyone else. The dagger trembled in her hands and a small bead of blood dripped down Nym’s neck.
That drop of blood shocked her back to her senses and she immediately released the dagger, allowing it to fall to the floor. Clay was frozen on the spot, staring at Nym aghast. Ilann was still by the door, one hand outstretched toward Nym as if he wanted to go to her but couldn’t bring himself to move.
Lana took a step back from Nym and turned away.
“Leave,” she said, a quaver in her voice. “Leave this city and don’t return while I’m here. I may forgive you one day but it will not be today. Leave and give me peace.”
She heard Nym stand and leave the room with Ilann. She had taken the dagger with her, thankfully. Lana couldn’t bear to look at it, knowing how easily she could have taken her friend’s life in that moment of despair and anger.
In the few moments when Nym had touched her, Lana felt nothing but a complete and perfect sorrow from the woman. Perhaps knowing how much she regretted her actions was the only thing that stayed her hand. Perhaps she simply didn’t have it in her to take a life.
She looked at Clay, the tears finally spilling down her cheeks and he came to her, drawing her into his arms and allowing her to weep. She hurt so much, she couldn’t imagine how her body could contain this much overwhelming heartache. She had already grieved for her brother but this was like ripping the scab off of a wound and then ripping it some more. She was also grieving for the loss of her friend. Lana didn’t know when she could bear to see Nym again.
A part of her hoped she would never again lay eyes on the elf woman.
* * *
The following days were busy for Lana, which was good and
