“You need to remember, Prince Lucas, Alison isn’t of our world. Our ways are not her own. It’s going to take her a bit to get used to everything. She has a kind heart and is a peacemaker by nature. Yes, she will stand up for herself or those she loves, but she’d much prefer not to fight or argue. If you care for her, you’ll remember this when in her presence. She’s heard about you and what you’ve done. Be easy with your words.”
Luke drops his gaze from mine and hangs his head. I turn to the seer and chastise her. “Don’t make him feel guilty for being himself and protecting those in his kingdom. Yes, I’ve heard he’s a killer, but I bet many men in this realm are. Do I want a war? No, especially not because of me. Now tell me what I can do to prevent it?”
She seems unfazed by my outburst. “King Pine will not rest until he’s laid his eyes on you and spoken with you. His ultimate goal is to bring you to his side, but I think you can appease him, for now, if you meet and talk to him.”
“No!” Luke shouts. “He could kill her if she were to meet with him in person.”
“That is why you and Prince Elliott will be by her side. Also, as much as you and Oliver Sage have hatred toward one another, he would never allow the king to harm her. He would lay his life down for her, even if it meant going against his ruler. Yes, he’s a fighter, but he has a soft spot for her.”
“He doesn’t even know me!” I interrupt.
Stephanie smiles. “Like I said, this world isn’t the same as yours. You were promised to him many years ago. Just because he never met you, doesn’t mean he doesn’t care for you. Oliver has lived his life waiting for his chance.”
“He didn’t even know I existed.”
“He didn’t? King Pine has seers, remember. Oliver knew you were out there and was biding his time until you came to meet your father. I don’t believe his feelings are on the same level as your prince here, but if you choose a life with him, he would spend his days putting you first and living to make you happy.”
How can someone who doesn’t know me feel this way? It doesn’t make any sense, but then again I’m talking to someone who can look into the future.
“Wait a minute,” Luke interrupts. “How do you know how Alison will be treated by Sage? You’ve seen her future with him?” Is that jealousy I hear in his voice? Does he think I’ll choose Oliver over him? I thought I made my intentions known when I said I’d like to stay here with him.
“The future isn’t certain. Princess Alison can select which path she walks down. I’ve seen both futures, one with you and one with Oliver. Only she can choose. Not me. Not you. But we’re getting off-topic. I came here with a warning and now must go. There is a lot for you to do and prepare for. King Pine will be at our borders in two week’s time.
“He’s giving you some time, Princess. He believes Prince Lucas will show you a side of himself that will make you want to leave. He doubts how genuine Luke is with you around. He’s also preparing his army for battle. I suggest you do the same. The Azure Army is the strongest around. They need to be prepared to face their opponent. Even if the princess agrees to meet with him, his men will be lying in wait. It would be foolish not to have your own men standing behind you.”
She stands and we follow. Stepping close to me, she clasps my free hand in both of hers. Her eyes twinkle in delight. “It’s truly been a pleasure meeting you. You’re a phenomenal woman, and I know the best is yet to come. Always remain true to yourself and follow your instincts. Everything else will fall into place.” I nod and squeeze her hand. Luke escorts her outside. I hear him talking, but can’t make out the words. As I inch closer, he returns.
He walks to me and I can see the hesitation in his eyes. His arms lift slightly, although fall back to his side. His hands form fists. I know he wants to hold me, but he’s unsure. Stephanie said a lot in the short time she was here. I bet he’s wondering if I want to be with Oliver. I need to ease his turmoil.
I close the space between us. Lifting my hand, I rub my thumb over the stubble on his cheek. “Luke, if I wanted to be with Oliver I wouldn’t spend the night with you. I’m not that type of woman. I don’t mess around with different men. If I’m here with you, then it’s only you. I’m not even thinking of other men.” Taking a deep breath, I get ready to admit something I’ve been keeping to myself. “You’ve held a piece of my heart since the first dream we shared. Every dream since, you’ve had me yearning for your touch. Now that I’ve slept with your arms around me, and felt your lips on my own, I can’t walk away. Please trust me when I say I don’t want to be with Oliver. I don’t want to live in my father’s kingdom. I do want to meet him, though, especially if it can help prevent war. I want to know the man who my mother fell in love with. I need to.”
His shoulders lose their tension and he rests his forehead on mine. “Ali, you have no idea how much your words mean to me. Seeing you with Sage would kill me. You’re mine and have been since that first dream.”
He captures my lips with his. There’s a possessive heat to his kiss. His hands grip my hips, bringing me flush against him. Why can’t I just get lost in his touch and not think about all that could go wrong? I know I need to meet with my father, but what if something happens, and Luke gets hurt? Or Elliott or one of his men? I don’t want that resting on my shoulders.
I break away from him. “I need to speak with my father. I have to do everything I can to prevent your kingdoms from going to war.”
“I don’t like it. You could be hurt. He could capture you and take you from me.”
“You heard Stephanie. It needs to be done.”
“She also said the future changes.”
“She did, and I want to change it for the better, not the worse. I need to do this.”
Two weeks fly by in the blink of an eye. Luke and I have grown closer. We haven’t crossed the line into sex yet, but damn it’s been hard to hold out. He insists we wait, and even though I’m growing impatient, I know it’s the right thing. Every day I give another tiny piece of my heart to him. Every day I fall deeper under his spell.
Ryland received word, a few of days ago, that my father is expecting him to turn me over to him this morning along with Oliver Sage, or to be prepared to face his wrath. A messenger was sent back saying the Azure family stands with me and that no one would be handing me over. Ryland did convey that there could be a meeting where I’ll get to speak with my father. He also said Oliver would be released back to King Pine as a show of good faith. He doesn’t want to start a war, but if need be, the Azures are prepared for battle. My father agreed to the meeting, and in kind, will be handing over the Azure prisoners he has within his walls.