He bit his lip as if he was trying not to smile. “Is this where I say something like…” He glanced down at the bed, then slanted a pointed look at her. “I have ways to make you talk.”
Her eyes widened. Was he threatening to torture her? But then, why had he looked at the bed?
He cleared his throat as if he was trying not laugh. “I’ll ask again. Do you know of any other elves who can hear the dragons?”
“I don’t know any other elves.”
“You were born in Woodwyn, right?”
“I was, but they sent me away when I was two months old. I don’t know why.”
“You don’t know who your parents are?”
“Does any of this matter?” She glared at him. “After I return to Eberon, I won’t be here to listen to your precious dragons. Puff will never have to speak to me again.”
The general’s expression turned serious. With his jaw set and his eyes taking on a fierce gleam, she was reminded once again that he was a powerful warrior.
“It matters a great deal,” he said softly. “We are at war with Woodwyn. I need to know what the elves are capable of.”
She groaned inwardly. She’d been right. The general saw her as an enemy. “I don’t know anything.”
“What is your gift?”
She winced. How much had he heard of her conversation with Brody? “You shouldn’t eavesdrop on people’s private—”
“I know you’re Embraced,” the general said, ignoring her objection. “So what is your gift? How can you help the queen?”
She shrugged. “The queen’s health is not my concern.”
He strode around the foot of the bed. “You said yourself that if you helped the queen, she might stop kidnapping children. Then no child would have to go through what Eviana did today.”
Gwennore grew tense. The man was definitely a warrior. He knew exactly where to strike for the most effect.
“You also said the queen was being poisoned.” He came to a stop beside her. “I’ve always suspected the same thing, but I had no way of proving it. Can you help me figure out what’s going on here?”
Now he was appealing to her curiosity. She shook her head. “Brody thinks it would be too dangerous, and I have to agree. I just learned from the maid that people disappear if they talk about the curse.”
“What?” His eyebrows rose.
“That’s what Nissa told me. And I have no reason to doubt her. Her fear is real.”
Frowning, he folded his arms across his broad chest. “I’ll investigate the matter. But meanwhile, you would be working with me, so you would be safe. I can protect you.”
“I don’t think your method of protection is very helpful.” She waved a hand at the bed. “Everyone thinks that we’re…”
“Lovers?”
Her heart lurched. Why did his voice have to sound so alluring? A glint of gold in his pupils caught her by surprise, but when she blinked, they were back to a brilliant emerald green. Had she just imagined it?
“Gwennore—”
“We shouldn’t be alone.” She turned toward the door.
“Why not? Are you afraid I’ll seduce you?”
With a huff, she whirled around to face him. “As if you could.”
His mouth curled up. “Is that a challenge?”
“No!”
“You can’t leave now.” He moved close to her. “People will think I lasted only a few minutes.”
The scoundrel! She slapped his shoulder.
He grinned. “Did you just hit me? After I saved you?”
She opened her mouth to reply, then paused as a memory flitted through her mind. Hadn’t Puff said the exact same thing? How odd …
“What is your gift?” The general interrupted her thoughts.
She’d been warned all her life that being Embraced was a death sentence on the mainland, so she hesitated to answer.
“I won’t let any harm come to you. You have my word.”
She supposed that was true. After all, if he wanted her help, he would have to keep her alive. “I can sense if a person is healthy or not, and if not, I can usually determine the cause.”
His eyebrows lifted. “You’re a healer?”
She winced. “I wouldn’t say that. Just because I can tell what sort of illness a person has, it doesn’t mean I can actually cure him. We have an excellent healer at the convent, and she taught me a great deal about medicinal herbs and concoctions, but there are still things that are beyond me. I cannot guarantee that I would be able to help the queen.”
“You’re being honest. Thank you.”
She snorted. Had he expected her to lie?
He gave her a wry look. “How could you tell she’s being poisoned?”
“I sensed it when I did a reading on her. She’s not just mentally ill. Physically, she’s … wasting away. I’m sorry.”
With a frown, he nodded. “How do you do a reading?”
“I touch a person, then somehow I … connect.” She shrugged. “It’s a gift. I don’t know how to explain it.”
“Show me.” He spread his hands to either side.
She blinked. “You?”
“Yes.” His eyes twinkled with humor. “Where would you like to touch me?”
She scoffed. “There’s no need to. I can tell by looking at you that you’re perfectly healthy.”
“Touch me. I want see how you … connect.”
Her cheeks grew warm.
With his hands still extended to the side, he crooked his fingers. “I’m waiting.”
She ignored him, folding her arms across her chest. “There are several spots that can give me a good reading. A person’s wrist, forehead, or the neck below the ear.”
“Go ahead, then.” He smiled. “Lady’s choice.”
Her heart fluttered. The man’s smile was a weapon, and he knew how to use it. She reached out to grab his left wrist with her right hand.
She pressed her fingers against him, and instantly she felt his pulse. Stronger than she had expected. She closed her eyes to concentrate, letting her senses join the rush of his blood as it coursed through his veins and arteries.
Her breath caught. His heart was larger than normal. But it appeared quite healthy, thumping with a steady beat.
She reached past his heart, venturing up his chest and neck. There seemed to be some sort of wall blocking his brain. That was odd.
She moved down his body, swooping over his toned muscles. There was an abrasion on his left arm—no, more like a tattoo. Interesting. A few battle wounds had healed nicely. He would be the type to recover quickly.
The warmth of good health radiated from his entire body, but an extra amount of heat seemed to be concentrated in one area. His groin.
With a flinch, she released him.
“Something wrong?”
She shook her head as she stepped back. “You’ve had a few minor wounds, but they’ve healed well.”
“Where?”
Was he testing her? The scoundrel. “A cut on your right shoulder and another below the ribs on the left.”
His brows lifted as if he was impressed. “I stubbed my toe this morning. Can you tell me which foot?”
How could she admit that she hadn’t gone past his groin? “Actually, I did detect a problem. Before it reaches a point where it’s too debilitating, I recommend you eat more fruits and vegetables.”
He frowned. “What is it?”
“Constipation.”
He snorted. “My ass.”
“Exactly.”
His mouth twitched. “Let’s make a bargain. Agree to help me, and I’ll return Eviana tomorrow.”
Gwennore’s heart took a small leap. “Tomorrow?”
“Yes.” He nodded. “I could take her by boat down the Norva River to the Eberoni border. She could be back with her parents by noon.”
Praise the goddesses! “I need to go with her.”
He shook his head. “If you agree to the bargain, you’ll have to stay here.”
“But she’ll be too frightened to travel without me. She’s been traumatized enough!”
After a moment, he sighed. “All right. I’ll make allowances as long as you agree to the bargain.”
“I can’t guarantee that I’ll be useful.”
“Do you think our problems here have been caused by a curse?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“Do you think there must be a reasonable explanation?”
“Of course.”
“Then you’re already useful. With your gift of healing and your intelligence, I believe you can help. And I can’t tell you what a relief it is to find someone who actually thinks the same as I. Most people around here won’t even talk about the damned curse.”
She winced. “They’re afraid they’ll disappear.”
“You won’t disappear. Not when you’re with me. So do we have a deal? After we return Eviana, you’ll come back with me.”
She hesitated. As much as she wanted to accept the bargain for Eviana’s sake, she also had to look out for herself. “I’ll have to insist on a time limit. I’ll remain here no longer than two weeks.”
He arched a brow. “Two months.”
“One month.”
“Deal. Now we have to seal it with a kiss.”
“What?”
With a grin, he extended a hand. “I was joking.”
She scoffed. For a man living under a curse, he seemed rather jovial about it. But in a way, she found that appealing. He was refusing to accept the curse or cower in fear.
She glanced at his hand. Could she really do this?
What choice did she have? She needed to get Eviana home. And to be honest with herself, there were other reasons that made her want to agree. She was curious about the so-called curse. And even more intrigued by the thought that she might be able to break it.
She glanced at the general, and his eyebrows lifted with a questioning look as he waited. Good goddesses, how could she work with this gorgeous scoundrel of a man? Tentatively, she placed her hand in his. “I agree.”
He gripped her hand firmly. “Partner.”
She pulled her hand away as warmth rushed to her face. “If I am to live here for a month, I expect you to let everyone know that we are not … involved in any way.”
“We will be involved. We’ll be working together. And since it is forbidden to speak of the curse, we’ll have to keep our investigation secret. The easiest way for us to spend time together with no one suspecting is to let them think we’re lovers.”
“I don’t want people thinking that!”
His mouth curled up. “Too late.”
She huffed. “Aren’t you offended by the idea? People will think you’re sleeping with the enemy.”
“They’ll think I have excellent taste.”
“What? Haven’t you seen how people look at me?”
“No. I’m too busy staring at you, myself. Do you really not know how beautiful you are?”
Her mouth dropped open.
He leaned closer to peer into her mouth. “Even your teeth look good.”
“Stop that!” She stepped back. The scoundrel was playing with her. She couldn’t believe half of what he said.
He gave her an exasperated look. “Can you have Eviana ready to leave before dawn?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I’ll see you tomorrow then.” He opened the door and strode through the dressing room into the nursery.
Gwennore followed him and discovered that Olenka had returned. She was wearing an elaborate pink ball gown and long white gloves. Her wrists were encircled with numerous sparkling bracelets. A gleaming ruby necklace matched the tiara perched on top of her perfectly coiffed hair.
She sank into a deep curtsy. “My lord. I hope you are pleased with the great care I have given your guests.”
He nodded as he passed by. “Yes, thank you.”
Olenka jumped up and scurried after him. “Is there anything else I can do? Shall I arrange for a private room for you and…” She glanced back at Gwennore.
“No!” Gwennore winced. She hadn’t meant to shout.
The general’s eyes danced with mischief. “It will be difficult to spend a night away from my darling Gwennie, but she should remain here with the child tonight.”
Gwennore hissed in a breath. Blast him.
A knock sounded on the door, then Dimitri opened it and let several servants enter. They were carrying trays filled with food and a cake topped with three candles.
A birthday cake? Gwennore dashed toward Eviana. “Look! There’s a cake for you.”
Eviana squealed with delight.
The general smiled as he spoke to the little girl in Eberoni. “Happy birthday. I wish I had something new to give you, but if you like, you may take three of the toys here with you when you go home tomorrow.”
Eviana bounced on her feet, clapping her hands.
Gwennore gave the general a shy smile. “Thank you.”
He winked at her.
Her smile turned into a glare.
With a chuckle, he strode from the room. Dimitri gave him a wry look, then closed the door after the servants left.
“Isn’t he dreamy?” Olenka pressed her hands to her chest.
“I know.” Nissa filled a plate for Eviana. “He had me go to the kitchen to order the cake and food.” She glanced at Gwennore. “Would you like some, my lady?”
Gwennore shook her head. She was too tense right now to think of food. She’d just struck a bargain to work with the general, and she still didn’t know what to make of him. Was he a hero or a scoundrel? Either way, he made her heart flutter and her knees grow weak.
No doubt, he could protect her physically. But what about her feelings? If she wasn’t very careful, she could lose her heart.
Chapter Seven
Late that night, Aleksi knocked on Silas’s bedchamber door to let him know that the king had returned.
“Is everything set for tomorrow morning?” Silas asked his friend as they strode down the hallway.
Aleksi nodded. “I rented a barge. And I’ll have our horses saddled and ready in the courtyard at dawn.”
“Excellent.” Silas glanced around to make sure no one was in sight. Luckily, it looked like everyone in the southern wing had already retired for the night. Even so, he lowered his voice to a whisper. “Lady Gwennore will be returning here with us.”
“Really? Why?”
“I believe she can help me investigate the so-called curse. Our work will be secret, though, so not a word to anyone other than Dimitri.”
Aleksi gave him an incredulous look. “You’re going to trust an elf with our problems?”
“She has no ties to Woodwyn.”
“How can you be sure of that?”
“I know about her past. She grew up on the Isle of Moon with the queens Luciana and Brigitta—”
“She might tell them about the curse,” Aleksi grumbled.
“If we get rid of the curse, it’ll no longer matter.” Silas waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t worry about Gwennore. I can read her thoughts, so I know she’s trustworthy.”
With a dubious look, Aleksi glanced away.
“What?” Silas asked.
“I can hear her, too. She keeps calling you General Gorgeous.”
Silas snorted. “What does that have to with anything?”
“You might not be seeing things clearly if you’re enjoying her flattery.”
“I see very clearly. Sometimes, I think I’m the only one around here who does. Or I did. Gwennore actually thinks like me, so we’ll make a good team.”
Aleksi grimaced.
“What?” Silas’s voice grew louder with exasperation.
“You have me, Dimitri and Lady Margosha helping you,” Aleksi mumbled. “I don’t know why you need anyone else.”
Silas slanted an amused look at his young captain. Since their other friend, Dimitri, was only a few months younger than Silas, the two of them had grown up as spar
ring partners. Aleksi, however, was five years younger and had followed the two older boys around like a puppy. Even now, he tended to get grumpy if he felt he was being overlooked.
After delivering a light punch to Aleksi’s shoulder, Silas explained, “Gwennore has a special gift no one else has. With her help, we could finally make some progress.”
Aleksi sighed. “The curse has been going on for five hundred years. It’s probably impossible—”
“Don’t say that.” Silas pointed at his friend as they slowed to a stop. “You see? That’s why I need her. While everyone else is wallowing in fear of the curse, Gwennore refuses to believe in it. And I know she’s brave. She proved that today.”
Aleksi gave him a sheepish look. “I know the rumor can’t be true, since you just met her, but you should know that people are saying the two of you are lovers.”
Silas shrugged. “It’ll make a convenient excuse to explain why we’re spending time together.”
“Then you don’t mind that people are saying you’re sleeping with the enemy? I heard some of the courtiers are wagering how long it will take before the elf stabs you to death in your sleep. The most popular bet has her killing you three nights from now.”
Silas gritted his teeth. “If you hear anyone making a disparaging remark about her, tell him he will be receiving a visit from me.”
Aleksi’s eyes widened. “Dimitri’s right. You’re attracted to her.”
Silas looked away. There was no point in denying it. Not when he kept envisioning the woman in his bed. He resumed his walk toward the stairwell. “She’s an intelligent, brave, and beautiful woman. But it doesn’t matter. Nothing will come of it.”
“She calls you General Gorgeous. Doesn’t that mean she’s attracted to you, too?”
Silas shook his head, then smiled as he recalled her physical assessment of him. Constipation. “She thinks I’m full of shit.”
Aleksi snorted. “You’re right. She is intelligent.”
Silas cuffed him on the shoulder once again. “She’ll be here for only a month. Then she’s going back to her sisters where she belongs.” To live with my sister, Sorcha.
“We’ll have to hope she’s not too clever,” Aleksi mumbled. “If she figures out too much…”
Silas winced. His young friend was right. If Gwennore uncovered Norveshka’s biggest secret, she would never be allowed to return to her sisters, especially when two of those sisters were the queens of potentially dangerous countries.