Ever Fire by Alexia Purdy Read Free Book Online Page B

been a few months, but there probably hadn’t been too much to challenge him and cause him to lose grip on his power. She wondered even now if he would try to imprison her again with his now stronger charms.
    “Ursad, I’m not upset to see you. I really don’t know what you want from me. I’m happy to see that you’re ok, cured even. What did you expect from me when we met again? That I would run into your arms like a long lost lover? I left because of your deception. You tried to trap me as your ‘pet’ in Faerie. So what if it didn’t work out because I’m also Fey. The point is that you tried to do it, more than once too! I forgive you now, but that is all you can have from me.” She continued watching him pace until he came to a stop in the middle of the room. He moved to sink onto the floor before her, looking up to meet her eyes.
    “You’re right, Shade. I deserve nothing. I am still indebted to you. That has not changed. I am sorry for everything.” He bowed his head, breathing in deeply and contemplating his next words. Bringing his eyes back to hers, his face was calmer with his rage extinguished. He smiled and stood up, holding his hand out to her.
    “Can I have a dance at least? Just one. Please Shade?” He implored. Shade studied his face but found no malice at all. She sighed, smiled and nodded while taking his hand and letting him pull her up. He took his stance, embracing her and peered down to her. Soft music floated into the room from some unknown source. Shade listened to the haunting melody and let him sway her around the room. Closing her eyes, she let the music drift into her like a spell. For a moment, she was floating across the room, dancing around and around with Ursad swaying her gently. It was probably the most serene moment she had had in very long time.
    The music came to a stop but he continued to dance her around until they slowed and stilled. They stood in the center of the room and stared at each other. Shade’s heart fluttered just enough to make her panic. She pulled away, still looking at him.
    “What just happened? Did you try the damn charms on me again?”
    Ursad shook his head, his face filled with shock. “No, I didn’t do anything. I have to admit I have a hard time controlling my magic since I returned to my former appearance. It has grown tenfold since I was last able to use it so many years ago. Anything you think might have happened, I swear, I didn’t do it on purpose.” Looking defeated, he sank down into one of the sofas, leaning forward with his head in his hands and sighed.
    “I didn’t want to tell you who I was at first, not in front of them. I’ve tried to appear strong, so sure in my actions and words as a Prince. Yet, inside I am in pieces, and my soul quivers with uncertainty. I’ve been able to reassume the throne of the North, but I had to fight hard for it. Once they saw that I was truly the ruthless Prince I once was, there was no longer any doubt.” He looked up and watched her face for any emotions.
    “I’m not the same person anymore, Shade. I find myself emptier then when I was in exile. It’s made my world stand still. It’s a constraint and a freedom that I don’t know if I want anymore. I stay for my people. I stay to fight this evil called Aveta that tries to metastasize into my lands with her cursed armies. I hold my borders for now, but I need this alliance with Queen Zinara probably as much as she does. I have so much to make up for. I can never repay you or anyone else I’ve hurt in my life.” He sighed but never looked away from her.
    Shade gave him a nod and stood from the sofa. Standing over him, she held her hand out to him.
    “I forgive you. I know we both have much to learn, and the magic of Faerie grows wilder with the upset in forces that are brewing. I promise I’ll help you if you promise to help me too. Deal?” Her hand trembled as she held it out to the Prince. She felt tired and hungry, and she wanted to