Page 81 of Between Realms

“I don’t know. Corwin was here last time I passed through.” The patrol glances over at the door. From my angle, I notice it’s cracked open. “What is going on?”

I crash through the door.

No one is inside.

I charge into Wyn’s adjoining bathing room. She isn’t there.

The patrol guard trails in behind me and looks around the empty room. “Do you wish for me to notify the prince?”

“No,” I say too quickly. “We don’t know where she is. She might be back in a moment. No need to concern the prince when he should stay focused on the delegation.”

“Very well.” The patrol guard asks, “Should I keep an eye out for her?”

“Yes, tell anyone else you meet to send word to me if they come across Wynstelle. And where are the rest of the patrols?”

“I don’t know. I relayed your message to the other guards.”

“Oh, and find Corwin. I demand he explain himself.”

The guard bows and continues his route, but at a faster pace.

“Where are you, Wynstelle?” I ask the painfully empty room.

I check for her things. Wyn’s pack is gone. She’s left.

My whole body and all my senses feel as if they’re shutting down—as if I’m dying.

Why did she leave without me? She promised to stay. And I believe she is a woman of her word.

Did she leave on her own accord? Could she really be that upset with me to put herself in danger, traveling alone?

There is no way I can live with myself if she’s hurt. I have to convince her how I feel about her. Even if she chooses Eldrin over me, I will keep her close to him if that’s what she wishes. If she needs Oakes instead, and he wants her, then I will step back and support their relationship.

But I must have her in my life. To have anything less will feel like someone has stolen the air from my lungs.

“I will find you, my love,” I promise. “And help you in whatever way I can.”

TO BE CONTINUED…