Page 55 of The Dark Prince
His expression twisted with pain, but he stood firm and refused to move.
I had to play the one card left to me.
“I know about the curse.”
Maddeus went white. “You—”
Assuming they all found me in the woods yesterday and knew about my little jaunt, I pushed forward. “Why do you think I was in the woods? I found the witch, and she told me about it. I know it’s why Tyr married me. I know it’s why you’re all doomed. And I know it’s why he’s pushing me away.” I hugged the robe closer to my body. “Please, Maddeus. Let me help him.”
I paused, seeing his indecision. “Well, we may find out if the curse lifts soon or not. Does it still work if the witch is dead?”
Maddeus blinked at me. “The witch is … dead?”
I shrugged numbly, trying to stay nonchalant. Otherwise I’d end up sobbing. “Not sure. I stabbed her in the chest and she disappeared.”
His mouth opened, jaw hanging slack as he stared at me as if he hadn’t truly seen me before now.
“You … stabbed the witch.”
“Tyr showed me how to stab the other day,” I said defensively. He was looking at me like I’d lost my goddamn mind. Perhaps I had.
He shook his head.
Maddeus glanced down the hall in each direction, then beckoned me closer. “Alright, you’re tougher than he gives you credit for, and I think you’re good for him.” He took a deep breath. “Look, he carries an enormous burden on his shoulders. If you’ve already figured out that he takes it out on those he loves, then you’re already smarter than we all give you credit for. You’ve seen under the mask. Do you know what caused it?” Maddeus asked.
“The beast in the woods,” I answered confidently. Tyr had at least told me that much himself.
Maddeus blanched. “Oh. I … Well, that’s right,” he finished lamely.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “You’re a terrible liar.”
He put an arm behind his head, looking away. “Well, Tyr claims that’s why I have no luck with the ladies—”
“Maddeus,” I growled at him.
He froze. “Damnation, you’re even sounding like him.”
I poked a threatening finger in his chest, and he relented. “Alright! Fine! Just, I didn’t let you in.”
I smirked. “I’m ordering you to distract Princess Aella for the entire day.”
His eyes went wide even as he flushed with pleasure. “The entire day?”
I gave him a hard look and he sighed, unlocking the door behind him. I slipped inside and it clicked shut behind me, as quiet as a whisper. The room was still an utter mess.
From the doorway, I could see Tyr, lying in bed shirtless with the covers around his waist. He was on his stomach, a large bandage over his back. His normally taut features were slack with a tranquility I was loath to break. I wished I could bring him the same peace when he was awake that he found in sleep.
I took a step forward, and his body jerked. His eyes snapped open, and he groaned, turning toward me. I rushed to his side.
“What are you doing here?” he rumbled at me, trying and failing to intimidate me. Pain stretched across his face, and again I felt guilty for waking him. His eyes raked me from head to toe in nothing but my thin robe, lingering on my bare legs before he closed them tightly. “Go away. I don’t want you here.”
I gathered the hurt into a ball and threw it away from me. This was how Tyr was. He was trying to protect me. He didn’t mean it.
“Your back is bleeding. Stop moving around.” I put a hand on his bandage, applying slight pressure. He growled at my touch, but stopped writhing.
“What were you doing in the woods? Were you trying to kill yourself?” His voice was full of such pain that it tempered my anger.
“I was looking for answers,” I said truthfully. “I have a great stubborn brute for a husband. Talking isn’t his strong point.”
