Daughter of a Monarch by Sara Daniell Page A

arms wrap around me. I sob against her shoulder.
    “Why me! I didn’t ask for this!” I yell.
    She rubs my back soothingly. “No one ever asks for trouble. I admit, your father and mother were wrong for not being careful. It was enough for the two worlds to accept their love for one another, but bringing a child into the mix was never wise.”
    “I can’t go back there! I can’t be linked to them. I can’t let anything happen to them.” I’m talking so fast that I’m not sure if she understands me.
    “You need to rest, Dear. I can call the healers, and they can bring something to help you rest.”
    I wipe my eyes. “Healers?”
    “Yes. They are Fae that have the gift of medicine and healing.”
    I nod. “I’m going to take a bath.”
    She smiles. “I’ll let you know when they get here. Oh and let your Uncle contact your parents.”
    I want to talk to them. I need Mom’s comforting voice, and I need Dad to yell at me for leaving. But I know she’s right. I’m not in the right state of mind to talk to them. I’d lose it.

    I stare out my window from the comfort of my bed. There was a light tap on the door.
    “Come in,” I say numbly.
    “Did Princess Aislin stand me up?”
    I sit up and cut my eyes at Isaac. “How can it count as standing you up if I declined the dinner offer?”
    He has a mug in his hand. He hands it to me and sits on the edge of my bed. “Stop denying it. You know you wanted to be there, A.”
    “What’s this?” I ask as I smell the liquid. “It smells bitter and spicy.”
    “The healers brought it for you. It will help you rest. Nice way to change the subject.”
    “I’m just avoiding a pointless conversation. I’m not really in the mood, Isaac.” I take a sip, and my lips pucker. “Do I have to drink it all?”
    “Sadly, yes.” He laughs.
    I plug my nose and take a big drink.
    I look at him funny. “You called me, A.”
    “Yeah, so?”
    “How’d you know people call me that?”
    He shrugs. “I didn’t. I just liked the sound of it, and it’s easier than saying Aislin. Your parents gave you a ridiculously hard name.”
    I take another drink and watch him over the rim of my cup. There’s a rebellious edge to his appearance that’s intoxicating. He’s everything my dad would disapprove of, and does, making him even more desirable. His green eyes hold onto mine, and I wish they wouldn’t.
    “We’re staring at each other,” I say as I set my cup down, looking away from him.
    I remember my dad telling me to stay away from Isaac. But what was the point? Isaac knows exactly who I am. There’s nothing to hide with him. And even though he knows everything about me, he still comes around. I appreciate that.
    He smiles. “It’s hard not to stare at you.”
    I feel my cheeks redden. “You shouldn’t say things like that, Isaac.”
    “Give me one good reason why not.”
    “Because. I’m not safe to be around. I could be here one day and gone the next. Things are really screwed up right now.”
    “I said give me a good reason. It’s going to take a lot more than that to keep me away, A.”
    My heart jumps. I can’t respond. I’m an emotional basket case right now. Damn him for saying something like that! Tears fill my eyes.
    “I don’t know what they are going to do with me, Isaac. You’d be smart not to get involved with me.”
    “Too late, A.”

 

    I WAKE UP and cover my head with my blanket to block the sun. I concentrate on closing the blinds and groan when the curtains fling across the room.
    I once had more control than this. I don’t understand how one day I can be in control, and then the next my abilities decide to abandon me and do their own damn thing.
    I get out of bed and stretch out my hand, hovering over the curtain. I bite my bottom lip as I concentrate on moving it carefully back to the window. I just about have it placed perfectly when the door opens, causing me to lose concentration. It falls to the floor with a dramatic