Page 32 of An Unlikely Knight

The entire time, Padriag listened in silence, his expression unreadable.

“That may be the reason I am here. As you can probably tell, I was asleep. Don’t think anyone else has ever traveled between realms while sleeping.”

“What should we do?” Erin asked. “It was terrifying. Each time I think about it, I feel vulnerable.”

Padriag looked to be thinking, a frown marring his brow, lips flat. “You shouldn’t be alone. I agree with that. However, Meliot cannot cause physical harm in this realm. His ability to speak through someone here means his powers have increased somewhat. Doing what he did is not much more than a parlor trick.”

“What about the warning?”

“I must speak to the others.” He looked to the windows. “I assume it’s the middle of the night here.”

Erin nodded, she stood and paced, nervous energy not allowing for her to remain still. His effect on her was strong. It felt impossible to keep from reaching out to touch him constantly.

Clearing her throat, she spoke. “Aubrey and I planned to go to Dunimarle Castle and speak to the others first thing in the morning. Hopefully, between all of us, we can decipher what it all means.” The entire time, she knew he followed her movement, his gaze steadily on her, which made her even more nervous.

When she slid a look toward him, he didn’t look away. The normally light green and amber eyes darkening as he met hers. “You are beautiful.” His lips curved and he shrugged. “Had to say it.”

“Thank you.” Erin’s cheeks warmed.

“I will go with you to see the others. He motioned to his tunic and bare legs. Would you happen to have any pants around, maybe shoes?”

Despite the situation, Erin giggled. “Not that I know of. We can ask Aubrey in the morning. It’s doubtful. You may have to stay as is until we get to Dunimarle.”

Erin yawned. “It best we get some rest. Come. I’ll show you a bedchamber.” She stood and he did as well. “Unless you are going back to the other realm to get clothes and returning in the morning.”

“I will stay here. Whatever Meliot is up to, we must see about it immediately.” He looked at the short sofa. “I can sleep here.”

“There are eight bedrooms in this house. Mine is on this floor, and there is another also on this floor.”

“Stay with me,” Padriag said, his deep voice taking a husky tone. Erin knew her eyes widened when he held up his hands in mock surrender. “Only if you promise to keep your hands off me, that is. I am no easy score.”

Erin smiled widely. “Oh I don’t know. I can’t promise not to ravish you.” Her heart accelerated at the thought of being alone with him in her bed.

“Come on. We can talk until you fall asleep.” He held out a hand and she took it.

It was uncanny how comfortable she felt with Padriag. It was as if they’d known each other for years, felt a sense of belonging in each other’s lives. When she considered that once he was free, she’d not be part of his life, it saddened her. Although, she suspected, he would remain in touch in gratitude if she’d helped him.

“This way.” She walked to her bedroom which was opposite Audrey’s.

Once in the bedroom, Erin climbed onto the bed and slid under the blankets feeling like a virgin bride. Padriag lay atop the blankets, pulling the throw from the foot of the bed over himself.

“Bed’s pretty comfortable,” he said sliding his hands under his head and staring up at the ceiling. “Things are changing,” he began. “Liam and I are being kicked out of Esland, by the prince.”

“Why?” Erin looked to him and couldn’t help but admire his profile. The man was stunning, from the square jawline to his lips and his perfectly shaped nose. She wondered how many women he’d seduced during his time there. Probably never had to actually do much pursuing.

“Apparently we broke their laws by leaving the realm. It’s strictly forbidden. The first time he gave us a warning, stating that we couldn’t leave again.”

Turning on her side to face him, Erin said, “So being here, you violated the laws of that land and have to leave.”

He looked at her. “We plan to leave once the prince, and his army returned. They went off somewhere, of course being newcomers, nothing was shared with us about where or why.”

“Where will you go? I thought the place you lived is not safe.”

Padriag closed his eyes. “Meliot can’t kill us. He can make us wish for death, but for some reason we cannot die there. We can ask Prince Sterling’s sisters, who rule over the realm called Atlandia, to give us asylum. To be honest, I would prefer to live in a cabin in the woods rather than have to serve a royal.”

Of course Padriag was exhausted, Erin considered. For centuries he and the other four men had battled, been held captive, tortured, and suffered at the hands of Meliot. Most men would break at this point. The fact that Padriag kept his sense of humor was commendable.

It was in all probability a defense mechanism, but it seemed to work for him, kept him sane all those years.