Very slowly, he raised his face, eyes focusing on me. “Cécile,” he croaked. “I told you never to come back.”

Chapter 3

Cécile

Only Chris’s firm grip on my arm prevented me from launching myself through the barrier. “Damn you to hell,” I screamed at the King. “Who does this to his own son? How do you live with yourself?”

How could I live with myself knowing it was my fault Tristan was in this position, and that I’d done nothing about it?

“He’s lucky I suffer him to live,” the King replied evenly. “Tristan is guilty of treason of the highest level. He conspired against his father and his king. He instigated a rebellion that resulted in numerous deaths. He began a duel against me that very nearly cost me my life.”

“You gave him no choice,” I replied, my voice bitter.

The King slowly shook his head. “He always had a choice. He chose you. Now he must suffer the consequences.”

Tristan slowly pushed himself up onto his knees, and I saw with relief that there was still a gleam of spirit in his eyes. He wasn’t broken. At least, not yet. “Cécile, don’t listen to him.” His voice was rough from lack of use. Or screaming. “You need to go now.”

“I’m not leaving you like this,” I said.

Tristan grimaced. “Christophe, take her away from here. Far away. You promised to keep her safe, and this is far from it.”

“He’s right.” Chris tugged on my arms, drawing me back. I struggled against him, digging my heels into the rock and sand, but he was stronger.

“Let me go,” I shouted.

Tristan’s face tightened with concentration that mirrored the resolve I felt through our bond. “You gave me your word, Christophe,” he said. “I expect you to keep it.”

“Damn troll,” Chris muttered. Ignoring my hammering fists, he flipped me over his shoulder and started out to the beach.

“Put me down,” I demanded. I’d abandoned Tristan once, and I wasn’t going to do it again. Clenching my teeth, I called upon the power of the earth, drawing it deep within me. “Stop.”

The fire of the torch flared and bent away from the wind gusting in off the ocean, the river reversing its direction as the waves surged, flooding up around Chris’s boots. The full moon gave me power enough to match Tristan in this, and I intended to use it.

Chris froze.

“You will not interfere,” I said.

“Christophe!” Tristan shouted. “Take Cécile away from here.”

Chris groaned and clutched his head, dropping me with a splash.

“You’re going to break his mind,” the King said, and when I regained my feet, I saw that he was watching with great interest.

Chris fell to his knees in the water, clutching at the rocks beneath. “Please,” he groaned. “It hurts.”

I relaxed my will, unwilling to let my friend suffer to prove a point. “Tristan, stop what you’re doing to him,” I said. “You’ve no right making decisions for me.”