As much as Marcus tried to pretend he was superior to everyone around him, I knew it was all an act. My ability to dreamwalk kept growing, and what I’d witnessed in Marcus’ dreams had turned from worrisome to bizarre.
Bewildering images flared, a confusing jumble of thoughts and visions from the normally unflappable Storm brother. Since Marcus had met Tessa, his—and my—dreams had become surreal.
I had seen Tessa both dressed in Tanselm’s fine silks and naked—by the Light, gloriously naked. I’d witnessed my dead father in muffled, long talks with Marcus while the two relaxed by the Quaren River. And I’d understood the monstrously large wall of responsibilities Marcus didn’t think he would ever conquer.
He seemed so unsure about his role in Tanselm’s future, so uncertain he would prove worthy of the task set before him by Father and by fate.
Only Tessa seemed to give him a moment’s peace.
Marcus lifted Tessa into his arms and took her upstairs. Watching them, I knew Tessa could help Marcus realize his potential as king of the southlands, and perhaps even as Tanselm’s overking. She certainly met my brother more than halfway.
Finally, a woman Marcus wouldn’t be able to dominate.
But my good humor at the situation faded as I realized what their love would mean to me. All too soon I’d lose another brother to Tanselm. Another Storm Lord freed from this plane, only to be bound to home and hearth.
I too longed to return home, but that desire conflicted with the thrill of learning new things and exploring new worlds. I wanted an existence I knew lay just out of reach. I was more resigned than accepting of my place as a future ruler of Tanselm.
A waste, to my thinking, that a sorcerer should be destined to be king.
The possibility of one day becoming Tanselm’s overking made me sick to my stomach. If only I could immerse myself in study, in sorcery’s vast adventures of the mind.
Did Arim know how lucky he was?
Cadmus threw an arm around my neck. “Don’t worry, bro.” Cadmus chuckled as he stared after Marcus and Tessa, as if reading my mind. “I’ll still be here with you.”
I couldn’t help a small sigh. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
He laughed. “Trust me when I say I don’t plan to marry. Ever. So once Darius and Marcus have a brood of their own, we’re off the hook. And don’t try telling me you don’t miss Tanselm.” He looked around him and lowered his voice. “If anyone can get us back without finding an affai, it’s you.”
“Cadmus—”
“Come on, Aerolus. You don’t want to wed any more than I do.”
I couldn’t argue with that.
“So work your magic and find us a way home.” Curiously, Cadmus looked puzzled and almost…desperate? “I’m sick of this place. Sick of Outpour.” He snarled. “I don’t know how Darius stood it, day after day. And now that Ellie’s coming back, I—” He clamped his lips shut.
How very strange. “Ellie?”
Cadmus turned suddenly, looking around him.
“Cadmus?”
“Sorry.” He shoved a nervous hand through his hair.
My easy-natured brother was behaving oddly.
“If work’s bothering you, just quit.” I watched him for signs of spell tampering.
Despite his nerves, my brother looked fine. His magic felt fine as well. But something was bothering him.
Cadmus rubbed his eyes. “I can’t quit, not until I know…”
“Know?”
He shook his head. “Never mind. Look, I have a few hours until work. I need some rest before I go in tonight. I’ll talk to you later.”
I watched him head upstairs, concerned. Marcus and now Cadmus had issues I couldn’t see and didn’t know how to help. My lack of control over the situation irritated me on a basic level.
