“She is.”
Brandese turned and glanced out her window, watching the swirls of sands. “You and Evston are very close. I doubt anyone knows him better.” She brushed the fabric of her dark cloak where it rested over her thighs. “Do you think he’ll ever let me know him that well?”
“The potential exists.”
She glanced at him.
“It’s clearly what he wants, but it’s problematic for him.”
“Why?”
“Everyone admires his talent and accomplishments. He earned that esteem so young that he can take it for granted. And he’s not a man who cultivates closeness. He spares very little thought about what opinions most people have about him or about anything. You’re the exception. And it drives him to do things for you that he has never done for anyone else.”
“Such as?”
“He lets you sleep in his bed.”
“And that’s remarkable? Do you know the number of men who have tried to coax me into sharing their beds? I thought it was an invitation most men extended as often as ones to dine.”
“Some men. Not Calex men.”
“Melsint sleeps with you.”
His dark eyes held hers for a moment. “Exactly.”
Chapter Eighteen
Several days had passed, and Brande spent her days reading and having tea and playing stone games with Melsint. It really was very cozy, except for their being mostly trapped indoors. Fortunately, the commander had been persuaded to clear the woods, so that she could take walks with her cloak carefully secured.
Her only preoccupation was with regard to Evston’s return. He had made it clear that she wasn’t to use coms or screens, so she wasn’t even able to speak to him. And the commander was vague when it came to details about what Evston was doing that required his continued presence at the king’s side.
“It’s his job,” Melsint said again as Brandese paced.
“Why hasn’t he quit? He knows how my father treated me. It wasn’t right. If I’m going to be his wife, he must choose between us. If he left the monarch’s service Evston would still have his place in the legislature and he could conduct his own business. Clients would queue around the main square for the chance of hiring him.”
“Do people quit royal posts? Is that even allowed?”
