“I hope so.” He leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. His gaze drifted to the ground in thought and when his eyes met mine once more, gone was any spark of humor. “Ariana, I hope you know how truly sorry I am for the pain I have caused you and for that which I will continue to cause.”
I wished to hate him for everything. For tormenting the Bavadrins, for tearing apart our lives, and now threatening lives with Edda’s ridiculous plan. I wanted to feel nothing but disdain towards him, but at that moment, I did not. On the contrary, I found myself feeling in some ways sorry for him.
“I believe that you wish for peace between us and that you do not desire to harm my people or me. But that does not change the position we find ourselves in. You hold the power to alter the road my life takes yet refuse to take that chance. I hope that someday you recognize that I do not wish to be your enemy, just as I think you do not wish to be mine.”
Erik’s head moved ever so slightly, as if nodding without fully committing to it. “How is Edda settling in?” he asked, leaning back in the chair and changing the subject to something lighter.
My gaze drifted over the masculine features of his face. The bridge of his nose was straight, lending a regal quality. His lips held an edge of firmness that suggested he was not easily swayed, and behind them were teeth that could slice through flesh with ease. Though somehow his eyes were more terrifying than his mouth. It always took more effort than expected to meet his stare. To hold it.
“She will be fine in any situation. I worry more for Kole’s sanity,” I said.
A smile spread across Erik’s lips, softening his features, and I couldn’t help but meet him with one of my own.
“Kole certainly will have his hands full between the two of you. I have never seen someone so quickly get under his skin.”
I nodded. “Edda has a talent in that way.”
“You two are very close,” he observed.
“She is one of the closest things I have to family. I would not be the person I am today were it not for her years of guidance.” It was the truth. In a life where I nearly lost my way every day, Edda was the compass that kept me centered and able to continue on my path. She had been my protector and shield, and she had been the one to push me to grow and become someone worthy of guiding our people.
“Then I am glad she is here with you, even if Kole must suffer for it.” A handsome crooked smile pulled at his lips.
“Careful, you may hurt his feelings by talking like that,” I teased.
Erik’s smile widened, and for a moment, it felt like we were just two people having a conversation, the weight of our circumstances nearly forgotten. “He has survived worse.”
I lifted a brow at that statement. “Neither of you have survived Edda yet,” I pointed out.
Erik grunted out a laugh, rising to his feet.
I too stood as he moved closer. He stilled, just barely out of reach.
“Do you think me evil?” he asked, and I found myself stunned by the question. His eyes stayed on mine for several moments before he finally turned to leave without hearing an answer. The question tugged at something from within, and again I felt sadness for the Lysian King. He was being pulled in various directions, including one to set me free.
He was lost.
“I’ve known evil,” I finally said, finding my voice when his back was to me. He angled his body so that I could just see the side of his face. “I have stared evil in the eye, felt its cold talons as theyripped apart everything good. I disagree with your actions, for I believe them to be misguided, but no. I do not think you are evil, Erik.”
Though the words spoken were true, shadows still danced in his eyes.
“Goodnight, Ariana,” he said, turning his back to me once more as he opened the door to leave.
“Goodnight, Erik,” I replied softly.
The room felt emptier without him, the lingering warmth of his presence fading as I was left alone with my thoughts.
21
ERIK
Ariana already sat at the table when I entered the reading nook of a room where we would share a meal. It was a small space where I often read. That seemed like a lifetime ago. Still, it remained one of my favorite places. Cozy and warm, the room had one wall made entirely of windows, keeping the space from feeling claustrophobic. Each of the walls bordering the windows was crammed floor to ceiling with books. All filled with fantastical stories of adventure.
In the center stood a single rectangular table, large enough for four, and it was already fully set. A delicious aroma wafted through the air, causing my mouth to water.
Ariana smiled politely when my gaze met hers.
I nearly returned the smile before noticing that there were only two plates set out.
