Landin cut me off. “Don’t be stupid. Do you think he did that for you? For me? He did that so it would be easier to control you. So that you would feel as though you owed him something.” Though he was likely not wrong, the fact was that Landin’s life had been spared. We still were living under Lysian authority and because of that, he needed to regain control of himself.
“That’s enough,” Willis warned Landin.
I focused on Landin. “You didn’t actually think I did not knowthat. The sacrifice I made for . . .” I stopped myself from saying more or implicating myself in Fraser’s death. “It is only because I deeply know you that I will excuse your behavior this time. Though I thought you had grown out of these outbursts. I am not a little girl. Not someone you need to protect from every danger in the world. I will not be gone from this city forever. It and the people within our lands are now mine to lead as I see fit. If you think me dumb or unworthy, then you should have challenged me for the position, but you did not.”
Surprise touched Landin’s features, stealing away some of the anger that had encased him. It was as if he realized the poor choice in his words and actions for the first time. “You’re right. I’m sorry,” he whispered, gaze dropping to the ground, as if he could not bring himself to meet my eye once more.
“You are not to speak to the Lysians like this again.”
“I won’t,” he submitted, tempering his anger.
I nearly sighed in relief. Though when my shoulders relaxed, a wave of dizziness hit me.
“We’ll go get some fresh air,” Willis stated.
“See that he makes it home alright and then return at once,” I instructed him.
Willis’s golden eyes drifted over my face, concern coloring them. “You alright?”
“Fine. I’m beginning to feel dizzy, that’s all.” I offered him a small smile and a shoulder shrug as if it were no big deal.
“I shouldn’t leave you.” Willis scanned the room, likely looking for someone else to help make sure Landin went home.
“I don’t mind keeping an eye on her until you return,” Iver offered.
Willis frowned and turned to me.
“It’s fine. I will be fine. Just go and hurry back.” I nodded.
With his lips pressed into a thin line, Willis turned from us. He disappeared into the crowd, leading Landin from the room.
“Can I get you something? Water perhaps?” Iver offered, looking me over.
I shook my head. “I just need to have a seat.”
He nodded, taking my arm and guiding me to a chair near a small table on the outskirts of the room. Then, like a gentleman, he moved the seat out for me, surprising me with the gesture.
“Thank you,” I said, taking the seat.
“It’s the least I could do for such entertainment.” He grinned, leaning against the wall. His gaze moved over the crowd, observing the Bavadrins who were celebrating.
“You can go. No need to stay with me.” I gave him an escape.
“Please. If anything happens to you, either your Bavadrins or my brother will have my head,” he stated casually. His hands were in his pockets, and his shoulders relaxed. Fine clothing covered his body. He appeared as though he didn’t have a care in the world. Someone who was truly free of burden.
“I doubt you fear any of them,” I observed. Iver always seemed to be the one to stir up trouble with others. He never behaved as if he were afraid of reprimand.
“Everyone fears Erik,” he commented, turning his attention to me.
“Even you?”
“Would that surprise you?”
“The way you behave towards him, yes, it would.”
Iver smiled. “Your friend would be wise to have a bit more fear.”
I shook my head in disagreement. “Unfortunately, that would only serve to make him worse. Not better.” Landin was a complicated person. He did not lash out because he lacked fear; it was the opposite. He likely was terrified for my safety and that of his people. That was the reason why he behaved in such a manner. In his way, he was trying to protect me.
