“Stalks sailors?” I laugh, incredulous. “I watchboatscome into port. I couldn’t care less about thesailors.”
Months.
MonthsI’ve spent with this fae and he’s neverteasedme. Usually he’s filled with admonishing remarks and glares when it comes to my quips… or choices.
Today’s different.
He’sdifferent.
What’s changed?
I doubt if I were to ask I’d get an honest answer. No, if I were to ask, it might deter him—revert him. I might enjoy thisnewCyran. I’d like him to stay.
I haven’t seen much of him the last couple of days.
Not since the council meeting.
“I’m sorry about your finger,” I blurt the words and his brows crease.
He lowers his gaze to mine saying, “It won’t happen again.”
As I open my mouth to argue—knowing I can’t make any such guarantee—he lifts his right hand, flashing the silver-fingered gauntlet upon it. My argument shatters as I burst into laughter.
Apparently he knows it too.
Glad to see we’re on the same page.
“How did it go?” he asks, returning his hand to the banister. “Find King Alaryc’s gift?”
I shake my head. “No.”
“Next time then,” he says.
The thought of Lilith bursting into my quarters before dawn a second time pulls a deep, annoyed groan from me.
“Cyran, please, if you’re at post do not let Lilith burst into my quarters before the sun,” I say, not caring how imploring I sound. “One of these days, I will achieve a full night’s rest.”
“You’re not sleeping?” he sounds concerned. “Should Drunina check you over?”
I shake my head. “No, no. I sleep—granted, erratic hours—but it’s not always restful. I’ve strange dreams.”
“Dreams aren’t meant to be understood,” Cyran offers.
Maybe for mortals.
But this, this feels like the times I would dream of Ryc. I’m left feeling disjointed and I don’t want to spend centuries trying to figure out its meaning.
A few stubborn leaves lose their grip in a cold gust and, launched from their branch, drift into the river. They ride the surface of the placid flowing water, becoming specks of orange against a dark, curling ribbon.
“Lilith found Fenryn’s gift,” I say, breaking the extended silence. “In the second shop we visited no less. I don’t know how many rings I looked at today, but nothingfeltlike Ryc.”
Nothing stood out.
Nothing reminded me ofhim.
“You’ve readThe Joining?” he asks, surprised.
“If you count the abbreviated version delivered via Lilith’s early morning lecture,” I reply and he gives me a flat look. “Don’t look at me like that, Cyran, your face will freeze that way in this cold.”
