I roll my eyes at the Ancient as Keane gives a small nod behind me, our reactions completely at odds when dealing with the being in front of us.
For what is to come…
I nearly scoff at the words.
Just tell us what you know and move on. Stop with the half sentences and illusions to the full truth.
“If only,Lady,” Hirovale replies quietly.
I shift further into Keane’s hold.
The Prince flexes his arms in response, though his body as a whole remains relaxed. If I had to take a small gamble, I would bet that Keane truly enjoys being visited by the Ancient and does take pride in these conversations. So what am I missing? Why can’t I share the same sentiment of awe and respect?
Is it the human in me? Does not having access to the mystics make me uninterested?
Because I know there’s absolutely no calling within me that aches to revere the Ancients who first wielded those mystics. There’s no strong desire to busy my life with thoughts of them, even though Hirovale has purposely planted himself in the back of my mind. They’ve been asleep far too long for my liking and have disengaged themselves from the Old World for thousands of years, so why would I-
“-Your mind moves down many roads, Alex,” Hirovale glances up at me, his golden eyes darting back and forth across my face in thought, “but your mouth remains silent.”
“Because I’m not sure I have anything nice to say,” I scowl, watching as his fingers make their small ripples in the water, “and because I still don’t care for you, Hirovale. You know this.”
“That hurts,” his eyes flick to Keane behind me, “especially when you forgive your King so easily.”
Forgive him? From Fumagalli?
Hirovale nods.
Wait…
King.
There’s that word again.
Don’t, Alex.
Hirovale gives a slight shake of his head, his eyes holding mine hard.
Then stop alluding, I fume internally.
His reign will come when it is time,Hirovale replies,I am alluding to nothing but the truth we all know.
I take a deep breath and tilt my head to the ceiling.
Ancients, please grant me patience right now before I hurt this being in front of me.
“You forget I’ve claimed your prayers,Lady,” Hirovale smirks.
My head falls on Keane’s shoulder before I look up at him with narrowed eyes. “What can kill an Ancient?”
Keane smiles down in amusement. Apparently he doesn’t see the seriousness in my face, or he chooses to ignore it altogether, because he just shakes his head, “I don’t know.”
“Holis and Mana might,” I turn back to Hirovale with a smirk.
Keane pinches my nipples under the water.
I nearly jolt at the surprise touch. Is he warning me not to push this further?
“No,” Hirovale replies, grinning as well. His eyes drift underwater to where Keane’s hands still cover my breasts.
