The two duck back under the water. It’s shallow and clear enough that I can see them as they descend, heading toward one of the scarred and ornamented stretches of root. They place both hands on the wood, closing their eyes. I can hear a soft song coming from beneath the waves and the water around them shimmers slightly.
“It’s a prayer, an homage to Lellia,” Ilryth explains. “The Lifetree roots life itself into this world; it has also given us the weapons and armor we use to protect ourselves from Lord Krokan’s rage.”
“It’s…stunning.” I look back up to the tree in awe.
“The tree is one anchor of my society. It was important for me to share it with you. I wanted you to know that there is more than death and turmoil in the Eversea. There is brightness, and life.”
“I’m honored you have trusted me with this pilgrimage,” I say sincerely. I want to take his hand, but I don’t dare do so when the warriors could see.
I’m still speaking with my thoughts, rather than my mouth. Even above the surface I find it’s now more natural to think what I need to say. Perhaps I’ll have enough control of the ability soon that I’ll no longer need the shell Fenny gifted me to protect me.
“Come, I’ll take you to the door.” Ilryth attempts to take a step and stumbles. I move to help him but he holds up a hand, stopping me, glancing back at the warriors. “I’ll be fine; my land legs always take some getting used to. I don’t come up here that often. Land is a bit awkward and uncomfortable for us sea folk.”
I smile and think of his obsession with ships. “You know, for humans, it’s the opposite. We call them our ‘sea legs’ to refer to getting accustomed to being out on the ocean.”
“Really?” He seems genuinely fascinated, as he always has when a ship is brought up.
“Truly.” I glance back toward the warriors. “Are you sure I couldn’t help you until you get a little more confident?” Neither of the warriors is paying much attention to us…but all it would take is one look. I know it as much as he does. So I expect his refusal before it comes.
“While I would appreciate the assistance, it’s probably safer if we don’t.”
“I understand.” My tone is as dejected as his.
It’s uncomfortable to the point of enraging to walk slowly at his side as he struggles. Every time Ilryth slips, catching himself on his knees, I must fight with myself not to reach for him. I resent the systems in place that prevent me from just helping him.
“Would this not be a practical touch?” I ask. We’re nearly to the mass of roots ahead of us.
“Ventris is looking for any small step we might make out of line. We must be careful. We’ll be out of their eyeshot soon.”
The moment we pass between two large roots, I wrap my arm around his strong middle, allowing his arm to drape over my shoulders. The man is an entire statue’s worth of carved muscle. All that strength means little when he can hardly balance himself.
“I’ll be all right.”
“I know, but you were still a bit unsteady.” I give him a small, sheepish smile. “Forgive me for wanting to touch you?”
“It’s embarrassing having you see me like this,” he admits with a faint blush on his cheeks.
“Why? It’s only natural to need help, now and then,” I say. He snorts. “What?”
“I find that sentiment amusing coming from you.”
“Do as I say and not as I do.” I know exactly what in my personality he’s referring to. “Besides, you have no reason to be embarrassed around me, ever.”
“Pardon?” He seems genuinely confused.
“I’m not as good of a person as you think I am. It’s not as if I have any room to judge.”
“You’re too harsh on yourself. You’re one of the best women I’ve ever met,” Ilryth says softly. Oblivious to the knife he’s twisting.I should just tell him the whole truth about Charles and end my agony over it. “You’re perfect, Victoria. I wouldn’t change a thing about you.”
“I’m really not perfect,” I murmur.
“Yes you are,” he insists.
“Liar.”
“Watch your tongue,” he cautions. “You are speaking to a duke of the Eversea.” There’s a playful overtone, but a depth to the bass of his voice that makes my insides squirm.
“Or what?” I ask coyly.
