How did he know that?
“And you can’t keep living at an inn.”
I finally understood the situation. “You’re giving me a handout.”
“It’s not a handout.”
“And that means Lily is done.” If there were hope that she just needed more time to work through what I’d shared with her, he wouldn’t have brought me here. That meant she’d said something to him to indicate it was over.
“I didn’t say that.”
“You don’t need to.” I turned to look at the vineyards just so I wouldn’t have to meet his gaze anymore, just to have a moment to process what Talon had told me without actually telling me.
“Callum.” His hand went to my shoulder, the first time he’d ever touched me.
I didn’t look at him.
“I think she needs more time. And you should have something that’s yours to focus on.”
“This isn’t mine.” I stepped away from his touch. “This belonged to someone else. Probably wasn’t abandoned. They probably died in the battle that I caused.”
Talon didn’t correct me.
“It’s an insult to their land.”
“Callum.” He moved so I was forced to meet his gaze. “Whether it works out with Lily or not, you should have something that is yours. And you did defend this kingdom against the Barbarians. You gave your strength to my daughter, who still has it to this day. I give this to you in gratitude for what you’ve done for her.”
I didn’t deserve it, so I just shook my head. “Why are youhelping me, Talon? Honestly, I preferred it when you hated me. At least that made sense. This doesnotmake sense.”
He stared at me for a while, sympathy moving into his gaze. “Because even if it doesn’t work out with Lily, I think you deserve a second chance, Callum. I know it’s hard after you’ve lost so much, but give it time, and you’ll find happiness again.”
“Lily is irreplaceable?—”
“And so were Vivian and Lena. But I found Calista.”
I didn’t even want to entertain the idea of another woman. Just the thought made me sick. Lily was the only woman I wanted in my bed, in my arms, in my life. “Talon?—”
“I lost my entire family when my enemies attacked the Southern Isles. I watched my wife and child burn before my eyes. And in my grief, I stabbed a dagger right through my heart.” His hand moved over his chest where his heart continued to beat. “And I was pissed when Khazmuda saved me because I wanted to die more than anything. But in time, things got better. I learned to live again. And when I thought I would never love again, I met Calista.”
He opened up to me. He shared with me. Gave me more than I deserved. “Why are you helping me?” I asked the question again because his answer wasn’t good enough. “I’m the reason these landowners are dead, and you’re trying to help me. I’m the reason your daughter is devastated.”
“Because you remind me so much of myself. From your appearance to your past…everything. I did a lot of shit I’m not proud of. I’m not any better than you, if I’m being honest with myself. But this is separate from your relationship with my daughter. Whether it works out or not, I’m here.”
I still didn’t understand his compassion or his kindness. I knew our relationship had grown through the stories we’d shared, but what I’d done to his daughter was unforgivable. He should have his dragon burn me to death.
“I know what it’s like to feel alone and wish for death. But I had one person who kept me alive, who kept me going, and I can be that person for you.”
“Who was your person?” I asked.
There seemed to be a glint of affection in his eyes when he thought about the person, warmth that felt hot like the sun. Even the corner of his mouth cracked in a smile. “Not really a person but…Khazmuda.”
11
LILY
My mom knocked on the door before she let herself inside. “I made your favorite, sweet potato casserole.”
“Thanks. Not really hungry, though.”
