"Yes," I replied, not getting his point.
"If you do not have to return, then stay."
Devereaux seemed pained. His expression, even half-covered by the blindfold, was tight and strained. He couldn't be that upset by the prospect of my leaving, could he?
I seriously considered his offer, but after a fleeting moment of fantasizing, it was clear I couldn't stay. Not at this very moment. For one thing, I couldn't leave Pascal alone to bear the burden of all the house chores. He would wonder where I'd disappeared to, and with all his new responsibilities piled on, I doubted he'd ever have time to visit.
There were the kids, too. Kip and all the others. Could I leave them behind without a second thought? But it wasn't like I could never visit the orphanage and see Pascal and the kids again. Devereaux wasn't like Headmaster. He wasn't trying to keep me chained up to do chores for all eternity.
"I don't think I can stay forever, at least not right now," I said slowly. I watched the expression shift on Devereaux's face, aware that I was hurting him. Why did he care so much about me? It didn't make any sense. "There's people waiting for me at home."
"Like Pascal?"
I must've imagined the hint of jealousy in his voice. "Yes. And the children I look after. And... even Headmaster." I didn't bother explaining that she would be upset in a different way than the others if I didn't return. But she was also dead set on kicking me out in less than a week, so maybe she wouldn't be too upset at my absence.
Devereaux was trying not to look wounded. "I see. Then I should not keep you."
I glanced at Argon, who stood silently in the castle's shadow. He didn't interject.
I had no ill feelings towards him, but I was disappointed he'd killed the mood. Before he showed up, I was having a good time with Devereaux—maybetoogood of a time.
"Argon is right. I should leave now before the sun rises," I joked.
Devereaux's shoulders went rigid. "Yes. Before then."
I grabbed my cane and mentally prepared myself to stand. Sometimes the anxiety before getting up was almost as painful as moving itself. But this wasn't one of those times. It was like Devereaux's kind touch sucked out the lion's share of the pain, leaving behind the familiar fog of discomfort that I was used to.
My knees trembled when I stood, more from the physical exertion it took to reach the castle than from pain. Devereaux gently gripped my shoulders from behind.
"Are you all right?" he asked. "Please lean on me if you need to."
My heart fluttered. His kindness never waned.
I smiled. "Maybe I will."
Devereaux offered his strong arm. I looped my hands around it, grateful for his support, both physical and emotional.
I was so enraptured by Devereaux that it was easy to forget Argon was there. He said nothing as the two of us walked away.
At the gate, the guards acknowledged Devereaux and opened the gate for me.
"Wait, Florian."
I turned around, butterflies tickling me at the sound of my name on his tongue.
Devereaux took my hand, raised it to his lips and pressed a kiss to my skin. This time I couldn't contain a soft gasp.
Devereaux smiled as he let me retrieve my hand. "Goodnight, Florian. I hope I shall see you soon."
"Yes. Definitely," I promised. "Goodnight to you too, Devereaux."
10
Devereaux
I waiteduntil Florian was out of sight, then marched hastily back to the castle.
Who was this Argon character? Where had he come from? And who did he think he was interrupting my private moment with Florian? The utter gall of some people!
