“I’m not falling backward,” Keller says adamantly.
“Okay, besides the fact that you’re taller than her, is something else propelling you to say no to trusting her ability to catch you?”
“I trust her,” Keller growls.
“Not if you won’t fall back,” I say.
Elias holds his hand up to me. “Let me take a moment with him.”
“Sure,” I say, gesturing to Elias, knowing full well any psychobabble Elias throws Keller’s way will go in one ear and out the other.
“Keller, there seems to be a mental block that occurred in our last session and is still evident in this session. From what I learned, you were open to taking these classes. I would assume that someone who is open would be a willing participant.”
“To an extent,” Keller replies.
“Can you explain?”
Keller lets out a sigh. “I know Lilly is the person I’m supposed to marry. I don’t need a class to tell me that.”
“That’s not what these classes are about,” Elias says. “These classes are to help you harness the tools you’ll need in order to approach marriage with a healthy outlook. And I’m sorry to be blunt, but from what I’ve noticed already, you don’t seem to have the tools you need, despite what you might think.”
Ooo, now that was a jab. From the silent beast in front of me, I’m going to say he’s not taking that comment very well. I can only imagine the frustration he’s feeling, it probably matches mine. If only he would ease up and open up a smidge, it would make this process so much easier.
“Why did you feel the need to put your foot down in the sanctuary and not tell her the real reason you want your wedding in the Norse Temple? Is it because the memorial service for your parents was held at the temple?”
“What?” I ask, peeking around Keller’s large body. “Is that true?”
“How the fuck do you know that?” Keller seethes.
Elias holds his hands in front of him, completely undisturbed by the venom dripping from Keller’s tongue. He looks like a viper, ready to strike his prey. Poor Elias is in the line of fire.
“The king personally asked me to walk you through these courses. I take that responsibility very seriously, just like you take your job very seriously, Keller. Which means if you weren’t going to tell me about your life and your background, I would have to find out for myself.”
“You researched me?”
Ooo, bad move, Elias.
“Yes, I did. I read your palace file. Granted, it didn’t offer much about your personality, but I can make assumptions on that based on our short interactions. You’re private, loyal, a hard worker, and you’re incredibly protective. You hold on to what matters the most to you, and when faced with adversity, you always do what’s right, despite who it might hurt.” Elias clears his throat. “You’re in this class because you have a deep-rooted desire to not only follow the rules, but to listen to anything King Theo says without hesitation or discussion. You respect the man more than anyone . . . even your future bride.”
“That’s not true,” Keller says.
“If it was King Theo behind you, rather than Lilly, would you fall?”
“No,” Keller answers.
“What if King Theo demanded it?” Elias asks.
Even from where I stand behind him, I can tell Keller clenches his jaw.
“The answer is yes, isn’t it?” Elias asks. “Your silence tells us everything. Which makes me believe you respect and trust King Theo more than you respect and trust your future wife.”
And hell if that doesn’t freaking sting.
Keller pushes his hand through his hair. Instead of sitting in the background, I move forward so I come into his view.
“Keller, is that true?”
He blows out a heavy breath. “No, you’re just . . . you’re different. I’m supposed to protect you.”
