"He may still be dangerous. I could be your guard? Step in if things get out of hand."
She stared up at him with the most serious expression, but Eramus couldn't help but smile. The notion that she could take on a man of Morzaun's form was ridiculous, but he had to give her bravery due credit.
"What would you actually do?" he asked, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.
Evree thought for a moment. "Punch him in the nose?"
He tilted his head back and laughed. "I've no doubt you would, but ease my trepidation and keep your punches to yourself for now? Stay home, Evree. Please."
She rolled her eyes and nodded. "Very well."
"May I walk you back?"
She fought a smile, but it slipped through anyway. "You may."
As they neared the village, Evree pulled him to a stop and slid her hand from his arm. "Will Morzaun return tomorrow?"
Eramus shook his head. "In a few days."
She averted her gaze and stepped closer to him. "Am I allowed to come to the meadow, then? We were interrupted this morning."
They certainly were. Morzaun's appearance had disrupted a moment Eramus had imagined for a long time. Although time had claimed that kiss, he was hopeful he'd have another chance, and Evree seemed to feel the same way.
"Tomorrow in the meadow," he said with a smile. "Perhaps we can pick up where we left off."
She grinned, and without a word, walked back to the village. Eramus watched until she disappeared between two cottages, unable to stop himself from smiling.
As he started forward, a figure caught his eye. Arnan glared at him from where he leaned against the wooden fence of the horse corral with folded arms, his fierce gaze burning like a wild blaze.
