Eramus leaned forward. "I want to know why you're here. Why did you come looking for me?"
Aldeth's eyes narrowed, but he didn't voice any suspicion with the change of subject. "You're family, Eramus. We only want to keep you safe. Your father…he's put a target on your back because of the things he's done. King Delran seeks revenge, and if he discovers your whereabouts, he will stop at nothing to kill you."
Inara's sharp gasp made Eramus's stomach lurch. He didn't want her to worry, but with this second confirmation, Eramus knew they spoke the truth. His presence in the village put everyone in danger of the king's wrath.
"We came to get you," said Yelene. She leaned across the table and placed her hand over his. "We came to take you home."
Eramus looked up into her bright blue eyes. Warmth flooded over him. Desperation constricted his chest. He wanted to believe them.
"You'll be safe with us," she whispered. "King Delran can't get to you on Verascene."
Verascene. Treacherous waters surrounded the island off the coast of Izarden. Even the bravest captains dared not go near the jagged rocks and shallows. No one had access to the place, and once stranded, no one ever left. Then again, if Aldeth had control over the elements, rough seas proved no issue. Perhaps he and Yelene could come and go as they pleased.
He would be safe in such a place, but his heart ached at the idea of leaving. What about Inara? What about Evree? He wasn't sure he could leave everything he'd ever known behind.
Yelene's hand tightened around his own, pulling him from his thoughts. "Please come with us," she said, her pleading tone returning.
"I…" His heart raced. How was he to make this decision? He turned to Inara and found her eyes full of tears.
"You should consider it, dear. If what they say is true…if you are truly in danger…" Her voice trailed off into a sob. Eramus pulled his hand away from Yelene and wrapped his arm around his mother. She leaned into his shoulder. "All I ever wanted was to keep you safe, even if it means I never see you again."
Her tears pierced his heart, pulling out his own. "I don't know if I can. I don't want to leave you."
"I know this is difficult," said Aldeth. "But I ask that you take some time to consider it. Delran is not a man to be trifled with."
Eramus sighed and nodded. "I will." All eyes followed him as he rose. "I need some time alone. Please excuse me."
The door to the cottage closed with a soft thud. With so much to process, there was only one place he wanted to go. In the meadow's solitude, he could think clearly. He could make the most difficult decision of his life.
