Her face paled. "You're…leaving?"
Eramus chewed his cheek. "I haven't decided yet."
Evree looked away from him, her hair falling over her face and shielding her from his view. Her words came out choked. "I know Arnan…the way he's treated you…but I don't want you to go."
Eramus took her hand and pressed it against his chest. She turned to face him, tears streaking across her cheeks. He wiped them away with his thumb. "It's not your uncle, Evree."
He needed her to understand. Eramus disclosed everything, starting with his visions of the past and filling in the details with Morzaun's information. He told her about Yelene and Aldeth, about the Virgàm and the three magical abilities. Evree listened quietly through it all, her tears drying as the sun moved overhead, piercing through the shadows.
"King Delran is out for blood…my blood," said Eramus. "I don't want to leave, but I fear staying will put everyone here in danger. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to the people I care about because of me."
"I understand, but how do you know the king won't follow you? How do you know Verascene is any safer?"
Their hands rested on the ground, and he took to playing with her fingers. "Verascene is nearly impossible to navigate around, let alone land an army on. Delran would sentence his men to death if he attempted such a thing. Even if he succeeded, I would have my aunt and uncle, two experienced magic wielders."
She sighed. "You've only just met. How do you know you can trust them?"
"I don't, but I would much rather take that risk than put our people in jeopardy."
Evree blinked rapidly to contain her tears. "I know it's logical, but…" She wiped her face and jutted her chin towards the meadow. "Perhaps I can help you make your decision."
"Your advice is always welcome."
She turned her whole body towards him and sent his pulse into a frantic gallop when she leaned closer. "Advice was not my intention."
Her lips pressed gently to his. He lost all sense of his surroundings, and time seemed an irrelevant notion. Each breath filled his nostrils with the scent of lavender. Each kiss drew him in deeper. Evree's hands found his chest, gripping his shirt and pulling him closer. One of his hands moved to her nape, his fingers weaving through strands of golden hair, while the other rested on her waist. Warmth flooded over every inch of his body. His kisses deepened with the sensation, brushing over her lips until she pulled away.
She rested her forehead against his, her breathing heavy. "It's selfish," she whispered. "Me trying to convince you to stay. But I don't want to lose you, Eramus."
He chuckled. "Is that what all this was about? Convincing me to stay?"
Evree smiled and softly kissed him again. "I'll only confess if it's working."
"I assure you, it's working exceptionally well."
She giggled and brushed her nose against his. "Do you require more convincing, or was that enough?"
He cleared his throat. "More. Most assuredly."
Evree pulled away and rose, tilting her head to one side as a smug smile stretched across her lips…her perfect, beautiful lips that he had just kissed. "Then perhaps you might consider meeting me here tomorrow? I can convince you more thoroughly then."
As if he could say no to that. "I'll not sleep tonight looking forward to tomorrow."
She lifted her chin and gathered her skirts. "Goodnight, Eramus."
"Goodnight, Evree."
He stayed on the grass, watching her glide across the meadow and disappear out of sight. The sun had ducked behind the mountains by the time he pulled himself to his feet. He needed to focus on making a decision, but his mind kept settling on Evree. Her company filled him with warmth, and her kisses…well, he wasn't sure a word existed for howthosemade him feel.
Eramus stopped outside his cottage. Night had fully descended upon the village, and Inara was certain to chide him for returning home so late. It took him several minutes to wipe the giddy smile off his face. The last thing he wanted was to walk in there wearingthat.
He shuddered. No one needed to know about that kiss.
When he entered the cottage, Inara was busy at the washbasin, while Yelene and Aldeth sat at the table. All three of them looked at him when he closed the door.
"Where have you been!" Inara ran towards him, her eyes darting from his head to his boots, as though searching for evidence of an excuse. "You realize how late it is, don't you? Had me in an awful dither. Reckless, foolhardy…"
Eramus kissed her on the cheek. "Forgive me, Mother. I didn't mean to make you worry."
