chapter Thirteen
Family Affairs
Evree's arm wrapped around his. The expressions they passed on their walk through the village varied between knowing smiles and complete disgust. While Eramus had grown accustomed to the mixture of reactions, he worried about the beautiful girl at his side. He covered her hand with his own. Evree beamed up at him, and Eramus returned a half-hearted smile.
"What's the matter?" she asked, frowning.
Blast.
He couldn't hide things from her, no matter how hard he tried.
"Are you sure you're all right with this? With…us?" His eyes darted to the two old ladies outside the cottage a few yards ahead. They leaned close to each other, whispering with wrinkled foreheads.
Evree pulled him to a stop and gave him a pointed look. "I have no reason not to be anything but perfectly content, especially after our time in the meadow this morning."
His lips curled into a wide grin. "Our time in the meadow left you content, did it?"
Her cheeks turned a bright red, and she averted her gaze. It wasn't often that Evree blushed, and Eramus couldn't help but enjoy it when she did. If their first kiss had elicited warmth and desire, the second was nothing short of magical.
Magic. His power. It was the reason he was worried in the first place.
"Evree, I know you care for me, but…" He sighed, glancing at the two women again, who watched them with intense disdain. "People treat me differently now that they know my secret, and they will not see you the same, either. This is not an easy burden to bear, and I don't want you to feel weighted by prejudice."
She slid her hand down his arm until it met his, interlocking their fingers. "Burdens are easier to carry when you don't bear them alone. Whatever we may face, we can do so together. My fear of losing you is far greater than my fear of what people will think."
Evree turned and tugged him further down the dirt path. "The first is a fear you could alleviate if you would promise to stay."
Eramus chewed his cheek. She had asked him first thing this morning about his decision, as had his aunt, uncle, and Inara. But he had no answer for them. He knew he should leave. Staying only put everyone in danger, but Evree's convincing kisses did nothing to encourage him to make the unselfish choice.
"I can't make you that promise, as much as I want to."
Her fingers tightened between his. "I know. When will your family leave?"
"As soon as I decide." He released a long sigh. "Time is of the essence, or so they keep reminding me. For all we know, King Delran is already on his way."
They stopped outside of Evree's home. She glanced up at him with glazed eyes. "If you can't promise you'll stay, at least promise you won't leave without saying goodbye."
Eramus tucked a strand of her golden hair behind her ear. "I promise."
The cottage door swung open, and when Kieran's stony expression fell on Eramus, he tensed. Evree giggled and placed a kiss on his cheek. Kieran's gaze moved skyward, and he folded his arms.
"I'll see you tomorrow," she said, slipping past her father and into the cottage.
Kieran closed the door behind her, and Eramus's heart sped into chaos. "I wanted to speak with you," Kieran said, taking a few steps closer.
Eramus swallowed hard. What did Kieran want with him? Was he going to deny him the courtship of his daughter? Had Arnan finally convinced him against it?
"I wanted to talk to you about Arnan," he continued.
Eramus's stomach rolled, but he kept his tone even. "What about him?"
Kieran sighed. "Evree told me how he's treated you since…well, you know. I believe he feels threatened by your gift."
"Why?" said Eramus, shaking his head. "I've no interest in taking his position. I'm no leader, nor do I wish to be."
“I realize that, and I hope Arnan will eventually, as well. I don’t condone his behavior. This misplaced prejudice against you evades justice and reason. If his aggression persists, I’ll put him in his place. I want you to keep me informed when he’s out of line.”
Keep him informed? No way that was happening. The last thing he needed was someone fighting his battles for him. "Kieran, I appreciate your concern, but I can handle Arnan on my own. Whatever grudge he holds against me will pass once he realizes I've no desire to take his place."
