chapter Nineteen
Truth Be Told
Though the meadow was warm and inviting, Eramus felt a sense of unease as he sat beside Evree on the dark green grass. His eyes darted along the forest edge, searching the shadows. Ever since the mercenaries invaded their village, he had suspected someone was watching him, a spy sent by the king of Izarden.
King Delran wanted revenge. Although the details of what occurred between his father and the previous ruler remained a mystery, he knew the result was King Sytal’s death. Hisuncle’sdeath. Eramus still struggled to believe royalty ran through his blood, but he had too much confirmation now to deny it.
Despite their blood relation, Delran would seize any opportunity to kill him, of that he was sure, and the king would not hesitate to extend his threat to the people Eramus cared about. His mother, Evree…neither of them would be safe as long as Delran sat on the throne. Eramus needed to take them somewhere safe. He needed to offer for Evree's hand.
A warm touch drew his attention. Evree peered up at him with concern. "What are you thinking?" she whispered.
He averted his gaze, shifting nervously under her touch. Eramus knew he loved her, and Evree had confessed the same. Why, then, did he have no confidence in asking the question?
Evree positioned herself in front of him. Her fingers moved along his cheekbone and over his lips, flooding his body with shivers. "You're worried," she said, continuing to explore his face. "I can see it. Tell me what plagues your mind, Eramus. I know yesterday was…"
Her voice trailed away as she turned to stare out at the forest, and her eyes glazed with tears. Evree had nearly died in the mercenary camp, and the ordeal had shaken her. It had shakenhim. Even Kieran had been reluctant to let his daughter out of his sight when Eramus came calling that morning.
Eramus tilted her chin so she met his gaze. His heart pounded hard, uncertain how she would respond, but he loved her too much to let her go, to leave her unprotected. "Marry me," he whispered.
Evree's eyes went wide."What?"
Eramus brushed her golden strands of hair behind her ear and peered into her green eyes. "You're not safe here. King Delran will stop at nothing to have his revenge. Even if I go, I fear he will not leave you alone. You mean too much to me, Evree. I could not live with myself if something happened to you. Marry me. Come with me to Verascene."
"You're asking me to leave everything I've ever known behind."
Eramus's heart raced, and he rushed his words. "I know I am, but it is the only way. I can't—"
Her fingers pressed against his lips, and she smirked. "I'm not finished. You're asking me to leave everything I've ever known behind, and yet I feel no hesitation to answer you with a resoundingyes."
His shoulders slumped in relief, making Evree giggle. "Did you really think I would say no? Is that what had you so anxious all morning?"
"Partially, yes."
Evree leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "I can't imagine how stressed you will be to ask my father, then."
Eramus wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her closer, a lopsided grin filling his lips. "You would taunt me about asking your father? It took some convincing, but I believe Kieran likes me. Besides, I saved your life. He couldn't possibly say no."
Her brows lifted. "And you know my father would take no issue in refusing you despite that fact."
Eramus brushed his lips over hers. "Fortunately for me"—he placed several kisses along her chin and down her neck—"he seems incapable of tellingyouno."
"And fortunately for you, I do not wish him to say no. I want to marry you. I would follow you anywhere."
"Even across the sea and treacherous waters?"
She smiled and touched her nose to his. "Across all of Virgamor and beyond." Evree pulled away, mischief in her eyes. "But I have one condition."
"Oh, do you now? And what is this condition?"
"You must bring me buttercups every day. They are your favorite, and I wish for you to always be happy."
Eramus laughed, but her words made his stomach flutter. "I only chose them because they remind me of you. I don't need flowers to be happy, not when I have you by my side."
Evree shrugged. "I want you to bring them to me, anyway. And since they remind you of me, I know I'll be on your mind."
"I assure you, I don't require flowers for that either." Evree gave him a pointed look, and he realized he was no better than Kieran. He couldn't say no to her. Eramus ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. "And what if there are no buttercups on Verascene?"
She pulled her lips to one side, thinking. "I suppose we had better plant some the moment we arrive, so you have no excuse."
