chapter Twenty Five
A Father's Blessing
The door opened instantaneously, as if someone stood just on the other side, waiting for a knock that would announce company. Evree peeked her head around it at first, then threw her entire body onto the doorstep and into Eramus's arms. She sobbed against his chest, bringing out his own tears in response.
"I was so scared," she mumbled, gripping his tunic as though she feared he might be an illusion. "I don't know what I would have done if…oh, I can't even bear to think about it."
Eramus pressed his lips against the top of her head and smiled. "You don't need to think about it. I'm right here—alive and well."
She pulled away, and her eyes did a quick survey of his figure. Eramus chuckled. "Are you searching for injury or just enjoying the view?"
He'd hoped to draw a blush to her cheeks, a difficult feat he'd accomplished a handful of times, but Evree only shrugged. "I'm capable of doing both simultaneously."
"I see. And are you satisfied with the results of both endeavors?"
"I'm satisfied enough to not hear the rest of this conversation." Kieran stood in the doorframe, leaning against it with folded arms.
Evree pinched her lips, but it did nothing to hide her smile. "I'm glad to see you are without injury, Eramus." She lifted onto her tips toes, her breath tickling his ear as she whispered. "And yes, I'm quite satisfied with both."
Heat crept into Eramus's cheeks.
Blast. How did she so effectively make him blush? It was hardly fair.
Evree played with the folds of his shirt, rolling them between her fingers. "What happened to the army of Izarden…and to your father? Are they still in the meadow?"
"My father and Zeeran left."
At first, Eramus had thought Morzaun afraid of facing Delran without his magic, but Zeeran’s reaction to his mother’s pleas offered another conclusion. Perhaps Morzaun was afraid Zeeran’s commitment wavered. If given the chance, would his cousin return to his family? Would he leave Morzaun to conduct his scheme on his own? If so, that would put his father in a tough predicament. How could he possibly take over Virgamor without magic?
"As for the army of Izarden, they remain in the meadow. Yelene cast a sleeping spell to give us time to leave. This way, no one gets hurt. I don't think Delran would have quit until every one of his men had given their lives."
"Then I should go pack," she said, pulling out of his arms. "We need to leave as soon as we can. I don't want to be here when they wake up."
Eramus grabbed her arm and drew his brows. "Evree…I need to speak with your father first." His eyes darted from her to Kieran, who stared at them with a pointed look.
Evree smirked, and Eramus's stomach twisted. "Then I'll packwhileyou speak to him. It's not as if he doesn't know what you're going to ask"—she turned to face her father and flashed him a sweet smile—"or will say no when you do."
Kieran shook his head as Evree swept past him and into the cottage. "I told you before, Eramus. When she wants something, she isn't afraid to go after it."
Eramus laughed. He'd certainly learned that was true. "You did warn me, but I'm afraid it was a warning too late to heed. She'd already stolen my heart by that point."
"Ah, yet another way in which she is like her mother—a thief of hearts." Kieran left the doorstep and nodded away from the cottage. "Come, let us take a walk. I'd prefer she at least didn't interrupt our conversation."
As dusk settled over the rows of cottages, the village rested peacefully and the two of them walked alone along the dirt path. Eramus’s pulse had gained speed again, and he wondered how he should begin the conversation. Evree may have been confident in her father granting his blessing, but Eramus was not. Kieran’s acceptance of Eramus’s offer would mean his daughter would no longer live in the village, and Verascene wasn’t exactly a place one could visit on a whim.
"I take it I'm safe in my assumption that you have proposed to my daughter?" asked Kieran.
Eramus nodded, studying the man's expression. Kieran stared at the path ahead, revealing nothing of how he felt about the matter.
"And I'd be a fool to believe she responded with anything other thanyes," Kieran continued. "She's had an affection for you for some time now, and it's clear my daughter cares for you deeply."
"A sentiment I return," said Eramus, hoping the confession might convince the man. "Kieran, I love your daughter. I have for a long time. She means everything to me, and I would do anything for her. I hope you know that my desire to take her hand stems from how deeply we care for each other, not some superficial attraction."
Kieran chuckled, and his expression softened. "Not to worry, Eramus. I'm very aware that your feelings for each other are real. Do you think I would have allowed you to court my daughter otherwise? I could not part with her for anything less than a man who would love her as I do and treat her with the respect she deserves. Not to mention she requires someone who can keep up with her spirit. Her liveliness can prove difficult to contain."
"Then it is good I have no intention of containing it. I love her for who she is. I could never dream of caging something so beautiful."
Kieran stopped walking and considered Eramus for a moment. A slow smile spread across his lips. “Then I give you the same answer Evree gave you. You have my permission to marry my daughter. You have my blessing. I know you are an honorable man and will take care of her. Love her. I can ask for nothing more.”
