Eramus laughed, remembering how Evree had once considered doing the same to Morzaun. It was no wonder the two of them got along so well.
Ladisias chuckled, and a screech sounded through the cottage as his chair slid against the floor. "Well, I believe I shall turn in for the night. Searching for flowers is rather exhausting work." He passed Eramus a wink before disappearing through the door.
"I'm going to turn in as well," said Inara. She gave Eramus a kiss on the cheek before exiting the room, leaving him and Yelene alone at last.
Yelene stared at Eramus with raised brows. "I'm curious about the flowers, but I will hold my questions for another time. I sense you have quite a few of your own."
"I do, and I hope you don't think I'm too forward for asking. I'd like to know why Aldeth struggles to accept Strauth. Has he done something to offend him? Or does it have something to do with his father?"
Her sigh fell heavy with her slumped shoulders. "You mean because Strauth's father was the general of Izarden? I assumed you would want to know more about that, and to answer your unspoken question…yes, your father knew Strauth's father. Aldeth and I did as well. We met him shortly after receiving our powers. He was a good man, an ally. General Fyord is the one who discovered that Sytal was behind many wicked acts against his own kingdom.
"But that is information for another time. Aldeth's struggle isn't with the former general, but with Strauth himself. You see, Strauth wasn't always the man you've come to know him to be. He hated magic and anyone who could wield it."
Eramus shook his head. "That doesn't make sense. How could he marry Feya if he hates magic? Surely he knew of her power before they wed?"
"He certainly did, but love has a way of changing people." The soft smile faded from her lips. "Your uncle struggles to forgive Strauth of his past misdeeds. Feya nearly lost her life on multiple occasions, and Strauth had a hand in that. I suspect he's afraid to trust him, but I know he'll come around, eventually."
Eramus massaged his throbbing forehead. Was every aspect of his family's past complicated? "Are you saying Strauth threatened to kill Feya, or even attempted to?"
Yelene chuckled, which didn't seem an appropriate response to Eramus. "Yes to both, I suppose." She took in his bewilderment with another laugh. "Perhaps I should start from the beginning."
She moved from her chair across the table and sat down next to him.
"Allow me to tell you a story of love and magic."
