Elías tsked. “I’m certain, yes.”
“How can you be certain?” I stopped him, my hand on his arm. He turned. I searched his eyes for any hint of hesitation.
“Svana, I think that because I provided a conduit for your communication last night he’s using it now so that he can avoid endangering your connection with so many eyes on you today,” he said.
I narrowed my gaze at his. “…You know you really should have been a king,” I said. “That was very well-worded. And, ifI'm being quite honest, I’m actually shocked my father didn’t marry you off to some high-born lady. He’s always meddling like that—arranging marriages and such. And you’re a naturally born politician, I dare say. Always coaxing my moods. Always navigating social constructs with such ease.”
He nodded, silent for a moment. “Your Blade is trying to be discreet.”
“Aye.” I exhaled. “And I suppose that’s for the best.”
“Yes. It is one thing to bask in the freedom of riding out into the forest to flirt and frolic. It’s another to co-exist beneath the same roof–a roof that belongs to your intended. Everyone is watching you, and, in my experience, that makes clandestine affairs difficult to sail undetected. I’m certain that a man like your Mr. Evergreen is well aware of this.”
“Are you suggesting that Mr. Evergreen has participated in affairs with high society before?”
“I’m suggesting nothing,” he said.
I rolled my eyes. “Well. I’m not sure which I prefer,flirt and frolicorclandestine affairs,ha!” I looked at him silly. “Is that what you think we do? Flirt and frolic secretly? We actually do ride, you know? We both enjoy riding, in fact. We both love horses. He has a natural way with them.” I canted my head wistfully at the thought of him on Issac. So regal. So controlled.
“You forget, I was a young man once,” he said with plumage, adjusting his shoulders proudly. “I know what young men think about. I know what youngcharmingmen can convince a lady to do. Trust me on that.”
“Oh, yes, I have quite the understanding of what Young Elías thinks he was capable of. Don’t fret that, dear friend. But I dare ask, if you were such a heartbreaker, tell me. Whywasthere never a Mrs. Gregory?” I laughed. “You must not be as skilled as you think in convincing ladies of anything. Indeed, I am always defying you, for instance.”
Elías shrugged. “Svana, I am far more skilled a flirt than your Blade could ever dream to be,” he told me. He arched his brow with such confidence. “But I’m not a man to brag about such things. I keep the secrets I’ve promised to keep, and a gentleman keeps his promises. You defy me because we are not that type of companions and we will never be such companions. But trust me, I am plenty convincing when I aim to be.”
“Ew,” I said, partly gagging. We started walking again. “I’ll try to bury that little demonstration somewhere dark in here.” I tapped my temple. “In any event, I prefer you wifeless. It means I have you all to myself and to be blunt, I’m not sure I could tolerate it if you split your attention between me and another woman. Romantic companions or not.”
He raised his brows in agreement.“AndI am quite fulfilled in my career. Thank you for asking.”
“Mmhm,” I said. “Yes. Your career. Spoken like a true spinster, Ser.”
He clicked his tongue, then chuckled half-heartedly.“Back to your concern,” he retreated. “And I tread lightly, disagreeing with you, Your Highness, but I do think your Blade’s careful intentions with appearances is well-placed.”
“Hmph.”
“And I confess, I did have my worries with the boy, at first… but after the bandits…after the fire...” He stopped walking again. “And after speaking to you of your affection for him, despite the challenges you’ve faced… I…reluctantlyadmit that he has put some parts of my mind to ease. That is, at least, in regard to your physical safety.”
“Hehas?”I asked. My eyes widened ever so slightly as I looked at him. “That’s…quite a sentiment from you.”
“Aye,” he said.“Someparts. Notallparts.” Elías took another moment to choose his words. “I still do not approve of your relationship, but if you’re going toconverseprivatelywithanyone, let it be with a man who risks his life for yours. That is how it should be if it must be. Then at least my hair will grey at half the speed.”
I blushed. “Heisquite gallant,” I stated. “You should like that.”
“I’ve neverdislikedthe boy,” he told me.
“Just hisstation,”I said.
He furrowed his brow. “No. Not his station.Hisstation has nothing to do with it; it's yours that is the trouble.”
“Why? Because I must marry well?” I asked.
“No, because you are important to me, Svana. One day, when you have children of your own, you’ll understand what I mean. It’s difficult to accept that anyone could be worthy of their hearts–even gallant soldiers. I don’t mean your station as Princess. I mean your station as my most favorite person.”
“I…” I shook my head dismissively. “When you speak like that, I’m forced to remember the days I used to wishyou were my father,” I said.
“You…?” He paused. “You wished that?”
“Yes,” I said, laughing slightly, like it was obvious. “Of course I did. Basically my whole life, in fact. Even now, as we speak.” My voice took on a dreamy tone as I presented the idea.“To be the daughter of a knight, not an empire–the product of ‘undeniable love.’I used to convince myself of that. That you and my mother shared undeniable love…” I sighed. “Anyway, my life might be happier had that been the case, but as I am well aware, she was not a happy or loving person.”
