I nearly laughed aloud at Ezra’s intrusive thought, and when he met my eyes, they sparkled. Despite the gleam in them, though, he also looked worried, and I sensed the undercurrent of insecurity within him.
“What is she anyway?” Tavo asked. “A garden girl? A hula dancer?”
“She’s none of your concern,” Ezra said coolly.
Tavo raised an eyebrow. “Touchy, brother. I only meant to appreciate the mystery… unless you’re hiding something.”
Ezra ignored him, and when I met Tavo’s eyes, he studied me. It wasn’t the kind of look I’d say was an admirable look, but rather…
What if he uses me against Ezra?Was I going to make things more complicated? Considering his burdens, would he crack under the pressure if another one was added?
Tavo raised his goblet to me, unconcerned. “If you tire of Ezra’s mood, dear lady, I’d be more than happy to–”
“She’s not interested.” Ezra snapped finally, his words sharp enough to silence the nearby conversations. Ho‘ohuli and Kalei exchanged worried glances and a hush fluttered over our section of the table.
Tavo’s eyes narrowed, though his smirk remained. “Careful, Ezra. You’re starting to sound like father.”
“Maybe I want to be more like father,” Ezra said, and I slipped my hand under the table, resting it lightly on Ezra’s leg. His hand found mine and he squeezed it.
Tavo turned away, lips twitching with whatever unspoken game he thought he was winning. But Ezra… he seemed unearthed. He seemed…mad.I’d never seen this expression on him, or felt it from him. He was always so calm. Grounded. Steady.
But this… this was a different side of Ezra, and I worried for him.
Later that night,I stood on the rooftop of the palace, gazing at the stars.
Thinking about the telescope I found in Ryker’s pocket… and Mo, Humu, and the world I left behind. I missed it and wondered what would happen when I returned, but I worried deeply about Ezra.
“I thought I’d find you here.”
I turned to see Ezra approach. Ezra's tunic was unbuttoned and open, which showed some of his muscled chest underneath,and his hair looked messy, as if he’d run his fingers through it. I had to look away, my heart pounding.
As much as I wanted to imagine a life here with Ezra, the old man who knew magic hadn’t had much luck the past couple of days. He came by to tell Ezra he still couldn’t find any spells or magic in Kaiora that could help me.
I sighed, focusing on the moment at hand.I love the stars, Ezra. You can see them so well here in the mountains.
Ezra leaned against the railing and I joined him, our arms touching. I always loved his warmth.
You don’t have to pretend he didn’t get to you,the king finally said, his voice tight.He’s charming. Powerful.He exhaled.He’s everything I’m not.
Ezra…Tavo was thelastthing I was thinking about. If anything, my thoughts now turned to Cressida and the frog situation. I should’ve been thinking about the sea and my days wearing thin. But there was so much to do here, and I desperately wanted to help Ezra… I wanted to take justonething off his plate.
I should let you go, Aulani. Maybe it’s selfish to want you to stay when I can’t even promise–He looked down at the view below, stopping himself.You looked so far away tonight.
I touched his hand and our fingers intertwined, as if they were used to doing this. Ezra looked at me with his green eyes, eyes that looked so sad and tired. Worn down.
My fingers brushed his smooth cheek, then trailed down his jaw.
If you didn’t catch my drift, you’re slower than a sea slug in molasses, Ezra.
He barked a laugh, sudden and real and relieved.You hated him.
I gave a single nod, solemn as the moon on the sea, then pulled him down so our foreheads touched. He closed his eyesand I felt something in him–something raw and aching and afraid.
I don’t want to lose you.His voice was soft. Gentle.Not to him. Not to the sea. Not to anything.
I gently kissed his cheek, falling into his fresh koa wood scent.
Then you better keep your promise,I teased and he wrapped his arms around me, holding me close.
