Rawn embraced her tightly. He had decided not to pass on his oath to another. Not that it had ever been a choice he would consider. All he could do was seize the time left with his family.
Once he had bathed and dressed for the day, Rawn went in search of his son. The estate was quiet in the morning, his guards and servants greeting him with welcoming smiles and deferential bows. He took his time strolling through the halls, admiring the refractions of light streaming through the tall windows. Beyond them rose a town nestled within the rolling hills. His son had done well in overseeing Sellav.
Raiden’s bedroom was in the east wing, past the library, on the highest floor. The door was made of a rich chestnut, carved with the intricate design of a forest.
At his knock, there came no answer.
Hesitating, Rawn opened the door, calling his son’s name. But he halted there at the threshold, staring at the back wall of shelves. Each one was filled with wooden carvings set neatly in rows.
“What are you doing in my chambers?” Raiden demanded behind him, and he yanked the door shut.
Rawn blinked at him. “You kept them … I didn’t realize there were so many.”
His son looked away, his face flushing. “You sent 1,561 to be exact. What else was I to do with them? Why send so many?”
The sunlight coming from the windows fell over the token hanging around Raiden’s neck and Rawn couldn’t help smiling faintly. “I carved each one while I was thinking of my boy.”
Raiden’s flush deepened, and he shifted on his feet. “I ceased to be a boy a long time ago...”
“Right, of course. Then what would you prefer I send to you next time?”
Raiden drew back, disbelief widening his eyes. “You’re leavingagain?”
The question had weighed on Rawn since he came home. But the distress in his son’s eyes made it truly unbearable.
“I must…”
“This is intolerable.” Raiden shook his head. “You were gone foryearson that wretched mission. You left everything behind, and for what? Many died to pull you from that desert, yet you plan to continue?”
Rawn reached for his shoulder, but he stepped back. “Raiden?—”
“No, I refuse to accept this. The king gave you leave to stay. That red elf volunteered to go in your stead.Ivolunteered!” His pained shout echoed in the hall. He turned away, clenching his fists. “How can you be so selfish? Does Mother know?”
“She does,” Rawn said softly.
Inhaling a shaky breath, Raiden’s wet eyes met his, simmering with anger and resentment. His reply was a soft whisper, yet as sharp as any blade. “Merely admit that marrying her was a grievous error, and you’re ashamed of what my birth did to your honor. If your ambition was to die to regain it, you shouldn’t have returned. For I would have rather believed you left us because you had no choice at all.”
They stared at one another for a moment. The despondency on his son’s face made a terrible remorse sink into Rawn’s stomach.
Eldred appeared at the end of the hall and cleared his throat. “My lord?”
“Yes?” Both Rawn and Raiden replied.
Eldred glanced between them. “Ah, pardon me, Your Grace. Lord Varden Karheim is at the front gates, accompanied by a collection of lords from noble Houses. They have come to call … upon Her Grace.”
Raiden growled a low curse. “You tell that Godsforsaken craven, we are not?—”
“Open the gates, Master Eldred.” Rawn swept past him. “Have them welcomed into the dining room.”
The Magi Master bowed his head and went on his way.
Rawn continued, with his son following close behind. When they reached the estate’s main hall, the captain of his guardsmen stood at attention. “Guests have arrived, Halder. See that they are shown proper Norrlen hospitality.”
“As you command, Your Grace.” Halder bowed his head. He motioned to the men, and they quickly marched on. Rawn went in the opposite direction.
“What are you doing?” Raiden asked. “Why are you welcoming them in?”
“What are the standards of this House?” Rawn said as they reached the back stairwell.
