“I don’t understand.”
“I don’t either.” His face tightened. “Discovering the why of it could make a difference, but so far, my research hasn’t yielded much results.”
“I could help look into it if you want.”
“That’s sweet of you, and I’m not too proud to take you up on your offer. The library at Evergorne is vast, with books on many levels. I’m slowly making my way through them, and a second set of eyes is welcome.”
“Maybe we’ll discover what happened together.”
“I’d love that.” His fingers tightened on mine before loosening again.
Farris nudged my leg. When Lord Briscalar returned, I’d have him take my pet to my suite where he could lounge in the shade. For now, I patted his head. He sat, panting, looking up at me with complete adoration.
Wind skipped off the water, bringing with it a light mist that felt wonderful on my overheated skin. The sun beat down, and it looked like the day would only get hotter. Oh, for a loose tunic and pants instead of this lovely but snug and heavy dress. Air couldn’t reach my legs, and I was sweltering already. Did sweat coat my face? It soon would, and who wanted to gaze on a sweaty woman?
I didn’t want to appear attractive to Merrick, did I?
I worried I did. Kinart had been gone for months. At first, I’d wanted to die along with him, but leaving that way would’ve hurt my friends who were grieving as much as me, so I’d held on. I’d done my best to forget the warmth of his hand, his sweet smile, the way he’d tease, and our kisses.
Lord Briscalar arrived on the deck again and with a sweep of his arm, he magically set up a small table with two chairs. A vase with red and silver flowers sat in the center. After looking it over carefully and giving it a nod, he strode over to join us. “Your meal will arrive shortly, Sire. I made specific requests of the cook, and he needed a bit of time.”
“That’s fine,” Merrick said.
“Would you take Farris to my room?” I asked. “He’s hot, and he might like to use the wood chips, have something to eat, then take a nap.”
I fanned my face.
“Of course, my lady.” Lord Briscalar lifted Farris and carried him away, disappearing down the stairs.
“You’re hot,” Merrick said, frowning.
“It’s a warm day.”
He glanced at the table and then at the sea, his frown deepening, taking over his eyes more than anything.
A funnel of water roared up from the ocean, blasting straight at us.
When I yelped, I started to back away, but Merrick’s surprisingly strong arm swept around my lower back, holding me in place.
“No worries, Fawn,” he rasped by my ear. “The water is directed by me.”
It arched up over us and hovered there. I gaped at it spiraling in a whirlpool, expecting it to plunge down on top of us. That would cool me off, but I suspected getting soaked would bring on Lord Briscalar’s scowl.
When the water stayed where it was, blocking the sun without even a droplet falling on us, I loosened my quaking limbs, feeling silly that I’d pawed at my hip to draw a blade that wasn’t there. Lord Briscalar would not allow me to arm myself before I left my suite, insisting no one but guards wore weapons around the king.
“Better?” Merrick asked, his lips twitching up on the corner. He really was gorgeous, and his sweetness couldn’t be denied.
What would it be like to kiss him?
The feeling of betrayal that shot through me at the thought was softer than I’d expected. I was never going to forget my first love but maybe . . . I sighed, not wanting to think of anything like that. I’d just met Merrick. He seemed like a decent man, and that was better than I could’ve hoped for.
When it came to the “willing” part of our relationship, I’d still lay there and let him please himself. Iwaswilling. I’d agreed to this without a hint of reservation. As for sex . . . Well, that was part of a marriage.
I would not allow my heart to enter this relationship.
“Ah, there’s Lord Briscalar with our meal.” Still holding my hand, Merrick urged me over to the table.
The whirlpool of water remained with us, spreading out to cover the area above the table while Merrick slid my chair back and urged me to sit. I wasn’t used to gentlemanly gestures like this, but I liked it.
