Tears nearly sprang to her eyes from his kindness.
“At least I will always be here,” he finally added. “I cannot imagine ever leaving Nightshade Manor as long as you are living in the grove.”
Nina pulled her hand from his. “Do not say that.”
“Why?”
“You have a life to live. You must marry a witch, remember. It is your duty to bring children into the world.”
He frowned and studied her. “Do you want me to marry a witch?”
“It is your duty.”
“That is not what I asked.”
“It matters not what I want,” she argued.
What she wanted, to the depths of her soul, was impossible and Nina didn’t dare voice it to Orion. She didn’t want to acknowledge it to herself because then she could not lie to herself about being content.
“It does to me.”
More tears filled her eyes. “Let us not ruin this perfect day talking about what can never be.”
“Do not push me away, Nina,” he quietly begged.
“I am not,” she returned. “Are we not on a blanket enjoying a lovely picnic? I am simply asking you not to spoil this day.”
His study of her was intense and she felt the weight of his stare.
She sipped her wine and tried to sample the cheese and bread, but tasted nothing. The silence had her on edge and she feared what he may say next.
“I will not leave Bocka Morrow,” he whispered. “I will not marry.”
“Why?” Did she really wish to know the answer?
“How could I when the woman I have fallen in love with lives in a sacred grove. I will remain at Bocka Morrow my entire life just so that I can be with you.”
Nina set her food aside and closed her eyes. “Do not ruin your life on my account, Orion.”
“I would not see it as such.”
“You would grow tired and bored. You do not know me well enough to love me.”
“I know my heart,” he insisted. “For the first time in my life, my heart, soul, and mind are in agreement that I love you. If I cannot have you, then I want no one else.”
“You have a duty.”
“My duty be damned,” he ground out. “Besides, I have an older brother. It is his duty more than mine.”
Nina swiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “It is not possible.”
“Can you say you do not care for me?”
She turned to him, looking into his warm brown eyes, heart aching, wishing her circumstances were different, but didn’t dare say what was in her heart. “It does not matter, Orion. What I think, feel, or desire, does not matter.”
She stood and brushed the crumbs from her skirt. “Thank you for the picnic, but I think that it is best that you go. It is not wise to pursue the impossible. Unless you can speak of only friendship, then I would rather you not return.”
Nina turned from him and rushed into the shrubs behind the temple. She needed to hide as quickly as possible and crossing the temple would leave her vulnerable for him to come after her.
