Nodding, I wiped my tears with the back of my hand. As I did, Aureus’s gaze fell on my tattoo. It was time to tell him everything. So, I started from the beginning.
35
NEIRIN
Mentally checkingoff the last thing on Maerel’s list, I thanked the young man at the market stall as I paid him, then rearranged the items in my basket.The ash in my hair kept attention at bay as efficiently as the hood had. Perhaps even better, a drawn hood could come across as suspicious when the weather was fair. To use the coals of the fire had been Evera’s idea; my mate was clever.
Despite this, as I walked through the market my skin still heated as if eyes watched my back. It put me on edge even as I knew the sensation was only an illusion.
The castle soldiers were gone, checked out of their rooms yesterday after scouring the town for information on Cyan’s death. It would take them some two days more to reach the capital. If the huntsman was not back within three days’ time with word from my brother, I would have to make new arrangements.
For today, though, nothing could be done, and I resolved to press thoughts of the things that were out of my hands aside.
The time Evera and I had here, with this sense of normalcy, was limited. For now, I would take advantage of the simple moments and stolen kisses. I would share with her the positivememories of my childhood. And if she chose to share stories of her own, I would memorize each word, each moment of lighthearted warmth, each smile.
I scaled the few short steps to the front of the shop and pushed open the door. Aureus raised his eyes. A muscle in his jaw flexed, but his expression remained flat. “Evera is upstairs.”
The apothecary’s tone left no invitation for me to go upstairs, so I attempted casual conversation to ease the tension between us.
“Apples,” I said, drawing one from the basket I carried. “All the way from Aldruil.” I tossed it in the air and caught it again. “As a boy I—”
“She told me about you, Neirin,” Aureus said, his tone edged. A chill ran through my veins. My grip firmed, and my nails indented crescents in the apple’s skin.
“Can you keep her safe?” he asked.
“I would lay my life down for her.”
Aureus nodded. “You love her?”
“I do.”
“And this bonding she speaks of … it’s true?”
Creasing my brows, I nodded.
Evera came through the curtain that separated the back room from the storefront, breaking our conversation. Her eyes lit when she saw me, and I smiled, warmed by her.
Her dress was a soft green that matched her eyes. It was more form-fitting than the one she usually wore, which was ruined, and it had mid-length sleeves. The neckline dipped, and a brass embellishment rested between her breasts. At her waist was a belt with coordinating copper fittings cinched loosely, with a small pouch attached to it.
She came to stand before me, and I dropped my forehead to hers. Our hands intertwined.
“You aren’t covering your mark,” I said on a breath.
“I no longer wish to conceal what we share.” She released the apple from my grip and placed it back in the basket. “What are the apples for?”
“I would like to bake with you,” I told her. To share with her the fond memories I held of time spent with Nyana in the kitchen. To take the time to get to know her heart, to show her all of mine.
Evera tilted her head and quirked a smile. “Bake?”
I nodded. “Muffins.”
Evera hummed and brushed a strand of hair from in front of my eyes. The gesture was intimate and filled with a sense of casual comfort. When she withdrew, a faint dusting of soot marked her finger.
“Do you need help with anything before I leave?” Evera asked her brother over her shoulder. Aureus shook his head. And though I could tell he was still hesitant, there was undoubtedly a shift in his attitude.
“Where is Calix?” I asked.
“Weeding the garden,” the apothecary answered, his tone flat.
