“He’s been letting me sleep in his bed,” he said, then quicklyshook his head when Kien bristled with fury. “Not like that. I would sooner cut off my cock than fuck Syrus Vardor. I meant he’s been letting me sleep in his bed while he sleeps on a pallet on the floor.”
Four nights now, since the day of their wedding, Syrus had settled on the floor, leaving his large bed free for Eiri. Not once had he complained, either.
“I confess, I did wonder about the sleeping arrangements, but I expected you to be the one on the floor.”
“Trust me, so did I.” Eiri fiddled with the hem of his shirt. “He’s also been having special meals made for me, since the first morning when I mentioned Vaetrean breakfasts are too sweet.” To himself, he could admit that he’d whined about it, not just mentioned it in passing. “He asked what I preferred and since then, he’s been having the kitchen create Canjiri-style breakfasts for me.”
“If this were any other marriage, I would congratulate you on having such an attentive husband. Given the nature of this arrangement, however, I must agree that it’s unusual.”
“I’m glad you agree. I was starting to think I was being too paranoid,” Eiri said, relieved.
“We are in the heart of Vaetreas, living in the palace and surrounded by enemies on all sides, with only each other as allies. It’s impossible to be too paranoid.”
The truth was a heavy anchor in his gut and Eiri tried not to let it drag him down. “How long do we have to stay put here before we’re allowed to return home to visit, do you think?”
“It will likely be awhile, at least until after it is too late to annul the marriage.”
“And how long is that?”
“Traditionally, once the first month of the union passes.”
Eiri stared at him for a long moment, mind racing. “So, forthe next twenty-six days, it’s still possible to end the marriage and break the contract with no fault declared on either side?”
“Yes, but Eiri, I highly recommend you do not attempt to do so,” Kien warned, but Eiri shook his head.
“I won’t. I may hate this, but I gave my word and I will honor it,” he promised. “It makes sense, though.”
“What makes sense?”
“Why Syrus is being so nice to me.” Of course. How had he let himself believe, even in the deepest depths of his thoughts, that there might possibly be any kindness in Syrus Vardor? “He’s just trying to make sure I don’t break the contract and take away whatever the council promised Vaetreas in exchange for support.” If he had to guess, Vaetreas had bartered for access to the mines and deposits near the remains of Anatau, the now-dormant volcano that had nearly destroyed the entire island all those years ago.
“That’s more likely than him having a sudden change of heart,” Kien agreed. He tilted his head, dark eyes locking with Eiri’s. “You must be on your guard. Do not let him slip past your defenses.”
“I’m not a complete idiot, Kien,” he scoffed, a little offended. “He hates me just as much as I hate him. A comfortable bed and a few good meals won’t make me forget it.”
“I simply wanted to reinforce that. We are in a hostile, foreign place with no friends. It can be difficult to resist a friendly gesture in such circumstances, no matter who it comes from. I’m only doing what I must to look out for you.”
“Well, don’t worry about me. I can see right through him. I’ve never trusted a Vaetrean in my life, and that’s not going to change.”
“That’s easy to say now,” Kien said, his words gentler. “Your emotions are still high from the turmoil of moving and actuallymarrying him. Things may seem different once you’re settled and reality settles in.”
Eiri frowned. “What do you mean? I’m already being realistic. I know who I married and where I am. What else could I possibly have to deal with?”
For the first time since Eiri had met the man, Kien hesitated. A sliver of anxiety needled its way beneath Eiri’s skin and he sat up straighter.
“Kien? What is it?”
Kien turned in his seat until they were facing each other fully, which did nothing to ease the nervous clenching in his stomach. The older man was always the more serious of the two of them, but now he looked grave, eyes unreadable when they met Eiri’s again.
“I am not saying this to be unkind, Eiri,” he finally said. “You are a smart man and have dealt with this better than many would have in your position. I don’t think you fully understand your situation, though.”
“Yes, I do,” Eiri interrupted. “I’m here, aren’t I? I’m wearing Syrus Vardor’s ring, sleeping in his bedroom, and surrounded by his people. Believe me, I understand.”
“No, Eiri. I don’t think you do. This isn’t a temporary situation. This is forever.”
“I know that,” he spat, trying to ignore the way his stomach twisted in on itself.
“Do you?” Kien asked, steady and implacable. “Again, I’m not trying to be cruel, but I need you to fully understand. This will be the rest of your life. This is not an excursion that ends with you returning home to your family and the island. You will spend the rest of your life here in Vaetreas. You will live and die as Syrus Vardor’s husband. Barring brief visits, you will probably see very little of your family again, including Akari. Your life is here now. Forever.”
