“I have to go back.”
A sense of dread descended. I knew this was coming, didn’t I? Had he grown bored already? Had I clipped his proverbial wings too much?
“Why’s that?” I asked as I braced myself for his reason.
“I need to sort out a few things and visit a few people.”
“You’re being awfully vague, boy. Are you in trouble?”
His hesitation was brief, but it was there. “Not in any criminal trouble.”
“Did Cedrych threaten you with something?” I asked because if he had…
“No, and I don’t plan on seeing him at all if I can help it.”
Well, that was a relief. I’d like him to stay the hell away from the royal family altogether. “Remember my rule about not having to do things on your own?” I reminded him.
He sighed and glanced down at me, a soft smile tugging on his lips. “Yes, Daddy.”
“Do you want me to go with you?” It wouldn’t be easy but I could arrange some time off.
“No, you need to stay here and heal. Besides, this is something I have to do alone.” He sounded resolved about it, but unhappy, nonetheless.
“Can you tell me what’s wrong, sweetheart? I’d like to help you if I can.” I really didn’t like the idea of him goingoff on his own, especially not with the threat of the prince’s retribution hanging over his head.
Smiling faintly, he said, “I’ll tell you when it’s over. I promise.”
“You’re coming back then?” I said, daring to hope.
His eyes widened in surprise and his expression dimmed. “I mean… only if you want me to.”
I grabbed onto his hand and held it with both my own. “I want you to, Skylar. I want you here with me every single day.”For the rest of my life,I would have said but not knowing the shape of his heart, I kept it to myself. “How long will you be gone?”
“A half-moon at the most.”
“I want you to check in when you arrive to let me know that you’re safe. And summon me every day.”
“I will.”
“And I know you said you'd stay away, but please don't start a fight with the prince. My heart couldn’t take it if something bad happened to you.”
With an unbearably sad look, he said softly, “I’ll be good for you, Daddy. I promise.”
It had been less than a day since Skylar left for Emrallt Valley and already I was in a funk. It didn’t help that it was Sunday and Church was closed, giving me more time to mope. After seeing him and Monica off at the town center, I said my devotionals in the tiny prayer room that had been used by the monks for private prayer, then set to polishing my silverware because I couldn’t do anything too strenuous and I needed to keep my hands busy.
Now, it was nearing sunset and I was staring hopelessly out the window like a maiden in a tower. I’d been ignoring the summons from my cousins all day, and I didn’t plan to go to Enid’s place for family dinner either. My plan was to brood, something of an art form for me.
A brisk knock at my door interrupted my gloom. It was Frito, and I could tell by his demeanor that he wasn’t taking no for an answer.
“I don’t feel like going anywhere tonight,” I told him, now at the height of my melancholy.
“Skylar left just this morning and you’ve already got this jilted lover thing perfected?” he scoffed.
“I’m having a quiet night in, Frito. You don’t need to poke.” I’d already made myself a cup of tea and was sitting in my recliner with my favorite blanket thrown over me. It still smelled of Skylar, but it wouldn’t for much longer.
“It’s a clear night, cuz. We’re headed to the top of the mountain on our bikes for a bonfire and some beers. And I need you there.”
“And why is that?” I asked pissily. I wouldn’t put it past Frito to manufacture some crisis just to get me out of my comfy chair.
