Her expression could cut glass.
I continued to rub her shoulders, not above getting on my knees and pleading for her to stay calm—to not think differently of me. For two decades, I couldn’t protect my son, or get to know him, or speak with him. But El had. She’d protected him.
“You’re asking me to lie to my friends, my family. About their daughter.”
“By omission... for a day,” I justified while staring into those gorgeous hazel eyes.
There were a million ways to chance losing Elsedora’s trust, but putting her niece in danger wasn’t one I’d ever take.
Despite my romantic falling out with Sybilla, I’d never stoop to wishing her daughter anything but well. Lark seemed as strong-willed as her mother—nothing would have stopped the Princess from marrying.
Elsedora groaned. “Fine. But we must follow through on Aquas’ demand. We bring Dritan to him.”
“What if it’s a trap? We’re playing with deities who are unpredictable.” I shook my head. “I didn’t get the luxury of raising my son, and I won’t sacrifice him like a lamb.”
Something steely flashed in El’s eyes, but she didn’t vocalize her concern. “After it is announced tomorrow, we’ll discuss what comes of it all.Together.If he agrees to go, then by your logic we must let him forge his own path, too.”
Though she’d used my own words against me, she appeared calmer, so I finally released my grasp on her shoulders. Shefocused on the burning embers in the fireplace again, expression horribly unreadable.
“He’s worked for me for years. I knew they snuck off together here and there, but I trusted her. She’s had stars in her eyes for him since they were kids. I figured eventually it would wane or they’d go their separate ways. I can’t say that I’m surprised, but her parents? They might very well kill me for never putting a stop to it.”
I huffed a quiet laugh and smiled. “I doubt that.” It warmed me to think El had gotten to see Dritan grow up. “What is he like?”
She smirked. “Kind, clumsy, and excessively apologetic. He works hard, too. He’s taken an apprenticeship with a blacksmith in Helos and still does all of Lamoreaux’s groundskeeping.”
My eyes burned; he sounded like my father. He may not be Leo Faulker’s kin, but family ran thicker than blood. My parents would adore him simply for existing.
“Did Ryn say anything else?”
I didn’t know if relaying his last message would break her.
But it felt wrong to withhold it.
“He told me to tell you that he always knew,” I said.
She hunched forward as though punched in the gut. I caught her as she collapsed into me and cradled the back of her head.
A muffled sob vibrated against my shoulder as I wrapped both arms around her.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered into her hair, not knowing for what. All I knew for certain was that I would try to hold her forever, if she’d let me. She deserved better than the world had dealt her.
“I am calling in the favor you always promised. I don’t want to be alone. Please stay at Lamoreux tonight,” she whispered.
It was not forgiveness, but she wasn’t pushing me away either. My whole body uncoiled with relief.
“There’s nowhere I’d rather be, wildflower. I just have to go check on Mama. I’ll be right back,” I promised her. “Do you want to come?”
“Not yet,” she sniffled out. “I’m embarrassed for not visiting her sooner.”
“She’ll forgive you,” I said.
I held her there for a few minutes more.
For all the wrongs Caym had influenced me to commit, I’d repent for them by being whatever Elsedora needed me to be.
Chapter 48
Elsedora
