Killian took a deep shuddering breath, and closed his eyes.
When Killian had seen it was Kade waiting for him just outside the palace gates, he’d been panicked. Terrified that something was wrong, that Kade had been hurt or scammed or swindled. That Sila or Roi had gone after him. Instead, he’d found Kade beaming, bright and happy and safe.
Kade wore a dark traveling cloak over simple but quality fabrics. Nicer than anything Killian had seen him wear on the farm.
To keep away from the curious eyes and ears of the Guard and palace staff, Killian had brought Kade to his room in the west wing.
Kade had gaped at the extravagance of it. His eyes wide as he took in the expanse that was the royal estate and the palace and Killian’s quarters—so different than what they’d had in Turell. It was a beast, overwhelming in the best and worst ways.
Too keyed up to indulge Kade in a tour, Killian had jumped into questioning.
“Why the fuck would you do a stupid thing like that?”
Kade swallowed. ”I couldn’t be there anymore.”
“So you thought—what? That you’d blow up your life, justlike that? Sell everything and show up here—no letter, no warning. Surprise! What the hell, Kade?”
Kade cringed. “I know. I know it was stupid. I’m sorry. But I knew what you’d say if I told you. You’d try to talk me out of it.”
“And I still will! Who bought the vineyard? Sila? Go back and tell him you changed your mind.”
“No!”
“Kade, I swear to—”
“I won’t! I don’t want to be alone anymore. There’s nothing for me in Turell. Father’s dead. Mother’s dead.You’regone. I’m alone. I just want us to be together again. I want to be here. With you.”
The words hung heavy in the air.
Killian softened. He closed the few steps that separated them.
Gripping Kade by the back of the neck, Killian dropped his forehead against the younger elf’s. He felt Kade’s melt into him. “Well, you’re here now. We’ll figure something out.”
Pulling Kade into a real hug, Killian ran a soothing hand over the back of Kade’s head, his auburn locks were silky smooth.
“So,” Killian started after a moment, a teasing lit in his voice. “What was your big plan after showing up on my doorstep one random afternoon? Or was that the extent of it?”
Kade groaned and shook his head where it was planted in Killian’s neck. “I have an idea.”
“Oh, good.” Relieved that Kade had at leastattemptedto use that big brain of his, Killian pulled away. He kept an arm wrapped around Kade’s shoulder, their heads still bent close together. “Let’s hear it then.”
Kade’s face pinched. “Well.” He chewed the inside of hischeek. Stalling. Then, “Healer Hokda.”
“…That’s not an idea.”
“I’d heard Healer Hokda is taking on apprentices this year. His first in a decade and I— Well. Do you think I have a chance?”
Oh. Oh no.
“You’re about six months too late,” Killian said. “Hokda, he—the apprentices are already chosen.”
“I know that. I do, but you know him, right? Healer Hokda. You work closely together.”
Killian grimaced, not liking where this was going.
Kade continued, eyes so bright, so hopeful. He had no idea his dreams were about to be crushed. “If you could just make the introduction, I’m sure I could convince him to take me on. I’m confident in my abilities.”
The younger elf’s smile wavered as the silence stretched.
