“I wear gemstones on my boots, have a loving family, and all the tutors gold could hire,” Durae said. “My life is charmed beyond measure.”
“I wished for it to be perfect,” Mama said.
“Even the stars do not remain in the exact same orbit, Mama. There is no perfect.”
“I know.” Mama sagged and fiddled with the end of her long braid. “I am sorry that my ambition for you made you think you were flawed. Truly, I only want your happiness.”
“I’m sorry that I made you worry, again. I know I need to do better about telling you where I am.” Durae motioned at the ship. “At least now you know where I’ve been going.”
“I doubt this craft has captured your attention,” Mama said. She regained her more noble bearing. “Can I meet this elf you’re smitten with?”
“This ship would surprise you,” Durae replied. He motioned to Blaze for him to come over. Once he had, Durae took his hand. “Mama, this is Blaze Levimist. Blaze, this is my mother, Lady Maeteyore Navisora, matriarch of the Navisoras.”
“An honor, my lady,” Blaze said with a tiny bow.
Mama gave an amused smile. “From what Durae announced the other day, you’re familiar enough with my son that you may call me Mae, or Lady Mae if you insist on some level of formality.”
“Thank you.” Blaze had a seriousness similar to how he’d been right before uttering the most romantic words Durae had heard.
Durae’s heart fluttered, and his stomach flipped, and he wished his mother weren’t standing three feet away so he could kiss Blaze senseless. It was possible. He’d managed it last night.
“Oh,” Mama said.
Durae blinked and shook himself back into reality. His cheeks were warm inside and out, but he chose to ignore the flush creeping up his body. When he started to let go of Blaze’s hand, Blaze linked their fingers together. His touch was reassuring. “Oh?”
Mama made a dismissive gesture. “Unimportant. However, I would like to ask Blaze a few questions. Without you present, Durae.”
“Mama!”
“I have no intention of scaring Blaze away, but you are my son, and I would like to know a few things about the elf who has so quickly found a place in your heart,” Mama said seriously.
“I don’t see why I would have to leave,” Durae replied.
“Did you think Perro, Hawthorn, and I have been allowing just any suitor to consistently pursue you?” Mama asked. “Many of them were vetted before we ever left Dun Lenorro.”
“They were?”
“Perhaps we should have involved you in the process more,” Mama said. “I worry that we’ve left you too innocent of this world.”
Durae bristled. “My naivety to machinations about my future is not a flaw when such schemes were done in a way to ensure I remained clueless.”
“You have a point, and I don’t wish to argue about this,” Mama said. “Now, if you want me to support your courtship, then I will talk to Blaze alone.”
Before Durae could protest further, Blaze squeezed his hand. “I’ll be all right.”
“Grab those breakfast plates,” Kidd said. “We’ll clean them up in the house.”
Unhappy, Durae grabbed their plates and handed them off to Kidd. He stepped off the ship and followed him toward the house, though he continued to glance over his shoulder as he went. Mama had claimed she wouldn’t scare Blaze away, but what if she didn’t approve of him? What if he had to test the validity of his courage to Blaze so soon in their relationship?
He had meant what he’d said about leaving his family for love if he had to choose between them. But he’d hoped that would never happen or come about when he’d known someone for more than three days. Would he walk his own path if he only had a pair of gemstone shoes to fund his future? For Blaze?
Not just for Blaze, he thought.If Mama were to tell me to end my association with someone kind and wonderful because he failed to measure up in her eyes, then she would want me to make myself small. She isn’t like that. It won’t happen.
But I will shine as I’m meant to and with whom I choose.
Lifting his head, Durae stepped into the house and learned how to wash dishes.
CHAPTER 13
