Page 170

"It is not very seemly. Colsar probably would not⁠—"

"Colsar would not dare," I said, sharper than I intended.

"Oh?"

"I have been loyal to him. Waited for him. Almost died while doing it. Loved him. Given him children." I looked up at him and removed my coat and set it on the chair by the bed. I took a step toward him. "I have only ever slept with him."

Eravic did not look away.

"And?"

"I am his. Completely. But I am also a person. And I just recently died and came back to life."

"Vaelors speak straight, not fancy."

"I was being theatrical and you have not let me finish," I said, irritated.

"I have forgotten the original question."

I tilted my head. "Admittedly I do not remember if there was one."

I held out my hands. "Clothes."

He walked to the wardrobe and pulled out a shirt and trousers then handed me what was either a belt or a length of rope.

"I will look ridiculous."

"Aye. I cannot wait."

I reached for a gold pin on his bedside table.

"That is the captain's brooch, princess. Not for throwing."

"A brooch? Is that not a decorative item for women who attend sewing circles?"

I snorted. “Did Esmeraldis Rathmor give it to you, Vaelor?"

The laugh he gave filled the whole room.

"Turn around. No peeking."

He turned.

I began to untie the laces on my dress.

"What did you do to these, Vaelor?"

"I tightened the leather ties the way I do each time before the treatment," he said, defensive.

"You entrapped me in a prison of knots and leather. You must have been extra sore about losing tonight."

"I did not lose⁠—"

"Untie me."

He turned and began to loosen the ties. His breath on my neck and that cedar and sea salt smell made it difficult to concentrate.

"I remember now," I said quietly.