We lay together in comfortable silence, his fingers tracing idle pattons on my skin. But my mind was already wandering, replaying moments with Frost, comparing touches, kisses, feelings that should have been incomparable,
“You seem lost in thoughts; what are you thinking about?” Kalus asked, his voice breaking through my reverie.
“Nothing, 1 lied, guilt pricking at my conscience,
He shifted to look at me directly. “Are you by any means thinking about Prost’s proclamation?”
Surprise jolted through me. “Kalus, I think you can read minds.“
Toes that mean I guessed correct?”
“Yes, and how… how did you do that?”
A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I am a really good guesser, 1 think?”
“No, it is more than that; I feel like there is something more, something you aren’t telling me.”
He took my face in his hands, his expression suddenly serious. “Elowen, look at me. I am not a mind reader; that would be cool but It only happens in books and movies, I cannot do that. Frost told me about it earlier, when you had been kidnapped, he thought it was his fault, and so I guessed.”
“Because I am an open book?” I asked, still not entirely convinced.
“No, I find you mysterious; believe it or not, you always amaze me.”
The tenderness in his voice made my heart ache with both love and guilt. I couldn’t keep lying to him, not about everything.
“I have something to tell you,” I said, gathering my courage. “The soldier who had sold me to Alaric was Rowan.”
Kalus nodded, unsurprised. “I know. I also know that you felt so much guilt for his sister’s death, and so you covered
“I’m sorry, Katus, I just… I didn’t want him hurt or dead.”
“I won’t do anything. I respect your choice, and so I would let it go
Relief washed through me.
Thank you.”
Emboldened by his understanding, I ventured into more dangerous territory. “I don’t know what is going on with me: … don’t like the thought of Frost with any other person; does that make me selfish?”
Kaius
was quiet for a long moment, his expression unreadable. “No. wanted you close to him; this was bound to happen.”
So you are okay with… this?” I asked, hardly daring to hope.
“No, I am not.”
My heart sank. “You are not?
“It had never once been an issue in the past because Frost doesn’t easily get emotionally attached, but with you, it was different. He wasn’t supposed to fall in love, but I cannot blame him. You’ll get to choose who you want to be with.”
1/2
Chapter 100
“I don’t want to choose… I live you more.” I insisted, fear gripping the at the thought of losing him.
“And you want us both,” he stated, no question in his voice.
Tears pricked at my eyes. “I’m sorry.
“Don’t be.” His thumb brushed away a tear that had escaped. TII like to know that you are safe, even when I am not by your side He paused, his expression softening. And if this makes you happler, our mother is back.”
The news drove all other thoughts from my mind. “My mother? Shehere?”
Kaius nodded. Returned this morning.”
Relief surged through me, followed quickly by an urgent need to see her, to ensure she was truly safe. I scrambled from the bed, searching for clothes, Kaius watched me with amusement, his amber yes following my movements.
“I have to go to her,” I explained, pulling on a simple dress.
“I know.” He rose, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Go. I have preparations to make for tomorrow’s challenge.”
The reminder of what awaited him–awaited us–sobered me. “Kalus…”
“Well talk later,” he promised. “Your mother needs you now.”
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