Darius pov
"And when she pushes you away?" Corin asked. "Because she will. It's a defense mechanism."
"Then I give her space but stay close enough that she knows I'm not leaving." I looked out at the fountain where Beatrice and I had sat days ago. "I'm not Eamon. I don't run when things get difficult."
"Good." Corin stood. "Because if you do run, I'll track you down personally."
Even Kaelen had his test, though his was the strangest. He took me to the wine cellar and poured us both drinks.
"Tell me something true," he said, leaning against a barrel. "Something you haven't told anyone else."
I stared at him. "Why?"
"Because I need to know if you're genuine or just playing a role." His eyes were sharp despite the casual setting. "Everyone can fake sincerity for a while. But the truth
