Crimson Noon

Chapter Five

Vera found Maisie in the dragon pit that night after dinner. She was returning from a flight on Vexana.

“I have some news for you,” Vera said by way of greeting.

“Yes?”

“I’ve talked to your mother. You and Kenneth will remain here once she departs for home.”

Her blue eyes lit up as a toothy grin broke across her face. “Thank you. Oh my, thank you so much. How could I ever repay you?”

“I was hoping you’d ask.”

The smile wavered, but Vera quickly reassured her. “It’s a favor only if you wish it. You know as well as I that until I produce an heir Kenneth is next in line for the throne if something were to happen to me.”

“Yes.”

“How would you feel if I named you my chosen successor once the threat of rebellion has been eradicated?”

Her eyes went wide with fear and disbelief. “I couldn’t-you can’t-I-“

“You don’t have to give me an answer this moment. Think about it, and take your time. But whatever you decide, I would still like to start your training.”

“My training?”

“Yes. I know you want to learn to fight, as I have. And you want the freedom to practice archery outside of a hunting party.”

“More than anything,” Maisie admitted.

“You will be tutored as well.”

“I’ve been in lessons since I was just a little older than Horatio.”

“Yes, in our history and needlework and the such. You’ve been taught to be a proper lady. I want you tutored in leadership and strategy, as I’ve been. Even if you decide against being my chosen successor, you will still have knowledge that no woman other than myself in the realm has.”

“So you convinced my mother to let me stay as your ward?”

“For all intents and purposes, yes. I didn’t discuss the succession proposition with her, though. I know she wouldn’t allow it.”

“Her nor Father.”

“But Kenneth will. And once your mother leaves, as your closest and oldest male relative, h he has the responsibility of you.”

“He’s always agreed?”

“He has.”

“When can I start?”

Vera laughed at her excitement and eagerness. “We will refrain from beginning until after your mother has departed. We do not want to give her cause to change her decision.”

Maisie could barely contain her excitement, giving Vera a sudden hug that caught her off guard. “Thank you.”

“Of course.”

~

“I was wondering if you’d come.” Vera turned from Bane to Macon in the entrance, his oversized black wolf, Lake, by his side.

“You knew I was.” He closed the distance between them quickly and gave her a sudden, firm kiss. When he pulled back, Lake inserted himself between them to get Vera’s attention for some pets and scratches.

“That was new,” she murmured.

“I heard you and your betrothed had quite the conversation in the garden today.”

“Ah. So that was jealousy.”

“I’m not jealous.” He rolled his shoulders. “Well, I like to think I’m not.”

“He was pressing me for depth that I didn’t wish to give.”

“But you must to keep the appearance. I know.” He cupped her cheek in his large hand. “It doesn’t mean that I like it, though.”

She placed her hand over his, leaning into him and closing her eyes, as if she could close out the rest of the world by doing so. “I don’t, either.” After a moment, she met his gaze. She could drown in that piercing blue gaze. “He presses and I resist because I can’t bring myself to give him what he seeks. It feels wrong. He stands in front of me, asking for depth, and I can’t force myself to give it. He gives me concern and I give him a wall because he’s not you and it just feels so wrong to even try.”

He sighed deeply, lowering his brow to hers. “You’ll get there.”

“I put my head on his shoulder because I couldn’t give him the words that revealed myself to him. I know I must do this, but I cannot bring myself to.”

“It will become easier once I have returned home.”

“That’s not something that I want to think about. I have all these hard things that I deal with head on without hesitation, but thinking about your departure from my life isn’t something that I can. Not yet.”

“You don’t have to, yet.” He lightly brushed his lips against hers. “I force myself to think of it because if I don’t remind myself, I may do something foolish that could cost you everything. And I would never forgive myself for taking anything from you, intentionally or not.”

She wrapped her arms around him, leaning into his warmth and familiar form. “I wish this moment would last forever.”

“These moments are our forever.”

That startling truth was incredibly sad to her, adding to the bittersweet feeling in her chest. She kissed him, drinking him in and pulling him close. She lost herself in him, in the feeling of his skin against hers, the steady thrum of his heartbeat.

Once they’d had their fill of one another and lay together in a tangle of arms and legs, she raised up to look into his eyes. Those kind, serious blue orbs that pierced straight to her soul and seemed to swallow her whole.

“You made my father a promise that you won’t share with me, but I have one to ask of you.”

He threaded his fingers through hers. “Anything.”

“Promise me that if the opportunity ever arises, you’ll choose forever with me.” Even as she requested it, she knew the impossibility of it. Still, she asked.

His smile was sad, but sincere as he tightened his arm around her. “I promise. Before the god of life and the god of death, I promise that I will always choose forever with you if given the chance.”