“But…why?”
“She suggested sending Justin on a quest for a firebird at one point. Or scaling a glass mountain. You’re injured, so I think she’s picking a test that’s sort of closer to home.”
“But,” Alan said again. He hadn’t moved, or possibly even breathed, during Arthur’s last comment. “I’m not even…I’m not acceptable as one of your potential…”
Arthur shifted position on the cushioned bed-stairs. His leg bumped Alan’s shoulder; their eyes met. “Aren’t you?”
“I…would want to be. If I thought…” Alan bit his lip, stopped, shook his head. “You said you didn’t feel like a good person, after you kissed me. I can’t do that to you.”
“I was wrong. Or maybe not completely, I do need to officially break off that engagement, but about you. Alan, I’m sorry.”
“You were being honorable,” Alan said
