FOREVER KNIGHTS: #12 Primal Intent

“Quite the talent you have.” He drawled, cocking his head as he shot her a rakish smile.

“I-I-” She gnawed her cheek unsure what to say.

Wanting to ease her discomfort he cut her off. “Will you join me for dinner? Please.” He asked, offering her his arm.

She mechanically took his arm.

Years of grooming. He knew.

“Tell me, how does one bring out this pleasing side of you?” He gestured back at the leaves.

Blushing furiously, she looked down. “We’re far from LandingTown. I felt somewhat free today.”

There was the tremble of fear in her voice.

Thinking I’ll be angry with her.

“You are.”

Free

She lifted wide, hopeful, blue eyes.

“Far from LandingTown. And free.” He asserted.

She blew out a slow breath. “When I was a child, I had to be careful about my behavior. Mother often told me that if people knew what I was capable of, they’d fear me. Thinking I was a…”

“A dread.” He finished.

Such a sacrilegious word. Yet it doesn’t actually define the character of a person. Only that they have magic. But Chavias had learned well that the shunning of Dreads made it all the easier for Radix to infect them.

“Yes.” She was hesitant. “And my father worried much for appearances. He didn’t like if I dirtied my clothes. But mother always somehow cooled his storms.” She gnawed her lower lip as they took the steps back to the Manor. “I learned to suppress such childish urges…” She explained. Cheeks flushing hotly.

What a sad childhood for someone as free-spirited as she.

“Well,” He put his hand over her small one and gave her a long look. “You’ll do no such thing any longer.”

“What do you mean?”

No more forced reserve.

If I’m to get to know her it’ll be through the easing of her defenses.

“I mean I wish you to partake of as many things as you can that bring you joy.”

“In truth?” Her face brightened. She bestowed on him the most scintillating smile.

Gorgeous. Everything about her is gorgeous…

“It’s the truth.” He said solemnly. “But you must promise me one thing?”

“What?”

“I ordered you to stay inside because it isn’t safe. But the more I see of you, the more I understand this will never work. So instead, I’d have your word you won’t.”

“You wish to promise me freedom but then lock me away indoors?” She looked fit to stomp her foot.

Likely feeling like freedom was offered then stolen just as fast. That’s not what I meant.

“No. Only when I’m not here to look after you. Please?”

She stepped around to face him and gave him a wounded look. Reaching up she caught the back of his head and forced it down until he was nose to nose with her.

His brows shot up as he found his gray eyes level with her beautiful sky blue ones. “What are you doing?” He chuckled. Unintimidated by her sudden aggression.

“I’m seeing if you’re true?”

By making the both of us cross-eyed this close?

“Look all you wish.” He tossed his arms. “I’ve nothing to hide from you.”

She’s read my journal, afterall. He shrugged.

“You are worried for me.” She murmured as she released his head.

He lifted a brow. “As I’ve told you.”

“Yes, but I see now ’tis true.”

She doubted me? A shame.

But to be expected, nonetheless. He supposed.

“Do you?” Amusement made his lips twitch. “You’re adorable.”

“Am I?” She crossed her arms and gave him an impudent look.

Beyond. Actually.

“Very much.”