FOREVER KNIGHTS: #17 Marked As Mine

“They might die trying.”

She likely means that.

“And so, you see,” He said in a honeyed tone. “We are at an impasse.”

“So, we are…”

“Thus, my alternative is to keep you with me until something changes.”

“Like what?”

Your desire to wed me.

“My Captain’s mind.” He suggested.

That’ll never happen. Once he’s come to a decision, he’ll not renege on it.

“How often does that change?”

“Never has yet.”

Gnawing her cheek, she opted to change the subject. “If you built it for your sister, why’d you let it fall to ruin? It seems terribly irresponsible.”

He scoffed. “A woman in skirts who runs wildly through the woods, brandishing weapons and accosting men on the road, dares lecture me about irresponsibility?”

“Quite a different matter.” She pointed out. “I was defending myself.”

He swatted her finger down. “It most certainly is not. It’s a dangerous gambit you’ve run.” He pointed his finger at her.

She swatted his finger down pointedly. “You’re evading the topic.”

“You’re far too fair of face to be so clever.” He glowered at her.

“Yet I am, nonetheless. Why’d you let your gorgeous home fall to ruin?”

“My sister.” He sighed.

She gave him a questioning look.

“Ezra. After we’d fought and I’d left Radix had sent in a flock of cimmerii after her. The Huntsman tried to fight them off. But he was unmatched.”

“So, what did you do?” She pushed her drink aside. Listening with interest.

“I slaughtered every Cimmerii on the island. And vowed to protect all of her friends and their descendants. She was well loved on the Isle.” He said raggedly.

“So now you protect it. As The Fogdragon.” She said. “But how?” She reared back. “Are you a Dread?”

“Me?” He laughed. Shaking his head. “No.”

She eyed him askance before filling in. “They killed your sister so you couldn’t bear to save the house?”

Just didn’t care to anymore. What was the point?

“She was killed in that house.”

“Did you bury her?” Mera asked.

Mighty quick with the painful questions.

“Of course, I did. I’m not an animal!” He grunted.

“Then you fear she haunts the house?”

It’s that I wasn’t there that haunts me.

“My memories haunt that house.” He barely slid his mug aside before a barmaid materialized to refill it.

“They treat you like a king.”

“And you’ve the chance of being my queen.” He lifted his tankard cheekily.

“Nay.” She shook her head adamantly. “But I may stay awhile, as you’ve so courteously asked...”

He grunted in humor. I told her she’d have to stay until something changed. A less than courteous request.

“You’re staying either way.” He took a long dram.

“Willingly.”

He lowered the mug. Lifting an intrigued vow. “How so?”

The innkeeper scurried up to Lucien with a missive.

Lucien opened it, eyes scanning the page before he groaned.

“What is it?”

“Our guests won’t be arriving for a long while.”

“Perfect.” Mera purred. Sitting back in satisfaction.

“What are you about.”

“A negotiation.”

“For?” He lifted a slashing dark brow.

“You repair the House. And I will stay on the Isle with you.”

“Sabias House?”

“Is that what it’s called?”

“Yes.”

“Then of course I meant Sabias House. Surely not the hut in the village.” She said sarcastically.

“Charming chit.” Sabias’ head lowered in warning.

“Is it a deal?” She offered her hand.

Not so fast.

“You’ll stay-willingly…If I repair Sabias House…And not try to escape?” He eyed her hovering hand.