“Then you see what I am talking about,” Edric continued, moving toward his friend, anxious to make him understand. “I can’t explain how it happened, but Neomi and I…”
“Cannot be together.”
Callum’s words fell heavy on Edric’s ears, throwing the room into silence. There was no pleasure in his tone. It was obvious that it pained him to speak the words, knowing how Edric claimed to feel about Neomi, but it remained the truth, regardless of what he and Neomi felt. They were from two different worlds. Chief Okivra would never accept the affair. To even speak of it could mean immediate death at the hands of the Ovatai. As much as he hated to admit it, Callum was right. They couldn’t be together. Somehow it sounded more final coming from the lips of his friend.
“Edric,” Callum started, taking note of Edric’s despondent gaze. Slowly he made his way to Edric’s side, resting a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to console him. “I wish there was something I could do to ease your pain. It was cruel of the gods to make you feel this way, but we need to keep focused on the task at hand or you won’t suffer for very long before the Avaern sends us both to Sytlea’s grasp. Maybe, if you are lucky, their people will be more amenable to our presence once the immediate threat of the beast has been eradicated. The two of you may yet find friendship possible.”
“Friendship,” Edric repeated in misery. “So I am to love a woman I can never be with. If that is so, then I tell you now I will never marry.”
“You are young. I’m sure you will recover.”
“Would you have recovered if you were told that you and Aiva could never be together?” It was a low comment. One which caused an immediate sensation of guilt to creep over him for throwing Callum’s suffering in his face. But he had to make him see. If anyone would understand how important this was to Edric, it was him.
Averting his eyes Callum drew in a breath, shaking his head slowly, clearly stung by the question. “Do you honestly compare your feelings for Neomi with what Aiva and I share? Does a single night with that woman constitute the lifetime your sister and I had together before we finally found our way into each other’s arms?”
“I don’t claim to know exactly what bond you and Aiva share, but I know this is more than a silly infatuation. Over the years I have experienced the emptiness of lust. A feeling that goes away once the carnal desire has been sated. This is something greater than that. When I woke up this morning I could think of nothing but her.” Staring down at his hand Edric let his gaze linger over the ring he wore there. The Levadis crest. The symbol of his station and heritage. He was willing to give it all up if it meant having her by his side.
“Let’s get through this war and then we can see what can be done about this mess you have gotten yourself into,” Callum sighed. “I know you well enough to know that you don’t discuss love frivolously. The fact that you believe the emotions you feel for this woman to be that strong, I wouldn’t be much of a friend if I told you it was nothing. You have stood by me through worse crimes than a mistimed night of passion. Right now I need you to collect yourself. Another unit of Ovatai arrived during the night and their leader is waiting for us to discuss what to do. I need you to be honest with me if you think being in Neomi’s presence will be too difficult for you. If you need more time, I can return to Moinie and inform her of some reason why you could not join us.”
“Another unit?”
“Yes. By now I imagine they are beginning to stir. I need you to give me an answer quickly. Moinie is waiting for us.”
Edric rubbed his eyes, thinking frantically over what he should do. Could he face her? He couldn’t risk doing anything that might indicate to the others what had occurred. “I need a few more minutes,” he said quietly, running his fingers through his hair with a slow shake of his head. “You go on ahead. Tell them I will be along shortly.”
“What should I tell them is your delay?”
“Tell them I went to check on Sahra’s injuries to make sure she is recovering well. I will get myself together and stop by her hut to make the story true.”
“Good,” Callum nodded, adjusting the clasp of his cloak proudly. “I prefer telling them the truth over lies. We’ve surrounded ourselves with enough of those already.”
Heaving a sigh Edric reached for his cloak, staring down at it, dejected. He wasn’t ready for this. In truth, he wasn’t convinced he ever would be. “You’d better get going, then,” he motioned Callum toward the door distractedly. They didn’t have the time for him to waste on trying to piece together a broken heart. The Ovatai were waiting…and they wouldn’t care about anything other than themselves if they were ignored for too long.
Neomi’s head ached as she walked across the village toward the Vor’shai quarters. Through the adrenaline of the moment she had paid little attention to the pain of Ewei’s strikes. Now she couldn’t ignore it. The entire right side of her face throbbed, her eye already swelling, nearly to the point where she couldn’t see through the lid. She was second-guessing her decision to find the Vor’shai Captain. He and Edric would ask questions. Their nature alone would make them curious and with Edric’s feelings, he would take offense to Ewei raising a hand to her. But he wouldn’t find out who caused it. If they inquired, she would make up a story; and if they questioned her story, she would simply scold them for calling her a liar.
A flutter began in her stomach at the thought of seeing Edric again. After her hasty departure, it felt wrong to show up at his door so soon. It had taken all her willpower to escape that morning. She wasn’t sure she had it in her to do it a second time.
Movement from the door of Edric’s hut sent her into a strange panic, her heart leaping in her chest, racing so fast that she feared she might faint. She wasn’t ready to see him. Instinctively she started to turn away, her breathing ragged. Her escape was halted by the sound of Callum’s voice calling her name. Exhaling in relief she turned back around, trying to regain her composure, not wanting Callum to see her unease. “Callum,” she replied, chiding herself for the tremble in her voice. “You are just the person I need to speak with.”
“How convenient,” he nodded, moving toward her to distance himself from the door. “I was hoping to speak with you as well.” As he drew nearer the expression on his face contorted into a look of utter amazement, peering at her in concern. It confused her at first, unsure of what had caused his reaction. When she realized the reason, it was too late. Bringing her hand up to shield the right side of her face she turned to the side, hoping he wouldn’t say anything about the marks. To her dismay, she wasn’t so lucky. “Neomi, what has happened?”
“There are more pressing matters at hand.” Gritting her teeth she fought with herself to speak the words she intended to say. It was so much easier in her mind than it was to actually voice the request she was forced to make. “I need to ask you a favor.”
Through the corner of her eye she could see the confusion on Callum’s face. She couldn’t blame him for his uncertainty. Their relationship to this point had not been one which merited the request for personal favors. It was out of line for her to even consider asking. Cautious of their exposure to the village Callum tilted his head to one side, motioning for her to follow him into one of the partially destroyed homes, the remaining walls creating enough cover to hide inside without drawing attention to their presence. “I’m listening,” he stated calmly.
She didn’t like the way his eyes lingered on her face. “Pay attention,” she said gruffly, heaving an agitated sigh. “You are witness to something which could lead to severe disciplinary action against your friend if the wrong people were to learn of it. I should not need to specify what that particular detail is.”
“No, I’m quite certain I understand you so far.”
“Good,” she nodded, feeling a slight flush come over her face. It was humiliating to think that he was aware of what she’d done. The confidence in his tone told her Callum was more knowledgeable of the truth than she initially assumed. Edric mu
st have told him. Similar to her situation with Moinie, Callum most likely hadn’t given him a choice. “The leader of the unit which has arrived in Isavo has laid out accusations. It is possible he might come to you in question of whether or not you saw me this morning on your way to Edric’s quarters. He knows Moinie sent you to bring the Prince to the meeting. If you inform him that I was nowhere near Edric, he will lose the foundation upon which he bases the allegations.”
“So you are asking me to lie for you?”
“This is for the sake of your friend. Do you understand the danger he could be in if this man takes his claims to my family?”
“I understand perfectly, which is the only reason I am compelled to agree,” Callum frowned. “But I have my own questions and I hope you will humor me by answering them truthfully if I am going to endanger myself by becoming an accomplice.”
Shifting her weight uncomfortably Neomi gave a quick nod in acceptance of his request. It was the least she could do. Her fear was in what he intended to ask.
“Why did you go to him?”
“I beg your pardon?” She was taken aback by the question, surprised by the forwardness of his manner. Still he pressed on, showing no sign of backing down.
“He told me you came to his room with the intention of sleeping with him. You are aware of the risks in that action much the same as I am. What I want to know is why you did it. There had to be some reason. You have not shown yourself to be a rash woman.”
It was embarrassing to think on the foolishness which had made so much sense the night before. She’d been misled by her brother’s false assumptions regarding the Vor’shai men. How could she explain the truth without insulting him? “It is complicated,” she started, averting her eyes out of shame. “Accept my apologies for having underestimated the honor of your people. You have to understand… my kin has an opinion of your kind that is not entirely pleasant. I have been fed stories about the way your people behave which led to me making a terrible mistake.”
“What are you feelings for him, then? I will not tolerate games when the happiness of my best friend – my brother – is at stake.”
“There you go with talk of feelings,” she threw her arms up in frustration. “You assume everyone is able to describe such things with the same ease as you. I can tell you nothing other than that I experience a strong affinity toward him unlike that which I have felt before. What this means to your people, I cannot say.”
Callum’s mouth twitched slightly, as if thinking to smile but deciding against it. “That is a sufficient answer. One which secures my cooperation in concealing your whereabouts last night. However, there is one more question I require you to answer.” Taking a step forward Callum reached his hand out to Neomi’s face, the directness of his approach catching her off guard. She wasn’t used to such behavior. She found it hard to believe that it was acceptable, even among the Vor’shai. Gently he placed his hand at her chin, forcing her to look him in the eye. “What happened to you?” he asked, calm and unbending. “Does the mark I see on your face have anything to do with the accusations placed against you?”
“It is nothing,” she lied, lifting her chin to escape Callum’s grasp. He couldn’t be allowed to see her face. Callum was too intelligent. He would read the dishonesty in her eyes if given the chance. “I was in a rush to get back to my quarters and tripped over the debris near the center of the village. My injury is nothing more than the consequence of my haste.”
“No wonder you ask me to lie for you,” Callum mused, slowly retracting his hand.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“You are terrible at it.”
She paused, staring at him in disbelief. Her first instinct was to take offense. He insulted her, while at the same time she couldn’t deny the accuracy of his statement. Under normal circumstances a lie would have been easy to pass. There was something about the Vor’shai which made it more difficult. They were surprisingly observant. Their tendency toward emotion caused them to read into the faces and words of others, concocting ideas for what might be going on in their head. Was it really so normal for their kind to speak in falsities? To say one thing yet mean another? The Ovatai had no need for subterfuge in conversation. They simply said what they meant and it was accepted as truth.
One thing she knew was that she didn’t want to discuss it anymore. She had his agreement to assist in swaying Ewei’s suspicions. There was no reason to push the topic further. “I am supposed to see to it that you and Edric are brought promptly to my quarters for a meeting with Moinie and our war leader, Ewei. Let us fetch Edric so we do not keep them waiting and spark further censure.”
“Edric is aware of the meeting, but he is unable to join us at this moment. He gives his apologies and says he will be along momentarily. I will accompany you back to the others –”
“Unable to join us?” she gasped, put-off by the thought. “What is his excuse? I demand to know the reason.”
“Neomi,” Callum let his voice trail off, contemplating his words carefully before continuing. “He needed time to get himself together. His intention is to get ready and then stop by Sahra to check on her condition. From there he will make his way to the meeting.”
An uncomfortable sensation washed over her at the idea of Edric being in Sahra’s company. She didn’t trust that woman. Sahra would stop at nothing to try and convince Edric to stay with her. With so many things preventing him from being with Neomi, it seemed a rational fear to consider the possibility that he might fall for her tricks. “No,” she stated firmly, moving toward the door of the half-collapsed building. “He cannot go to her. I will not allow it.”
Quickly Callum stepped in her path, blocking her progress forward. “Neomi, wait,” he breathed, a look of surprise passing over his sharp features. “There is no reason to be concerned about Edric. You have to leave him be.”
“With that woman?” she snapped. “I am not about to let her anywhere near him.”
“This is no time for jealousy. You are going to make your feelings for him obvious if you keep this up.”
“Jealousy? I am not jealous.”
“I see it in your eyes,” Callum replied, grabbing onto her arms to keep her in place. “You may not understand emotions, but I’m quite familiar with them. It’s a natural reaction for a woman to disapprove of a man she cares about being around another girl. What you have to realize is that Edric won’t do anything to hurt you. He professed rather strong feelings when I spoke with him this morning. I don’t think you have anything to worry about with Sahra.”
“That woman is devious. She made it clear that she intends to seduce him so she can have his crown. It was said in almost so many words from her very mouth. If you do not believe me, you can ask Moinie. She was present for the admission as well.”
Callum’s frown deepened at the news. She was surprised that he had not already suspected Sahra. She’d spoken of having tried to seduce the Captain at one time. Did these men not recognize the game she played? “Come,” he stated quietly. With a quick tilt of his head he motioned for her to follow, moving through the door as he spoke. “We should get back to Moinie before anyone becomes suspicious. If Edric has not found his way to the meeting in a reasonable amount of time, I will go look for him. It is imperative you do not. You cannot be found with him if anyone comes looking for you. It would undo any chance of covering the truth and I am not going to let that happen.”
Edric was grateful for Gadiel’s company during his brief visit to Sahra. He didn’t think about the mistake it was in going to her until after the plan was set into motion, a pit in his stomach nearly making him sick with fear over what she might say or do. Gadiel’s presence eased the tension. Allowing him a way to make his departure quick and painless, leaving the two of them together. Part of him sympathized with Gadiel for being forced to endure her company for so long while another made him wonder if it was truly so terrible for Gadiel. The two of them had a history. He didn’t want to spend
time thinking about the possibilities.
Coming to a pause outside Neomi’s hut he inhaled and released several long breaths. He wasn’t ready for this. Moinie was sure to notice oddities in his behavior that were out of his control. And even worse – what if Neomi showed no sign of discomfort? He didn’t want to believe that she was a good enough actress to conceal the emotions she claimed to feel for him. Unfortunately she would be required to keep the façade for the sake of them both.
Nervous for what was to come he adjusted the front of his doublet in place, making sure he looked presentable. He was the Prince, after all. It was expected of him to look the part. Steeling his resolve he pushed through the curtain hanging over the door, losing his breath momentarily upon stepping inside. His eyes were immediately drawn to where Neomi sat at the snow-sculpted table, leaned over the surface, her long white hair hanging delicately in front of the right side of her face. Quickly, her one visible eye shifted to stare down at the table while every other face in the room turned to look at him, their expressions a mixture of relief and annoyance at his late arrival.
“Ah, there you are,” Callum gave a half-hearted smile, waving him to come closer. “Neomi was just telling me I should come look for you. Is everything alright with Sahra?”
“Gadiel is with her. He was going to clean the laceration again and redress it once more before we head back to Nahedu. Other than that, she is perfectly fine.” Clearing his throat, Edric avoided glancing at Neomi, guilt filling him at the thought of her knowing where he was. She’d made her distrust of Sahra unmistakably clear. “I was not there long, however,” he added, hoping to ease her concerns without drawing attention to the consoling tone of his voice. “Gadiel was already there when I arrived.”
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Three: Crown of Ice Page 47