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“This wine pairs well with the food,” I remark.
“Yes, it’s a rare bottle from Vesnios. Hanna, I have a personal question I’d like to ask.”
I nod, leaning forward to give him my full attention.
“You’ve mentioned your father a few times now. What about your mother? Is she still present in your life?”
An unintentional silence ensues, his question casting me deep into my past, delving into part of the reason behind my bond with my father.
The recollection of her is soothing yet painful. The faint memories of her voice play in my head.
I swallow the lump in my throat and then look up at Kazrith. His gaze is studious and patient, perhaps knowing the emotional depth his question carries.
I don’t suspect he’ll push for an answer, but I feel no resistance to opening up to him. There’s no reason to be afraid. We’re supposed to be a couple.
“My mother passed away when I was a very young girl,” I finally say. My voice is hoarse, and I clear my throat before continuing. “I don’t have too many memories with her, but the ones I do remember are fond. I cherish them deeply.”
“My condolences,” Kazrith says softly. “She would be proud of you.”
“I hope so,” I say, turning away to dash a tear. “That’s why it’s so important I get back to my father. He lost his wife. He should not have to lose his daughter, too.”
My mind goes blank for a moment as I recollect myself. That’s when I feel Kazrith’s hand lay gently on my wrist, his grip firm yet not overpowering.
“I promise we’ll get you back to him.”
“Thank you, Kazrith. I trust you.”
The main course is followed by a sweet dessert, coupled with a strong serving of kaffo.
Even after the meal concludes, we continue chatting. Things feel more normal than they have in a long time, allowing me to forget my troubles for a few hours of hearty laughter, good food, and a real connection. He tells me stories of his past travels, his numerous fights, and the friends and enemies he’s made along the way. And I listen and laugh over my glass of wine.
A clock chimes somewhere distant in the abode by the time the skies have turned completely dark. I only now notice how close we’ve inched towards one another.
“Well, I suppose it’s time to rest,” I say, wiping my mouth with a napkin.
“Let me walk you to your room.”
He offers his arm which I accept, wrapping up our conversation as we draw nearer to my quarters. He opens the door and gestures for me to enter. I don’t notice he’s following me until I turn around.
“It’s getting harder to explain to the servants why we’re sleeping separately,” he says, a suggestive smile invitingly pulling me closer.
“Yeah, I suppose a new mate can only settle in by herself for so long,” I say, biting my bottom lip for a moment. “We’ll need to think of something.”
“I know just the thing.”
His hand rests on the doorknob, and for a moment, I think he’s about to bid me goodnight.
Instead, he closes the door behind him. The demon closes the distance between us, my heart beating so heavily inside my chest that I swear I’m about to pass out.
“I suspect I’ll have to stay here until the servants retire to their chambers. They’ll think we’ll be in the master bedroom.”
“A splendid idea,” I say, surprised I can get a single word out of my mouth. “Perhaps we should pass the time. I don’t suppose you have any ideas for that, either?”
“You’re talking to a demon full of them.”
16
KAZRITH
