Ethenn’s expression pinched in confusion.
Thom grinned pleasantly. “Tonight, when we arrive at whatever inn we find along the road, go into your room, lock the door, and shag your wife.”
“What?”
“You heard me.” Turning his head, Thom held the Warrior’s gaze unflinchingly. “You’re married now, Ethenn. Or betrothed or whatever it’s called. For all intents and purposes, you two have pledged your lives to each other, and the fact is, your wife thinks you don’t love her because you won’t bloody touch her. So get over whatever hang-ups you have and shag her. You’ll both be happier for it, I promise.”
Ethenn stared at him for several seconds, shoulders tense, back rigid, and eyes narrowed. Then he scoffed. “She put you up to this?” he asked.
Thom raised his brow. “Tells you something, doesn’t it?”
Ethenn shifted awkwardly in his saddle. “Great. Consider your task fulfilled. I understand her request.”
“And are you going to do it?”
The young man shot him a furious glare, a blush creeping up from his collar. “Not that it’s any of your business, but no, I’m not,” he said sharply.
“Why not?” Thom demanded in disbelief. “Come on, Corporal. You’ve got a bloody fine wife who wants you. Why hold out on her?”
Ethenn turned away in silence.
Thom shook his head. “Why am I constantly surrounded by idiots who don’t know when to boff their spouses,” he muttered to himself. Turning in his seat, he pressed a hand to his chest. “My whole life, I’d have killed for a woman who wanted me the way Ilain wants you. And yet, you don’t appreciate it.”
“Maybe I’m not a masochist like you.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Thom glared at him incredulously. “Shewantsyou. What’s so painful about that?”
Ethenn didn’t respond.
Thom sighed in vexation. Here he was, trying to be helpful and make his friend happier, and somehow, he was failing again. He pinched the bridge of his nose.Why is this so bloody hard?
“Look, Ethenn,” he said, attempting to be long-suffering. “I’m not sure why you aren’t ready for that sort of relationship with Ilain, but...I guess I understand.”
A contemptuous scoff slipped out of Ethenn.
“Okay, fine. I couldn’t understand,” Thom admitted. “Not really. But the point I’m trying to make is simply: You love her, right? If that’s true, then shouldn’t you make her feel loved? Even if that’s just by holding her hand or bringing her gifts or—or—”
“By telling her she looks like a dryad?” Ethenn mocked.
Thom grimaced dramatically. “No, that’s far too corny. She’ll never believe you.”
Ethenn laughed quietly. “You like her, don’t you?”
“Ilain?”
“Brea.”
Thom shrugged. “She’s fun. But she’s far too magical for my tastes.” He tossed Ethenn a lazy grin. “I prefer a woman who doesn’t make me feel quite so inferior.”
“You’re trying too hard.”
Feeling caught, Thom adjusted in the saddle. Hewastrying hard, trying to be a better man, a better friend, and a better soldier. And he felt like he was failing at every turn.
With a sigh, Thom held Ethenn’s stare. “Just give it some thought, all right? Ilain wouldn’t ask for help if she weren’t desperately lost.”
Ethenn’s jaw clenched, and his eyes fell to the road. “I can’t be what she wants me to be,” he said quietly.
“Are you sure you know what that is?” Thom asked.
