Picking up his wine, Deckard raised it in a mock toast. “I’ll stop giving it if you’d like.”
Thom scoffed but sobered quickly. “I don’t want to lose her friendship, Jonn. If it comes down to being her friend or losing her because I decided to take a risk, I’d choose the friendship.”
“You could be happy that way?”
“Happy?” He grimaced. “Most of the time. At least I’d have her in my life.”
Deckard ran a hand along his smooth jaw. “Before we go any further, I’d like to go on record and tell you that I am not particularly in favor of your marrying a woman old enough to be our mother. That bothers me, and I don’t really care to see you live with the problems that may arise with her extended life.”
At Thom’s frown, Deckard smiled. “However,” he said knowingly, “in the interest of your happiness, I’m going to remind you of something. Nearly two months ago, Brea told you frankly that she had feelings for you. And, from my recollection, your friendship didn’t falter or fade by even a fraction. And if you could be so understanding and loyal...” He shrugged. “Can’t you be man enough to give her the chance to do the same?”
Thom hesitated, a fight of fear and hope mixing in his stomach. “I don’t know,” he admitted.
“Either way,” Deckard said, “I think she’d appreciate your honesty.”
Thom pinched the bridge of his nose. “I wish you weren’t so damn right all the time,” he lamented.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“I didn’t mean it as one,” Thom jested. He lifted his ale. “Well, here’s to my singleness. I think that after I’ve made a fool of myself in front of the woman whom I like best in the world,I’ll give up trying for a while. Maybe Rafferty had the right idea about monogamy. It’s not worth the heartache.”
Deckard shook his head. “You’re far too dramatic.”
“It’s what makes me charming,” Thom snarked and drained the rest of his ale.
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
39TH OF HYDRAE, 1574
For the first time in weeks, Deckard enjoyed a moment of peace as he woke to the gentle light of dawn. Usually, the prospect of meeting with the Alliance and hosting Calyn would have him jumping into action. But today, he chose to embrace the stillness, happily setting aside any expectations of the upcoming meeting and the obligations that came with entertaining guests.
Deckard leaned against his pillow, pulling Evylin closer to him, and surveyed the room. A small piece of blue fabric peeked out from the edge of the wardrobe on Evylin’s side. He decided to be charmed by her carefree nature as he shifted his gaze to the long windows on their right. The thin curtains provided a soft, dreamy view of the early morning skyline. He could see the wispy, white clouds drifting alongside the dark gray rooftops. In the distance, the cheerful sound of birds chirping filled the air, and he watched one land on the windowsill for a brief moment before it fluttered off to its next adventure.
Deckard traced a circle on the delicate fabric of Evylin’s nightdress. The muted clatter of carts passing on the streets below reached him as the sun climbed higher, and its orange-yellow light filtered through the linen curtains. Deckard furrowed his brow at the brightening rays. Thoughhe consistently woke with the sun, he hadn’t realized how inconvenient the thin curtains would be for Evylin.
Despite being a heavy sleeper, the brightness of the morning often aggravated her already grumpy mood. Even while she remained asleep in his arms, he could feel her nose pressing against his shoulder to escape the light.
Deckard decided that new curtains were necessary—dark, thick ones that wouldn’t let a single ray of sunlight through. Indeed, the entire residence required redecoration. The place appeared stark, devoid of the necessary furnishings to run a household, including a proper tea set and a suitable parlor for hosting guests. The property currently lacked all the elements that would make it a home.
Though Evylin hadn’t complained, Deckard couldn’t shake off the sense of barrenness. He wanted to create a space where she felt completely at home, like it belonged to them forever.
However, Deckard couldn’t be certain that this would remain their home forever. Given his promise to let Evylin choose their future, she could either decide to stay or leave. There was a possibility that she’d want to depart Loclight to distance themselves from the Alliance and the Relics.
Deckard stared blankly at the window as he let his musings take over, pondering what adventure would most fulfill Evylin. Over the last month, it became clear that she would not thrive in one location for long. Her spirit had visibly waned even during their brief time in Loclight, repairing the government. Having nearly explored everything the Allundan continent offered, Evylin might prefer to venture into entirely new lands. Exploring Giyda or Matteire could offer the life she truly desired.
Absorbed in his thoughts, Deckard failed to notice Evylin gradually waking up until she stretched, momentarily freeing herself from his embrace before sinking back down to snuggle in closer. “Good morning,” she whispered into his neck.
Deckard rested his cheek on the crown of her head. “Good morning, my love.”
In her languid state, Evylin lounged against him while Deckard massaged her back. These soothing, intimate moments were the ones Deckard treasured most. Being close to her, feeling her heartbeat, and basking in the tenderness they shared fulfilled all his lifelong hopes.
Evylin pressed a series of kisses along his neck, then propped herself halfway onto his chest to gaze down at him. She reached up to caress his jaw, cheek, and temple with her fingers. “I suppose we should get up,” she said. “We have a meeting to attend.”
Deckard tightened his arm around her waist, purposefully blocking thoughts of the Alliance meeting. For once, he was unconcerned about their possible tardiness or even the risk of missing it entirely. What mattered to him was simply being with her, savoring the happiness she brought him before confronting a world that expected more than he was prepared to offer.
Deckard smiled up at her, rubbing his hand over her shoulder and arm. “We should go somewhere,” he said.
A gentle laugh escaped Evylin, highlighting the dimples on her cheeks. “We just returned,” she reminded him. His lack of a reaction caused her smile to broaden. “Where should we go?”
