She popped a small morsel of cheese into her mouth. “Call it a difference of opinion,” she said. “One wants something I cannot give, while the other blindly supports his pursuits. We look at life differently.”
Based on Thom’s explanation earlier, Evylin knew Brea was referring to Auden’s wish to Bond with her. After Ilain’s declaration that Bonding was the pinnacle achievement of any Warrior or Mage’s life, she was curious to know why Brea wouldn’t want that as well. But then, she supposed the lieutenant could love another Mage, and that’s why she had rejected Auden.
“I do have a question,” Thom said.
“Yes,mi’caro?” Brea replied casually.
Thom hesitated, then asked, “How long have you known the Calders?”
Brea paused, considering. “I met Vayden first, through Isla, of course. When my family and I came to Wauld fifteen years ago, I was sent to Sutterlund Reach to meet with Isla so she could teach me the Allundan language. As a cover, I was hired by the Order of the Wind as her lady’s maid. We grew close due to our shared Schonese heritage. After a time, I met Vayden, andlater, when I went on to join the Alliance’s militia, I also met Auden and Ilain.”
“Huh.” Thom leaned forward then, eyes narrowed. “So your first language is Schonese?”
“Obviously.”
“And what,” he raised his brow, “does ‘meekarow’ mean?”
Brea’s dark eyes twinkled. “Wouldn’t you like to know,mi’caro?” she said, emphasizing the correct pronunciation of the term.
“Me care-o?” Thom repeated.
“Roll the R,” she corrected.
He attempted it and fell frightfully short.
Brea laughed, then reached over to pinch his cheeks between two fingers. “Try again,” she instructed.
Even with her help, he still failed, mostly due to his smile.
Evylin watched them with fascination, bemused by their quick camaraderie. She’d never seen Thom take to anyone so fast. He’d not even been this comfortable and friendly with her in the early stages of their friendship. It was odd and potentially worrisome.
Deciding she should mention the peculiar relationship to Deckard later, Evylin was startled by Ilain’s sudden grip on her hand. She turned to the woman on her other side. “Yes?” she said.
“It’s time for us to leave,” Ilain said.
Evylin frowned, noting that everyone else was still seated, looking perfectly languorous.
“Not them,” Ilain said, reading her hesitation. “Just the two of us.”
“Why just us?” Evylin asked.
“Have you forgotten you have an important ceremony this evening? We have to prepare.”
Evylin blanched, her stomach suddenly knotting. The evening light had begun to fade, leaving the sky glowing a rusty orange as the shadows lengthened around the dining room. A few other guests started to arrive for their meals. The day was growing late, and the Bonding ceremony would begin in two short hours.
Glancing toward the end of the table, Evylin looked at Deckard. He listened intently to Vayden, his gaze steady and his smile attentive, completely unaware of her sudden unease.
“What about Jonn?” Evylin asked, turning back to Ilain.
With a sweep of her hand, Ilain pushed back from the table. “He can prepare in my room,” she said. “You and I are going to need the larger space.”
Seeing them rise, Vayden halted his story. “Off to get ready?” he asked.
“Yes,” Ilain confirmed, then turned to Deckard. “Maurus has a parcel for you at the front desk. Take it and my room key from him so you can get ready. You’ll need roughly thirty minutes.”
“And Evie needs two hours?” Thom teased.
Ilain passed him a haughty smile. “Women are more important.” She set her hand on Ethenn’s shoulder then. “A package also awaits you at the desk,” she said, “as does one for Auden, Thom, Brea, and Isla.”
