Page 182 of The Dark Lord’s Guide to Honeymooning (and Other Acts of Tyranny)

And now I was paying the price for that ignorance. Drowning in emotions I didn’t have the tools to process, while an ancient evil whispered encouragement in my ear, and my body tried to tear itself apart from the inside.

“I know.” Vex’s voice gentled further. “But you’re learning. That’s what matters. Remember, Kazimir, that though the heart and mind are seemingly at odds, it takes both of them to control the man you want to be—the man you have become.”

I looked up sharply, my vision clearing for a moment. What did Vex know?

Her expression was unreadable, but there was something in her eyes. Understanding. Concern. And maybe—just maybe—a hint of fear.

She knew something was wrong, beyond the obvious strain between Arabella and me.

A crash from the Great Hall interrupted us, followed by several shouts and what sounded like a table being overturned.

“I should probably—” Vex began.

“Go.” I waved her off, my hand still trembling. “Before they destroy anything irreplaceable.”

She hesitated. “Will you talk to her?”

“Yes.” The word came out clear. I meant it. I had to mean it, because the alternative was losing her. “I will.”

Vex nodded, satisfied, and turned to leave. She’d taken only a few steps when Griffin appeared in the alcove entrance, his face flushed.

“My lord!” he gasped. “The Shellfords and the Moonbays are having a duel in the main hall! With serving platters!”

“Handle it,” I said wearily.

“Also,” Griffin continued, shifting awkwardly from foot to foot, “I couldn’t help but overhear some of your… conversation.”

I fixed him with a glare that should have sent him running. The shadows coiled at my feet, ready to strike.

He paled but held his ground. “It’s just that—I might have some scrolls that could help. From the Enchanted Isles. They’re about, um, relationships. And communication. And, er, other things.”

“Are you suggesting I read relationship advice scrolls,” I said flatly.

“Not advice, exactly.” His face reddened further. “More like… illustrated guides? To, um, reconnecting. Physically. And emotionally. But mostly physically.”

Vex made a strangled sound that might have been suppressed laughter.

“Get out,” I told Griffin.

“Right! Yes! Going!” He scurried away, nearly tripping over his own feet in his haste.

When he was gone, I turned back to Vex, who was visibly struggling to maintain her composure.

“Not a word,” I warned.

“Wouldn’t dream of it, my lord.” Her eyes danced with amusement. “Though I do wonder what sort of illustrations—”

“Vex.”

She paused. “Before I go make sure our heroes don’t kill each other, there’s one more thing we need to discuss. Some very sensitive information has come to my attention.”

I straightened, forcing the emotions back down, the shadows to retreat. Rebuilding the armor piece by piece, even though every crack still showed. “What is it?”

52 Share Your Trauma

(It’s Called Emotional Availability, Apparently)

Kazimir