Page 85 of For the Strange and Surprising

I side-eye him, hearing the silent who in that question. I give him the answer he’s searching for.

“No one.”

He’s quiet after that, though I can tell something more is on his mind.

“What if I did stay, Ecaeris? What happens then?”

I shouldn’t even entertain the idea of staying. It’s unnatural for me to be here; this isn’t my home. But the thought of leaving makes my stomach knot.

“Did I tell you I got word from the other tribes?” he mutters. “Three more women came to Spiran with you, and they’re alive.”

“Why are you just now telling me?”

“I didn’t see you yesterday, and it didn’t feel like a conversation to be had over dinner.”

I grin at him, eyebrows raised high. “And you’re using it to change the subject to avoid a question that you can’t answer.”

“I can’t give you what you’re searching for, but I can answer it,” he confesses. “If I did, you’d tell me I’m being a presumptuous asshole, and I don’t believe that’s the case.”

“You are an ass,” I tell him. “I’m pretty sure that’s just your personality type.”

“I’m not always an ass, Ada. I won’t apologize.” He sighs. “I’m trying to be nice right now, and you instigate. Do you have to fight with me constantly?”

“I would be bored if we didn’t bicker,” I joke. “And who else is going to be rude to the prince? As far as I’m concerned, I’ve got the biggest balls in the village, second to Isolde.”

He squints at me.

“Figuratively. I don’t actually have… You know what? It doesn’t matter.”

“It does matter,” Ecaeris assures me.

“If I have balls or not?” I ponder, knowing he’s gone back to our original subject.

“What?” He shakes his head slowly. “No, Ada. It matters if you’re going to stay or not.”

I don’t want to leave, but the finality of saying that aloud is frightening when all I’ve wanted is to go home.

Isolde and the way she cares for me makes me want to stay. My sort of friendship with Rinya is another thing I don’t want to give up.

I’d miss the guys’ company, too.

Earth wouldn’t feel as welcoming without Connak’s adventurous nature or Imryll’s calm demeanor. I wouldn’t get to see a flustered Talodus or a gobsmacked Ecaeris. There would be no truths spilled in the clinic, spontaneous dips in the lake, leather-clad training, or imprudent squabbling.

That’s not counting the reasons why I shouldn’t want to go back to Earth. There really isn’t anything left there for me. The familiarity is the only thing I’ll miss, but I can find that here.

“Why does it matter?”

“Because we need to know.” He tips his head toward Talodus and Connak.

They’re posted up outside my door, watching us with rapt fascination. I’m curious about their visit, but I’m not ready to be interrupted. I turn my undivided attention to Ecaeris, intending to wrap this conversation up so I can move on to the next. What I really want is to avoid everyone until the morning, after I’ve had some time to myself.

“So you can make permanent arrangements?” I hope he’ll dispute my speculation, but I know he won’t.

“That.” He shrugs and nods, appearing unsure. “And to figure out what we’re going to do with you.”

“Right,” I agree with a huff and walk away from him.

Ecaeris snatches me back by my elbow, spinning me to face him. “Don’t do that.”