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He said the first thing that came to him. “When I wait, you keep on talking. It is humorous.”
As soon as the words popped from his mouth, he could have gladly cut out his own tongue. Seriously. She might think he was insulting her.
Yet, instead of yelling at him, she gave a laugh, her grin never wavering. “Thanks for telling me. Now I can laugh inwardly along with you. I’m glad you find me entertaining.”
So maybe that bit of honesty had not gone astray. Would she react just as well if he continued to be honest? He stared at his hands as he admitted, “There has not been much that is humorous in my life.”
Her hand came into his line of sight before resting on his knee.
She was touching him. Again. His brain swirled, stuck. Her hand was on his knee.On his knee.
It was all he could do to tear his gaze away to look up at her.
Her smile remained in place, though her eyes held a depth that he could not read. “Then I am especially glad you find me humorous. I will endeavor to be plenty ridiculous. I may even see you smile some day.”
Why would she want to see his smile? Surely only someone who cared for him would want to see him happy. But she barely knew him. She could not possibly care.
He could not face her. He could not let her see his hope.
She withdrew her hand from his knee, and his skin felt strangely cold even through the layer of his trousers. A shiver prickled the bare skin of his back and chest, reminding him that he still lacked his shirt.
“So what do we do now?” Her tone went back to light and cheery. “I would love to see more of the palace and the city.”
He tried to imagine walking around Ellonahshinel or Estyra with her next to him. The stares. The questions. Having to explain over and over. Talking to people.
He could not. It was too much, too soon. Whatever they did today, he needed to stay here. Away from other people. “It would be…unusual for us to venture anywhere this week, but especially today.”
Ugh, were his ears burning again? Why did he have to use that excuse to stay in today?
Essie did not seem to share his embarrassment. She just nodded, still smiling. “I see. It would be unusual for a couple in my kingdom to go out and about the day after the wedding too. Though, considering our circumstances, it might not be totally unexpected.”
Oh, good. She understood.
“Why don’t we stay here and talk today?” Elspeth waved over her shoulder toward the main room. “Well, maybe not here specifically. Maybe down there where we can sit on those comfy cushions. At least I think they are comfy. I haven’t tested them out yet. Is that all right with you? I don’t even know how old you are or your favorite color or anything like that. And you can ask me questions. As you’ve probably learned, I would be happy to answer anything you want to ask. Then tomorrow maybe we can see some of Estyra. Touring the palace can wait.”
Talking. Surely he could manage talking. It was not the relaxing hiding that he had in mind, but as long as she provided most of the chatter, he could handle it. Maybe.
Besides, spending time with her did not sound all that bad. Nor did visiting Estyra, after he had a day to hide away from people here.
It might even be fun, to see more of that wide-eyed wonder on her face, like their brief walk from the train to Ellonahshinel.
Farrendel forced a nod. “There is a back way to leave to visit Estyra. I would…like to avoid my family. They are protective.”
The last thing he wanted to do was face Weylind’s scowl right now. Weylind meant well, but Farrendel had enough to sort out without enduring that glower.
She let out such a loud sigh, even he could read her relief. “That sounds fine by me. It would be nice to be more sure of myself here before facing your protective siblings. I am even kind of glad my siblings are a kingdom away. They are just as protective of me and suspicious of you as your family is of me.”
Her wry admission stirred something in his chest. As if a smile tugging at his face was not such a remote possibility as he had thought. “I know.”
Her mouth twisted in an exaggerated wince. “Yes, sorry about my brothers cornering you at the wedding. They probably would have been threatening even if I’d married a human, but they were more so because you’re an elf. Sorry.”
He was not sorry. He had found their threat almost humorous rather than offensive. “They value you.”
“As your family does you.” She stated it firmly, as if she had no doubt that her words were true.
He could not hold her gaze. Yes, his family valued him. More than they should, considering his illegitimate birth.
Essie hopped to her feet. “I’ll meet you in the main room, if you want to wash up after your morning routine.”
