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Luka was very afraid that he had already lost both of them. All he was doing right now was waiting for the other shoe to drop.
He once again jerked his brain back into the present moment. If nothing else, this was an amazing opportunity to learn more about the Sousa Clan. He’d be a fool to pass that up. A storm had rolled back in, confining everyone to their tents and limiting what they could work on. The rain hadn’t been bad enough to completely chase them from the bank of the lake, but the near-constant low rumble of thunder argued it wasn’t safe for them to make trips back to the cave.
They’d been able to sneak in one quick trip for Amaru to confirm his clan mates were in no immediate danger, but even so, no one wanted to leave the area until the Sousa and the lightning dragons were set free from their slumber.
In the meantime, they were waiting for the arrival of the earth dragons from the Sodalicium to help clear out the original path that was used. Staying put also gave them time to pick Amaru’s brain about his language, culture, and history. Of course, that was when Amaru wasn’t asking them questions about their magic and technology.
Most of the time, Amaru was surrounded by several Jaeggi mages, Sam, and a mix of other dragons and mages who popped in and out of their camp from the clan’s compound. But thanks to a mix of meetings and a heavy lunch, everyone was either napping off their meal or stuck in a meeting, giving Luka some rare alone time with the Sousa mage.
“You know, I don’t understand why you’re so determined to learn my language,” Amaru said with a little huff. “We have translation amulets that allow us to understand each other when we speak, and I’ve already shown you the translation spell that allows you to translate the written language. Why not use that?”
Luka shook his head. “First, learning a language is more than just a means of communication. By studying a language, you learn about a people’s culture and values. You get a richer understanding of their history. Everything you are and who you’ve been impacts your language. I want to know everything I can about you.”
Amaru rested his cheek against his palm and released a sort of swoony sigh as he batted his long eyelashes at Luka. “You say the sweetest things.”
Why was he so charming? It almost felt like salt in an open wound, even though Luka smiled helplessly back. “Plus, I can’t always assume I’m going to have a mage with me to cast a translation spell or hand me a translation amulet. All the clans went through a period where we had very few mages and little hope of finding more. We’ve learned to live life with limited access to magic.”
“Not anymore.” Amaru captured Luka’s fingers in his free hand and held on tight. “I’m not going anywhere. You’ll never have to live without magic again. I’ll cast all the spells and make all the amulets for you. I promise.”
Luka froze, words trapped in his throat while his heart raced. That. He wanted all of that. He wanted Amaru there every second of every day. He wanted a life with his smiles, laughter, and endless questions. Was that even possible to have? Or was Amaru being kind to him because of Vasily?
This whole situation was so fucking confusing that he felt like it was going to give him a migraine.
“Am I interrupting?” Vasily drawled, and Luka fought the urge to wince. There was no censure or anger in his tone. He genuinely sounded playful and teasing, but Luka’s conscience was still hurting.
“No! We were just wondering when you were going to join us. Come on!” Amaru released Luka’s finger and patted the open cushion on the other side of his body, which would put the mage perfectly sandwiched between them.
“Sure, but I was just popping in to tell Luka that Rodrigo is looking for him.”
“Now?” That actually sounded good to Luka. It felt awkward trying to stay here in this moment.
“Unfortunately. Something about the earth dragons he wants to discuss with you. I don’t think it’ll take long, and I can keep Amaru company while you’re gone.”
Amaru huffed. “Why is it so impossible to keep both of you at my side at the same time?”
Amaru saying stuff like that was why Luka had false hopes. “I’m sure Vasily can keep you occupied until I get back. This won’t take long.”
“Fine. I guess it’s okay if you leave. You’re only leaving me for your king.” The mage made a pretty show of pouting, which left Luka chuckling to himself as he gave up his spot beside Amaru to Vasily.
As he passed Vasily, he flashed his love a smile, hoping it didn’t give away the turmoil that was roiling in his stomach and filling his brain.
