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We glanced at each other, and I covered my mouth. How long had Klaus been trying to get our attention?
“He’ll know,” I whispered.
“Yes,” Araki agreed as he searched for his clothes. “But I would have told him anyway.”
“Araki!” Klaus yelled, pounding the door once more. “I’m giving you five more seconds to open this door, and if you don’t—”
“Give me five minutes,” Araki shouted back.
We glanced at each other as the pounding stopped. Araki chuckled. I quickly got out of bed, pulled my night shift back on, and then looked around for more clothing to cover myself. Nothing. So I raced to the wardrobe and yanked out a simple tunic and trouser combination as Araki scrambled to pull his clothes on. Once dressed, I tugged the blankets into order, wincing. I hoped Klaus wouldn’t be angry. I bit back a giggle, feeling like a rebellious teenager clumsily hiding her affairs from her parents. Klaus wasn’t going to be fooled… nor was he going to be happy. Oh well. There wasn’t much we could do about that.
Araki moved to the door, glanced at me then opened it. Klaus stormed in. His nostrils flared as he abruptly stopped, looking from me to Araki to the bed and back to me. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, a muscle in his jaw ticked furiously.
“Oh,” a small voice said behind him. Nadine leaned in through the door, her gaze making the same sweep as Klaus’s had. She smirked at me. “Well. Now we know why.”
“Klaus.” Araki stepped forward. “Let me explain.”
He shook his head. “There’s nothing to explain. I didn’t realize… I know you’ve been looking for information on the Dhajork, and Nadine found something. But when you didn’t answer, I started to think….”
He dropped his hand and glared at Araki.
I moved to Araki’s side. “Klaus, please don’t be angry with Araki. It was a bit of a surprise to both of us, too… and we can feel each other’s emotions.”
Klaus frowned at me.
“You still don’t trust her?” Nadine asked.
“I don’t trust the situation.” Klaus’s gaze stabbed through Araki, looking like he wanted to wring his neck.
“We will talk about it, Klaus,” Araki said calmly.
“Explain yourself,” Klaus crossed his arms.
Araki came to my side and twined his fingers through mine. “I don’t have anything to explain. Reilyn and I have come to an agreement, and... We’ve cleared up a few things.”
Klaus stepped forward, his glare turning to me now. “If you’ve cast a spell on him—”
“I haven’t,” I said quickly.
“Klaus.” Nadine wrapped her arms around his waist and put her chin on his shoulder. “I don’t think right now is a good time for this conversation.”
“It will never be a good time if this witch kills him,” Klaus spat.
I wanted to defend myself. Explain. I couldn’t bring myself to talk about everything that had happened, but I still met Klaus’s accusing eyes, unwavering. “I’ve learned a great deal since I first came here, Klaus. About the kingdom, about Araki, and myself. The last thing I want is to hurt Araki in any way. I… I know you won’t believe me. But I will prove it to you.”
Klaus sighed, “It’s late. We’re all tired. We should pick this up tomorrow.”
“Agreed,” Araki said.
Klaus gave me one last sharp look before he pulled a book from inside his coat and handed it to Araki. Araki stepped forward, taking the book. “Trust me, old friend. I know what I’m doing.”
“I hope you do.” Klaus turned, wrapped an arm around Nadine and pulled her out of the room without a backward glance at us.
Araki let out a heavy sigh as the door shut softly.
I turned to him. “Are you alright?”
“Don’t worry about me.” He smiled, though it was strained. “Klaus will come around. He’s been through a lot in his life. His caution serves me well.”
