Chapter 44: Distancing

“And kill something.” He added with a half-smile.

“It’s just-I just-It’s nothing Alazar.”

It’s not nothing.

“You’re no good at keeping things from me.” His blue-green eyes roved her face carefully. As he tentatively followed her. Ducking a skeletal branch.

Just ask me.

She shrugged but didn’t turn around.

Come on, Riaura. You know me better.

“In-fact, you’re trying so hard not to answer me, you’re currently getting yourself lost again.”

That made her back stiffen as she scanned the horizon before her. When she turned slowly to face him he pointed North. “Castle, that way.”

“Of course.” She headed that direction. Giving him a wide berth.

“Have I…Done…Something to upset you?” He trailed her. Ducking a low branch to keep her in view despite her quick step.

“Of course not.”

“Riaura!” He called. Making her freeze in her tracks.

Out with it!

“What?” She didn’t turn.

“Why are you running from me?”

“I’m not. Don’t be foolish.”

It’s not foolish. A blind man could see what you’re doing.

“You won’t even look at me.” He gestured in frustration. “Must I come kiss you, just to remind you ’tis me? To soften you enough you speak with me like usual?”

“Please don’t.” Her words were barely audible.

Please, don’t!

“What’s wrong with you?” He demanded, anger seeping into his tone. Catching her shoulder, he turned her around and put his nose down to hers. Tossing her helmet to the snow, so he could get a better view of her expressive eyes.

She gasped, and her hands flew to his chest to keep him back from her.

“Tell me what is going on.”

Her pretty blonde hair caught in the wind and blew from her face. Entrapping snowflakes.

He caught a tress of it and absently ran his gloved fingers over it. “There’s clearly something upsetting you. I see no reason you wouldn’t tell me what it is.”

“I-I can’t.” She murmured. Gaze falling, but he lifted her chin with a finger until dark lashes lifted to meet his look.

His dark blonde hair was dampened black from the falling snow. Spiked up over the leather band cinching his forehead. His shadow of a beard darkened outlined the square frame of it. Gaze steady, he peered deep into her spirit. Tuning into her panicked thoughts.

To find out where she is.

She was wondering if he had another woman.

As I suspected. He blanched so roughly, the lock of her hair trailed through his fingertips.

Why are you even wondering? How could you let her get to you?

“Riaura…”

“What?” She blinked up at him.

But she’d be furious to know he’d been picking through her thoughts.

She’s truly wondering if I’ve a wife? His lips tightened until nearly white with anger.

It’s impossibly far from the truth!

I’ve been wondering if I’m in love with her and she’s wondering if I’m unfaithful? He wanted to rage at her about the foolishness of her thoughts. But now is not the time.

He needed her to bring it up. Then I can tell her.

Her eyes moved over his face and he was struck by the lack of naiveté. “You look at me with accusing eyes. The eyes of a betrayed woman.” He couldn’t stop the words. It was excruciating to see that look on her face.

“I’m not a child anymore, Alazar. I suppose the way I looked at you would always change as I began to see the world, wouldn’t it?” She tripped over her words. Trying to hide her pained thoughts.

She thinks I’ll be furious if she asks.

But really…I’m hurt. Give me the opportunity to tell you. He willed her.

But she didn’t.

“You look at me like a scared animal. Wary and untrusting…” He murmured. “When did that happen to us?”

Gnawing her cheek, she gave a half shrug and he winced.

Knowing he could say nothing further on the matter just now.