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“I did not know,” she continued, “if you could enter with me. But when the pelagor not only appeared but allowed you to ride him, I wondered… I’d have taken you here directly if we were not summoned by the queen.”

Was it somehow related to my being The Keeper? “What does it mean, do you think?”

“As I said on the beach, I believe that we are meant to work together.”

Could it mean more than that? I left the question unasked, guessing the answer already.

“I feel honored, both for today’s ride and being allowed in here.”

“You are clearly worthy of both.”

Wanting to lighten the mood that had been much too heavy since we were summoned by the queen, I teased her. “You believe so, do you?”

Nerys rolled her eyes. “You don’t fool me with that false modesty, Rowan. I’ve gotten to know you better than that.”

“I am your humble servant,” I pushed back. “Modest in all things.”

“Hmm. If you are modest, then Marek is painfully shy.”

An untruth if ever I heard one. “I’m surprised to find myself liking him more than I’d have expected to do so.”

“Please speak to Aneri on his behalf, and mine. Even after all these years, he’s been unable to fully charm her.”

“I would have to meet her to do so,” I hedged.

“We will go to her tomorrow, so I can tell her of my plans to challenge the queen.”

“Good.” I adjusted myself on the bench, closing a bit of the distance between us. “Speaking of the queen…”

Nerys sighed. “I can only guess she wished for Carys to question me. Or you. Or both.”

“I thought the same. Do you believe she suspects your intentions?”

“I’m uncertain. I’ve attempted to keep the strength of my skills somewhat hidden, but over the years…”

“Word of sea serpents tend to spread?”

“Something like that, aye.”

Our eyes met. It suddenly seemed ridiculous not to mention it. “That kiss,” I began, unsure where to go from there.

Twas incredible. Let’s do it again. If Marek hadn’t come along, I’d have wanted to take you on that damn beach.

“I do not wish to dishonor you,” I said instead.

Her eyes fell to my lips.

I want it as much as you, dear Nerys. Maybe more.

“You could never dishonor me, Rowan.”

It warmed me to hear her say as much with surety.

“I would never willingly do so. Now tell me something of yourself I do not know.”

Nerys hesitated, but then seemed to make up her mind. “There’s something I’ve told very few about my past… not even Marek. But now seems like it might be the right time to share it.”

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