Page 52 of Spirit Rites

His eyes meet mine, and they almost glow because of the reflection of the moon. “Completely.”

“I’m your favorite person?” I repeat, not able to fully believe him.

He frowns. “You’re the only person I like.”

I laugh at that. He’s so serious. “No, I’m not.”

“Pretty sure, you are,” he argues.

“You like a lot of people—Rysden, Taren, Mae, and Jorren. And those are just a few of the people I know.”

“Fine, but I like you the most.”

I can’t help my smile. “I’ll take it.”

He smiles at me then, and it feels like my stomach bottoms out. I try to remember what we were talking about and immediately sober up when I remember. “So, Rysden’s dad.” He sobers as well. “Farrah killed Rysden’s mom.”

I can feel his shock. “Really?”

“Yes, but in her defense, Rysden’s mom asked her to. His mom was a seer; you know that, right?” At his nod, I continue. “She told Farrah that a time would come when she would take out the king. She told her that Rysden would never be able to do it. Farrah didn’t know at the time that she meant the opportunity would come throughher. During a battle with the king and his soldiers, his mom set herself up to be killed by Farrah.”

Sadness fills me when I think of how Rysden’s mom gave herself for the good of her son and her people. “I didn’t knowany of that,” Kaldar finally says. “I imagine it’s not something Rysden passes around.”

“He wasn’t mad at her,” I rush to say. “His mom told him before she died that she’d asked Farrah to do it. She even said thank you.”

He shakes his head slowly and then tips it back against the wall, staring out the open window at the moon. “Thank you for telling me.”

I lay my head against his chest, and he runs a hand up and down my spine. “You’re welcome.”

I think of what I want to ask next. “Why didn’t you want me to come to your assembly today?”

He sighs wearily, and I almost regret the question. “Mae told me she and Taren made a mess of things. It’s not that I didn’t want you to come, but as soon as you show yourself publicly, they’ll push for the Jade Ceremony. So for now, I’ve told the elder board that you’re injured, which you are.”

It makes sense, and I feel bad for getting my feelings hurt when he was obviously only trying to protect me. I don’t say anything after that, and neither does he. I’m just content to be near him. It’s only after Kaldar shakes me awake, do I even realize I fell asleep on him. I start to sit up and wince in pain. Kaldar notices immediately. “Is your arm hurting again?”

I nod. “Yes, but she left more of the salve. I just have to get it.”

He pats my leg and then gently picks me up and deposits me on the floor next to him. “I’ll get it. Where is it?”

“On the counter over there.” He’s on his feet a moment later, so much more graceful than I could ever be. When he comes back, he squats down next to me and reaches for my arm. I bite my lower lip when he applies the cream. I can tell by the way he’s doing it, it’s not going to work.

“Sryena said you have to be firm.”

He pauses and looks at my face. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I know, but she said if you don’t really rub it in, it won’t work.”

He studies my face a moment longer, and I try not let the pain show on my face. “Okay. I’ll do it fast.” I make a pained sound when he rubs it in much firmer. But true to his word, he gets it done quickly. As soon as he’s done, he stands and puts out his hand to my good hand and pulls me to my feet. “I’m sorry I hurt you,” he says softly.

“It’s okay,” I tell him, willing the salve to work.

“Want me to take your mind off it?”

I look up at him in confusion. “What?”

“Want me to take your mind off it?” he asks again.

“I guess. I don’t know why it—”