Page 17 of Spirit Trials

“Not may. Will.”

I swallow. “Okay.” He begins our lesson after that, but I have a hard time letting go of what he said. Several hours later, we carry our game inside.

“You were successful,” Lox says, looking surprised.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Lox,” I say easily. We’ve already prepared the meat, so we move right into the kitchen. I get out a large copper pot. A few minutes later, the kitchen smells of searing meat. Lox carries on an easy conversation that Hector responds to every once in a while, and I mostly just listen. After I flip the meat, I turn around. “How come you guys don’t have families?”

“This is my family,” Hector says, surprising me. I didn’t think he would answer. “Those boys are my nephews.” His words are gruff, but I hear the affection in his voice.

My eyes widen in surprise. “Rysden and Jamik are your nephews?”

He confirms it with a nod. “My sister’s boys.”

I study him, trying to see the resemblance; but I just don’t see it. “What about you? Are you related too?” I ask Lox.

Lox laughs. “No, not by blood anyway; but these guys are my chosen family. Rysden and I have been friends since we were young.” He doesn’t give me anything else, and I don’t ask for more.

I season the meat before turning back to them and asking the question that has been burning in my mind. “Why aren’t you both married or mated or whatever?”

Lox shrugs. “Haven’t met the right girl yet.”

“Hmmm.” I look to Hector next, but he doesn’t say anything. I focus on Lox. “There’s really no one in this entire kingdom that appeals to you?”

“Maybe I don’t appeal to them?” Lox suggests with a gleam in his eyes.

“Yeah, I have a hard time buying that.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re a good-looking man. You’re strong, and you have a great disposition.”

Lox blinks. “Seriously?”

“What?” I ask in confusion.

“I have a great disposition? I sound like an ugly woman that no one wants to marry.”

I laugh at his words. “Well?”

He narrows his eyes at me. “I hate you.” I just laugh louder.

I flip the meat pieces over and season them. “My wife died.” I go still at Hector’s words, and I regret ever bringing up this topic. I take a breath and turn to him.

“I’m so sorry.”

Hector stirs the broth he’s making. “You didn’t know.”

I debate over what to say for a moment. “What was she like?”

“Feisty,” he says after a brief hesitation. “Stubborn.” A small smile forms on his lips, and I think it’s the first time I’ve ever seen him smile. “But she had a heart of gold. She always took care of others before herself.”

I smile. “She sounds like an amazing woman.” I pat his arm briefly and then go back to my meat. “I wish I could have met her.”

“She would have liked you,” he says after a beat of silence. “Two peas in a pod.” His voice is so quiet; I almost don’t hear the words.

I smile brightly. “Well, I’m honored then.”

He moves away, and I know our conversation is over. Still, the smile stays on my face. Lox saunters over to the pot and looks inside. “We need to find you a girl, Lox. Maybe we could go to some places where people hang out here and appear to be a couple to make other women jealous.”