Page 103 of The Freedom You Seek
“Well, you’ve seen how that black-haired brute readied himself to run me through with his sword.”
Or with magic. I wasn’t sure which method of demise I wished for the youngling. Luckily, I was the proud wielder of a sword made of magic and wouldn’t have to settle for one—I could just use both at the same time.
Nayana sighed. “That’s how Dion is acting all the time. He’s insanely protective. It’s over the top, but I’m sure it doesn’t come from a place of malice.”
“No, more from a place of control.”
“Dion has control issues, that’s true. But I’m sure with some patience, it’ll get better. I know some things that drive him, but they aren’t mine to share.”
I liked how she was defending me, but it made me uneasy to hear her say she’dknow thingsbecause it made me speculate if she’d found out more than I’d shared with her—if the others had talked about me. I had to find out later.
“That’s unlike you, Naya. You hate it when someone tries to control you. Yet you’re even wearing a wedding choker, and the matching bracelet is onhisarm.” The boy narrowed his eyes. “Don’t tell me it’s real after all.”
“Of course not. I’ve told you earlier. It’s a charade,” Nayana scoffed, suffocating the weird sense of pride that rose in my chest whenever I’d take notice of her wearing my jewelry. “It’s to blend in and not look like a lawbreaker at first glance. And you can believe me, I’ve resisted—fiercely. But it was the wisest choice, even though I hate it.”
“Have you slept with him?”
If I’d been corporal right now, I’d have coughed in surprise—not only at this question, but at how hard the youngling sounded all of a sudden. My earlier suspicion about him being jealous was correct, so much was certain. Not that he had any right to be. Nayana must have thought the same and looked livid, while I was simply smug.
“Bryon, gods,no. Dion—or the others, before you repeat your stupid question—would never even try something like that. They’re good people, as I’ve mentioned more than enough times. And—watch how you’re talking to me.”
If Nayana had only an inkling of how consumed I was with fantasizing about the time right after our fight with the Arracht—when I’d nearly kissed her—and how my imagination had turned it into something more than just a simple kiss, her reaction might have been different.
“Sorry, Naya. It’s just—that guy spells trouble. He isn’t good for you.”
“I’m too busy trying to survive to think of anything else.”
The boy was silent for a moment, and I had my suspicions about what he’d say next. So, even prepared, it was hard to control myself and not lose complete restraint over the magic keeping me hidden because, of course, I was right.
“Tomorrow, come with us. With me. I can keep you safe as well. We’ll ride to Ivreiana and have you pardoned. You won’t have to hide anymore once we’ve done that.”
“Bryon—you don’t even know if the gentry will grant a pardon.”
“Naya, listen to me. I know they will. I’ll call in the royal favor I’ve earned if necessary. And afterward, we’ll be able to go wherever you want to. If you don’t wish to return to Credenta, we won’t have to. I don’t care about going back. All I wish for is to be with you, Nayana. Do you understand?”
My hiding spot vibrated in anger when the boy stepped closer to Nayana. He’d better watch his hands. My Naya looked like a deer trapped in the hunter’s snare. The urge to materialize and whisk her far away from the boy became unbearable. The only reason I didn’t do it was that she would hate it if I intervened—even more than dealing with that lovesick puppy herself.
“Not really. A royal favor is huge. Don’t use it on me. Just as I don’t want you to upend your whole life and follow me to where I’ll end up when all this is over.” Her tone was deflecting, much to my amusement. But of course, the youngling didn’t get the hint.
“Nothing is too big for you. Also, I thought more about moving somewhere together, Naya.”
“Bryon—”
“Don’t you want that too? We can settle down somewhere, start a family. Together. I’m sure you’ll be an amazing mother, and I swear to you I won’t make the same mistakes as your father.”
He hadn’t just—dear gods, he had. He'd really suggestedthat.Nayana looked dumbfounded, and the sheer audacity must have stolen her words and actions because she stayed silent, allowing the boy to invade her personal space. Hot fury burned me from the inside out, and somethingurged me to tear him to pieces, to eliminate the boy who thought he could present himself as competition to me. My shadow rippled as I was about to intervene, no matter the consequences.
“Just think about it, Naya. We grew up together. The only reason I kept my distance back then was because I had to leave to join the army. But I’m not bound anymore. I want you, Naya, like nothing else. I want to spend my whole life with you. Please, come with me.”
Counting down from three, I was determined to interfere should she not move or speak once I’d reached zero. The infuriating boy splayed his paws all over her waist and stared down at her pleadingly. I just ended my countdown when Nayana finally stepped away from the boy and his filthy hands. Again, he’d touched what wasmi—oh no, not going there, definitely not.
“Bryon, I…listen, I’m really flattered, but please, I can’t settle down, not with you or anyone. That isn’t who I am, and you know it.”
“Don’t be mad at her, but Rewi let it slip that you have a crush on me. Please Naya, you don’t have to be afraid.”
Someone should tell the boy that pleading wasn’t a good look on him. It was written on Nayana’s face how uncomfortable it was for her to deal with this. For some unknown reason, she still refrained from hurting the youngling. I wouldn’t have such reservations, which proved once again how much she needed me in her life.
“I’m not afraid, Bryon. Maybe a bit pissed at Rewi, but that’s between her and me. And yes, I had a crush on you once, but that was winters ago. The future you’reenvisioning—it’s not the one I want. I’ll never be able to be the one giving you that life, and leading you on wouldn’t be fair. You’re a good person, Bryon, and you deserve the kind of happiness you seek. But you won’t find it with me.” Nayana fell silent for a moment while utter defeat crept into the boy’s features. “Also, I’m busy enough trying to get out of this mess I’m in. I have no time to even think about romance and relationships. So please, save your favor. Don’t spend it on me, but use it for something worth it.”