by Rinelle Grey
He settled for asking, “How long are they likely to be here?”
She shrugged. “Probably only a couple of days. I guess. They’re just picking up supplies.”
“It might be best if you stay in the inn, then, they won’t find you here,” Lyall suggested.
He’d be guarding the door to make sure they didn’t.
“I suppose so,” Brianna’s voice wavered. “Maybe I should just go home. There will be other people at other times. Eventually someone is going to recognise me.”
He’d intended to give her a couple of days to calm down and get used to the idea of being a mage. He hadn’t expected her to just give up. And the thought of her going home pushed him into action. “Or you could come with me. No one is going to recognise you in my home town.”
“Lyall,” she protested, but not with any real force.
“Brianna, you’re a mage. You belong with us. I can teach you how to use your magic, and we can…” he trailed off, not sure if mentioning the dreams he had for them together was a good idea or not.
She looked up. “We can what Lyall? Get married? Have babies? It’s not that simple.”
“It could be.”
Was there something more about this man? Did she care for him after all, even though she’d said she didn’t? Why was she holding back?
She sighed heavily and looked away. He reached for her hands and held them, despite her half-hearted attempts to pull them away. “Can’t we give it a try?” he pleaded.
She looked up at him, meeting his eyes for the first time since he’d used magic to hide her appearance. He tried to project all his feelings towards her into his face as she searched it, looking for something. He let as much of his magic flow through his hands as he could, knowing it was an underhand tactic, but doing it anyway. He’d take any advantage he could.
She sighed. “All right.”
Lyall stared at her for a moment, unsure if he had heard her correctly. “You mean you’ll come?”
“I seem to be out of any other options, so I guess so.”
Lyall wanted to jump up and hug her, but she was not as overjoyed as he was. In fact, her expression was close to defeated. He hoped she would come round.
For now, he had to get things moving. “Do you want me to tell Syrid for you?”
She hesitated, then nodded. “Would you?”
“Leave it to me.”
“When… when do you want to leave?”
“It makes sense to get out of here as soon as possible, so that your friends don’t bump into you again. I was thinking first thing in the morning.”
She nodded, looking suddenly small and exhausted. Involuntarily, Lyall asked, “Brianna, how old are you?”
She managed a ghost of a smile at that. “Worried I’m too young for you to run off with now? Don’t worry, I’m nineteen.”
Lyall hoped he hid his wince. Nearly seven years his junior. Not such a big deal, his mother and father had ten years between them. But she had somehow always seemed older.
Brianna stared at him, her expression uncertain, so instead of trying to say something and putting his foot in his mouth, he kissed her, gently and without demands. “I’m going to talk to Syrid. Will you be right here until I get back?”
Brianna nodded. “I’m fine,” she said, with more strength to her words now.
Lyall couldn’t resist kissing her gently one more time before getting up and heading down to speak to Syrid.
He found the innkeeper in the kitchen, thankfully alone. And it seemed Syrid wanted to speak with him as much as he did.
“Is Brianna all right? What happened?”
Lyall figured a measure of honesty was the best course of action. “She saw some people from her village. Apparently she ran away to avoid an arranged marriage, and she’s afraid they will take her back if they see her.”
Syrid frowned. “Well, she’s safe enough here. I won’t let anyone take her anywhere against her wishes. But I can see that it’s best if she avoids the common room for a while. Any idea how long they are staying?”
“Only a couple of days, she thinks, but it’s made her realise that the chances are high she’ll be recognised eventually, if she stays here. She can’t hide in the inn permanently.”
Syrid frowned. “What is she going to do then?”
Lyall hesitated, not sure if his friend was going to approve of his plan. There was no avoiding it, though. “I’m taking her with me.”
He was right, Syrid didn’t look impressed. “That seems a little hasty.”
“Probably, but I’m not going to risk losing her to a man she doesn’t even want to be with, Syrid. This might be my only chance,” he said with all the earnestness he could muster.
Syrid looked at him seriously. “You really care about her, don’t you?”
“Yes,” Lyall said simply.
That was all the reassurance Syrid needed. “When do you leave?”
“On the morning tide. No point in waiting.”
Syrid nodded acceptance, and that was it.
Lyall returned to check on Brianna.
She lay on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Perhaps he should leave her to her thoughts? She turned towards the sound of the door and smiled a little, so he came inside and shut the door behind him. “How are you going?”
“A lot better.” She hesitated as though searching for words, then said, “When I left my village, I thought I would find excitement and adventure here in Bymere. But it wasn’t what I expected. Perhaps because I was alone, and what fun is anything without someone to share it with? Then you came along, and I realised there was plenty to see here anyway. I was nearly ready to go home when you arrived, but I’m glad I didn’t, because I get the feeling there is plenty of excitement and adventure to find yet.”
She seemed at peace with her decision, relieving Lyall of his last worry. “Definitely plenty of excitement and adventure,” he agreed. “But for now, I think sleep is the best course of action. We’ll be up before sunrise tomorrow to catch the tide.”
She looked nervous again, but nodded. Lyall bent and kissed her forehead and moved to stand up, when she put her hand on his arm. “Stay, please?”
He hesitated, torn between his desire to do just that and his fear of rushing her. He looked down at her, and she looked so small and woebegone, that he couldn’t help it. He threw caution to the winds, kicked off his shoes and climbed, fully dressed still, into the bed beside her.
She sighed happily and snuggled up against him, seemingly unaware of the effect her closeness had on him. Lyall wondered if he was going to be strong enough for this. For tonight, and the two nights they would spend at sea, with only the narrow bunk bed to share. He smiled and almost didn’t care.
It was worth it.
Brianna stirred, a feeling of warm contentment seeping through every bone in her body. She lay curled up next to Lyall, her back resting against his chest and his arm snaked around her waist. If only she didn’t have to move. But the sun would start to lighten the sky outside the window soon, already she could see the stars beginning to dim.
She rolled over, managing to do so without dislodging Lyall’s arm, and stared up at him. He was a mage, and today he was going to take her away to the land of the mages. She should be terrified.
But she wasn’t.
She should feel guilty about these feelings she had for him. She was supposed to be home with Mianna and Terion, living that life with them, but she knew that would never give her these feelings. She thought, even more guiltily, about Kylis, whom she’d thought she loved desperately. But even he had never invoked the sort of passionate emotions Lyall seemed to.
Was it because he was older? He had blanched when she mentioned her age last night, though he’d said nothing. And it hadn’t stopped him coming into bed with her. But even though his desire had been obvious, he had made no move whatsoever to pressure her into sex. In fact, he hadn’t even kissed her.
Which was a relief. Much as her
body and heart might want to, her head was not yet convinced, not with so many uncertainties in her future.
The bed was so warm and comfortable, she felt herself drifting back to sleep. She knew she shouldn’t, that she should instead get up and start getting ready to go, but the impulse was too great.
When she woke again, some time later, she opened her eyes to look into Lyall’s face smiling down at her. “Good morning, Brianna,” he said huskily.
A feeling of excitement stirred in her loins as she realised how closely she was pressed up against him. She could feel his arousal, throbbing against her pelvis, and her breathing quickened.
“Good morning, Lyall,” she managed, just before he kissed her.
Her lips parted instinctively and he deepened the kiss. The closeness of their bodies and the feel of his lips, soft on hers, was intoxicating, and Brianna gave a soft groan at the feelings flooding her. If he had pushed her then, she would have eagerly given in.
But he didn’t. His hands didn’t move from her waist, even though her whole body quivered with the desire for his touch. His kisses were desperate and intense, and his body pressed against hers, leaving her wanting all over. She did not want him to stop, but she wasn’t quite sure what it was she did want. And it didn’t matter. Nothing mattered except the feeling of his lips on hers, and his body pressed against hers.
Tentatively, Brianna slid her hands up from his waist, behind his shoulders, pulling him closer to her. She could feel his muscles rippling under his shirt, and he groaned softly against her lips. Experimenting, she slid her hands back down, past his waist to the curve of his buttocks. His breeches were well fitting, only serving to accentuate the curve as her hand slid over it.
He groaned again and pulled back, his breathing ragged. “Brianna?” He seemed as uncertain as she was. She paused in her movement, her hand just resting, her own breathing just as uneven and stared into his eyes. He groaned again and said reluctantly. “We should get up, we’ll miss the tide.”
He was asking her, leaving the decision up to her, but she could see that he was by no means certain himself. “That is probably a good idea,” she said, just as reluctantly.
He kissed her again, slightly less intensely, then rolled over to the edge of the bed and sat up. His breathing was still heavy, and when he glanced back at her, his eyes were still dark with desire. She knew that all it would take was one word and he would be back in the bed, so she said nothing.
After a few intense moments, he let out his breath and stood up. “I’d better go get my things. We’d better hurry. The sun will be up in half an hour.” His hair was tousled, and his clothes crumpled, but Brianna thought he had never looked more endearing.
She nodded. “I’ll get dressed and meet you downstairs in a few minutes?” Downstairs was neutral territory, far safer than the bedroom.
Lyall nodded agreement with a rueful smile. “Five minutes,” was all he said, and Brianna nodded.
Once he had left the room and closed the door behind him, she fell back on the bed and gave herself a few moments to think about what had almost happened.
Was it insanity to go with him? It was only a matter of time before they got to the point where one of them didn’t pull back. She needed to stop pretending that this wasn’t serious, and that they weren’t involved. It was plain that they were.
And Lyall wasn’t just after a quick fling either, otherwise he wouldn’t be holding back. He would propose marriage, she was certain of it.
What would she do then?
Convincing everyone she was dead and running away had seemed such a good idea at the time—a neat solution to a tricky problem. But with the addition of Lyall, it had suddenly become far more serious. Could she leave her family, leave Mianna, break all the laws of her village, to stay with Lyall?
What alternative did she have? Having known Lyall, she couldn’t possibly go back and live with Mianna and Terion. She tried to imagine it, but the thought just filled her with horror. She shied away from the thought of even kissing Terion, let alone anything more. Not that he would force her, he wasn’t the type. But a life without ever feeling the things Lyall stirred in her would be unbearable.
Did the mages follow the twin law? She should have asked Lyall. But no, she couldn’t, not without telling him about Mianna. She should tell him. But that would bring up even more complications. If it was law where he lived, maybe it would be enough to make him pull back. Maybe he would even think she should go home.
Even if they didn’t, it wouldn’t matter, Mianna wasn’t in the mages town, she was in Eryvale, and the twin law would be broken there, even if Brianna married somewhere else. If she wanted Lyall, it would have to be without marriage.
Could she do that? Was it any less wrong than marrying him would be?
No answers appeared to her, and there seemed little alternative to her current path, so instead of dwelling on it, she threw back the covers and began to dress. It took only a few moments to pull on a pair of trousers and shirt and to buckle on her sword, which it seemed only fitting to wear when setting out on an adventure such as this. She pulled a brush through her hair and braided it—she wouldn’t want hair flying in her face. Then she put her remaining change of clothes into her backpack and she was ready to go.
The hallway was empty when she stepped out. Lyall waited for her in the kitchen with Syrid and Elsian. His eyes were warm and smiling when she walked into the room, a look only for her, and she could not help an answering smile and a blush. Syrid and Elsian looked away, but she was conscious of their presence, so kept her distance a little.
Lyall cleared his throat, then gestured to her sword. “Do you know how to use that?”
She gave him a scornful look. “Would I be wearing it otherwise?”
He laughed. “Probably not. But you would be surprised at the number of people I’ve known who’ve worn one just for show.”
She nodded acceptance. “Well, you can rest assured that should the occasion ever arise, I know how to use it.”
For a moment’s uncertainty, she wasn’t sure if she was warning him or not. It hadn’t been her intention, when she’d chosen to don the weapon, but now, it was somewhat comforting to know that she could defend herself. It made her feel a little less nervous about the chance she was taking.
“That’s good to know,” Lyall said, “although it is unlikely the occasion will occur on this journey.” Then he turned to Syrid and Elsian. “It is time for us to go, or we’ll miss the tide. Thank you for your hospitality.” He held out his hand and Syrid shook it.
Elsian gave him a hug, and to Brianna’s surprise, hugged her too. “Take care, both of you.”
Brianna hugged her back. “I will.”
As they walked outside, the city was just beginning to wake up, sounds of cooking and preparation in the houses around them, but very few people were out on the streets this early. None the less, Brianna was occupied watching every person who passed them, fearing being recognised at this late date. Lyall took her hand, and hurried them through the almost empty streets.
It was busier at the harbour, with many ships planning on leaving on the morning tide, but they made it to Lyall’s ship without incident. “How about you go below until we’re out of range of the harbour?” Lyall suggested.
Brianna nodded. She wouldn’t feel completely safe until they were away from Bymere. So she carefully made her way down the steep narrow staircase.
It was only when she was in the small cabin, that she realised how little space there was. The small, narrow bunk would fit both of them, but it would be close quarters. How long would they be at sea?
She put her backpack down on the bench and sat on the edge of the bed. It was surprisingly soft for its style, and as she looked around, she realised that all the furnishings, though crowded, were high quality, even nicer than those in the inn.
The ship moved under her as Lyall cast off from the dock. For a moment, the movement disorientated her, and she wondered ho
w she was going to move around the ship when it swayed so. The riverboat hadn’t moved like this. She closed her eyes and opened them to find Lyall coming down the stairs.
“Are you all right?” he asked in concern.
She nodded. “I think so, it’s just the movement of the ship. It makes me feel… weird.”
Lyall nodded. “It does that. Some people feel violently ill, but most get their sea legs in a couple of days.”
“A couple of days? How long do you think the trip will take?”
“Two nights if we get a good wind, three or even four if it’s lacking.”
Brianna giggled, feeling a little light headed, partly at the fact that she was leaving her home, and all she had ever known, and partly at being on the tiny ship with Lyall for three to four days. “That should be… interesting,” she said.
Lyall blushed, but all he said was, “I think we’re far enough from shore that no one would recognise us. Do you want to come up on deck and see?”
Brianna stood up, wobbling a little. She was starting to get her balance, when the ship tilted suddenly to the right, throwing her into Lyall’s arms.
He caught her easily, completely steady of his feet, and set her upright again. He didn’t, however, let go of her. She looked up at him, suddenly feeling heat flush her body. “I’m not sure I’m going to make it,” she said breathlessly.
He laughed, a throaty sound deep in his chest that made her knees feel weak. “I’ll help you.” He took her hand and helped her across to the stairs.
Brianna looked up at them, suddenly not sure that ascending in this unstable world was such a good idea, but Lyall urged her on. “I’ll be right behind you. I promise I’ll catch you if you fall.”
“You’d better, or we’ll both end up in a heap on the floor,” she warned and put her foot on the first step.
Cautiously, she advanced up the stairs, holding onto the rails on both sides. Once or twice she bumped into the walls, but she managed to remain upright.
True to his word, Lyall followed right behind her. So close in fact, that his head was level with the small of her back, and his arms, holding the rails as hers were, were almost around her.
