Page 194 of The Robin on the Oak Throne

“That he erased it, or the spell did. I’m not sure.”

“But you’re going to find out.”

“That’s the plan,” she conceded. “When we get to that point in my memory, it always jumps forward. And that’s when I hit a second block. Graves took me to the hospital to see a psychiatrist.”

Ethan’s jaw dropped. “Really?”

“Yes. Contrary to Druid training, Graves cares about me. The psychiatrist said that my brain was shielding me from a traumatic incident. And I think it’s how my parentsdied.”

Ethan’s face dropped. “Oh, Kierse.”

“I know,” she said, sinking to the floor and putting her back to the tree. Ethan dropped down next to her. “Going through memories is never great, but I just…don’t know if I want to even see that.”

“Maybe you forgot them for a reason. Maybe it’s for the better.”

“Maybe, but the psychiatrist said that I needed to face what happened to me.” She shrugged. “All of it’s fucked up.”

“I’m sorry I haven’t been there for any of this,” Ethan told her.

“I’m glad you’re here now.”

Ethan wrapped her up in a hug, and something seemed to fit back together inside her.

They were silent a few minutes before Kierse nudged him and asked, “So, are you going to see Corey tonight?”

Ethan ducked his head. “We might have made plans.”

“And you’re coming to the wedding?”

“I’ll be there.” He removed his hat and ran a hand over his hair. “Going to need to get a new fade first.”

Kierse laughed. “Ah, there’s my vain boy.”

Ethan pushed her shoulder. “Remind me why you’re my friend.”

“Because you love me.”

“I do,” he confirmed.

Kierse sighed with relief. Maybe finally the thing between them was getting back on track.

“Oh,” she gasped. Her hand went to her chest.

“Are you okay?”

She rubbed the spot reflexively. “Lorcan’s back.”

Ethan’s eyes widened. “I didn’t know he was gone.”

She shot him a look. “You think we would have done all of this without interruption otherwise?”

“I guess I didn’t think about it.” He frowned. “You really hate that you’re connected, don’t you?”

Kierse rose to her feet and dusted her hands off on her shorts. “It’s complicated.”

“Is it because it’s Lorcan? Would you be fine if it was Graves?” he asked through gritted teeth.

“I don’t hate Lorcan,” she said automatically and was surprised to find it was true. “Maybe he isn’t as bad as I’ve made him out to be. He took care of my best friend, after all.”

---