Page 64 of The Night Prince 2

Rhalyf sighed. “His nephew. My mother is–was–his sister. I’m sure she’s dead, too, if she didn’t get away. I learned about the plot at the last moment by pure luck. I fled. Leaving everything behind but the clothes on my back.”

“He’s your uncle?!” Finley blinked rapidly. “So you really do know everything–”

“Finley, I normally love your fan-boying over the Kindreth. It’s quite refreshing. But not about him. Not right now,” Rhalyf sighed. He scrubbed his face again. “I have to restore my looks before we get out here. And we should get out of here as fast as possible. This place makes my skin itch.”

“Oh,” Finley couldn’t help the note of disappointment in his voice. “Of course, you have to hide yourself. Can’t let anyone else see you like this. But…”

He stared long and hard at Rhalyf, wanting to memorize his real looks.

That had Rhalyf blinking again, but then giving him a rakish smile. “Now, now, I am just as beautiful with my glamour on.”

“No, you’re not,” Finley hadn’t meant it to come out that harshly. That really had Rhalyf confused. “I mean you’re handsome. Of course, you are. No one would deny that. But your–your natural looks are better.”

A soft smile crossed the Kindreth’s face. “Well, you really are a poet, Finley. Thank you. But I’m afraid that only you will think that of me.”

They both stood up. Finley watched him carefully. He wanted to see exactly how the glamour was done. But Rhalyf turned and started heading deeper into the woods.

“Where are you going?” Finley hopped after him.

“Getting away from this spot. I am uncertain if any more little surprises were left that would be triggered by my magic. And I need some privacy,” Rhalyf explained with a pointed look at the last. Finley’s disappointment must have been written large on his face. “Will that be your payment then? Watching me perform spells? You know you could ask most anything and I would have to give it to keep my secret.”

“I wouldn’t do that,” Finley answered steadily.

“I… I appreciate that,” Rhalyf frowned. “You know that this puts me completely in your debt.”

“And that makes you uncomfortable?” Finley lifted an eyebrow.

“Well, no… and yes. I admit that when I imagined–when I allowed myself to be terrified by imagining–that I would be found out, I never thought I would get the reaction you’re giving me,” Rhalyf told him. His red eyes glowed softly. “One of wonder and…

“Friendship,” Finley finished.

“Yes. Friendship. You hardly even seem surprised! Which is interesting and a little worrying if I’m honest.” Rhalyf frowned.

“You were a little free when you spoke of the Kindreth. Too knowledgeable.”

“Yes, but I could just be a scholar like you!” Rhalyf protested.

“True, but you spoke with personal knowledge. Though I admit that I didn’t really put two and two together until I saw the evidence.” Finley gestured to his eyes and hair.

Rhalyf nodded. “Fair enough. I’m just grateful, I suppose, is the right word.”

“You’re the first elf who has ever looked at me and saw me as someone worthy to talk to. You treat me like I’m your equal even though I can’t do the things you do,” Finley admitted.

A crooked smile crossed Rhalyf’s face. “Most people can’t do the things I do.”

Finley let out a dry laugh. “Yes, well, that makes the fact that you talk to me the way you do matter even more.”

It was Rhalyf’s turn to touch Finley’s face. His right hand curled around Finley’s left cheek. His thumb lightly traced the line of his jaw. “Finley, anyone who doesn’t see how extraordinary you are is a fool.” Then he was turning and heading into the treeline. “Now, stay there. Don’t go anywhere.”

“I’m not. I have so many questions!” Finley called after him.

“Questions! Ha! Of course. Well, question away,” Rhalyf said.

Finley rocked back and forth happily. He would have first hand knowledge. Prime information. This was brilliant! “At least I know your version of ah him tonight for my game will be very accurate.”

There was a snort-laugh. “Yes, I suppose it will be though I doubt anyone but you and I will know that fact.”

“We’re the only ones who matter,” Finley said.

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