Page 15 of Henry & the Dragon
She smiled at the use of her old nickname. Henry hoped that would be the end of it, but Mother wouldn’t let go of Merry’s find. Her face, that beautiful face he’d loved so much as a child, was now staring in horror.
“Tell me the problem, Henry. What happened?”
So he did. He told her about Kai, and how he was a true friend, even though they barely knew each other.
“Your eyes alight when you speak of him,” she said, a wide smile on her face. “Have you found love?”
He averted his gaze. “Of course not. Know you well it is forbidden.”
She reached out and took his hand in hers. “Oh, my darling son. Despite their many claims, the church doesn’t know everything. Your father and I? We were not married in thechurch. We were called heathens, because our parents still held with the old ways, and though we ourselves did not practice them, we also would not condemn our parents for doing so, nor would we cut them from our lives as the parish demanded. Your father and I knew that your heart would never belong to a woman. You were always destined for something else. Now, I ask again. Have you found love?”
Years of hearing how he’d go to Hell were still ingrained in Henry’s mind, but Kai’s words had pushed much of it aside, especially considering that he felt he deserved love, just like everyone else.
“I… am uncertain. Kai is unlike anyone I’ve ever met. He’s good and kind, and after Neron’s beating, I fear he—“
“What! Are you telling me those marks on your body are from Neron?” Meredith shrieked.
Henry nodded mutely, shame coursing through him.
“I’ll have Euric and his brothers visit Neron,” she vowed, her face red and fists clenched in rage. “They are big, strapping men and will surely teach him the error of his ways.”
“You’ll do no such thing,” Mother insisted, a sneer marring her beautiful face. “I’ll do it myself.”
“No. Neither of you will do anything,” Henry insisted. “I will not have you placed in prison or worse. Promise me, mother. I need you both to swear your oath to me.”
“But, Henry—“ Meredith began.
“No, Merry. Neither of you will do anything.”
“Very well,” she said, but Henry could tell she wasn’t happy.
“Mother?”
“I will make no such vow, my son.”
Fear gripped Henry’s heart. “Mother, I need you to hear me. I am off to the dark wood on this eve. Neron insists onmeeting Kai, because of a gift he gave me. He claims that I’ve stolen it, and that I could have done something to Kai.”
“What? That is such nonsense! You haven’t a hurtful bone in your body.”
“Be that as it may, I will not allow Kai to meet Neron. When he saw the cloak, Neron’s greed was evident. I do not know if Kai is of money, but I refuse to allow Neron to sink his talons into my friend.”
“What will you do?” Merry asked.
“I’ll insist that Kai leave straight away.”
“And what of you?”
What of Henry? “I… do not know. I can no longer work for Neron. Perhaps it would be best for all concerned if I were to simply vanish.”
“I forbid it!” Mother yelled, clutching Henry’s tunic. “I will not lose you again.”
He took her hands in his. “It will only be for a time. Kai must be safe, and I wouldst ensure that he escapes our lands lest Neron find him.”
“And what of you? What will happen if they catch you?”
Henry’s shoulders slumped. “My life will be forfeit.”
“Is Kai so important that you would willingly risk your life for him?”
