Page 76 of The King's Sword
“No one will know.” He leaned forward, tilting her neck to the side and kissing it just as she’d imagined.
“I’ll know.” It didn’t matter how much Sabine wanted this. She was married and couldn’t be with another man. She’d already crossed the line by kissing him earlier.
He stilled. “I…ah…apologize.” He cleared this throat and released her, turning his head to the side, away from her.
When she moved to peer into his eyes, she noticed tears in them. Her heart hurt. She pinched her eyes shut, not wanting to see the pain and sorrow on his face. The problem was that she wanted this too. She wanted her first time to be with someone she truly cared for. But it didn’t matter what she wanted. And if she gave herself to Evander, Rainer would know. Even if no one found out, Rainer would when they finally consummated their marriage. Evander didn’t understand that because he assumed she’d already been with a man before.
“What is it?” Evander asked.
She shook her head, unable to tell him any of this.
“Oh.” He took another step away from her. “I didn’t realize you were keeping something from me. I thought…”
They barely knew each other. This thing between them had taken her by surprise. “I’m sorry,” she said. She didn’t know what else to say to him. “I wish things were different, but they’re not.”
His brows pulled together as he studied her before nodding. “I would have always wonderedwhat ifif I hadn’t tried.” He smiled. “There are a few things I need to do to prepare for our journey. You may remain here and rest if you like.”
She nodded, exhausted from everything she’d been through.
After he left, she went over and laid on the bed, breathing in the smell of Evander as the tears she’d been holding back finally started to fall.
* * *
Someone shook Sabine’s shoulder. She peeled her eyelids open and found Evander sitting beside her on the bed.
“It’s time for us to go,” he said.
She sat up, rubbing her eyes. She must have fallen asleep yesterday and slept straight through the night, having missed supper. She peered through the windows, seeing the dark sky. “Is it morning?”
“It is.” He stood and reached out to help her.
She took hold of his hand, and he pulled her up. Two bags were near the door.
“Carin packed yours,” he said when he saw her staring at them. Then he pointed to the bathing room. “I put something for you to wear in there. Once you’ve changed, we’ll go.”
She stood and stretched before heading to the bathing room where she quickly removed the beautiful purple dress and put on the loose pants and tunic Evander had picked out.
When she exited, she found him standing next to the door holding both their bags.
“Thank you for bringing me here,” she said as she joined him. “I’m glad I got to see your palace and meet your family.”
The two of them exited the building.
“Even though I managed to get you poisoned?”
“That wasn’t your fault. Besides, I stabbed you. I think we’re even.” She tried to keep her voice lighthearted. “Although you did kidnap me.” She poked his side.
He chuckled. “Feel free to return the favor at any time.” Using his shoulder, he nudged hers.
Their banter felt like before, and Sabine welcomed it. This is what she wanted—the easy friendship between them. Not the desire and attraction. That was too confusing. Friendship she could handle.
The rain had stopped but the ground remained wet. They crossed over the bridge and made their way to the gate in the wall surrounding the compound. The sentries on duty allowed them through. At the dock, they climbed into a small boat similar to the one they’d previously used when traversing the canal.
Sabine took the front bench while Evander sat on the rear one. After tucking their bags under the seats, he lifted the stick and pushed the boat away from the bank. They quickly got caught in the current, and it carried them along. They traveled in silence, neither one of them speaking. When they came to a split, Evander steered them south.
As the sky lightened, the canal became more crowded with other boats.
“I want to apologize,” Evander said. “My behavior yesterday was inexcusable, and I should never have pushed you like that. Please forgive me.”
