Chapter 33 #3
“Sorry, Naya. It’s just—that guy spells trouble. He isn’t good for you.”
“I’m too busy trying to survive to think of anything else.”
The boy was silent for a moment, and I had my suspicions about what he’d say next. So, even prepared, it was hard to control myself and not lose complete restraint over the magic keeping me hidden because, of course, I was right.
“Tomorrow, come with us. With me. I can keep you safe as well. We’ll ride to Ivreiana and have you pardoned. You won’t have to hide anymore once we’ve done that.”
“Bryon—you don’t even know if the gentry will grant a pardon.”
“Naya, listen to me. I know they will. I’ll call in the royal favor I’ve earned if necessary.
And afterward, we’ll be able to go wherever you want to.
If you don’t wish to return to Credenta, we won’t have to.
I don’t care about going back. All I wish for is to be with you, Nayana. Do you understand?”
My hiding spot vibrated in anger when the boy stepped closer to Nayana.
He’d better watch his hands. My Naya looked like a deer trapped in the hunter’s snare.
The urge to materialize and whisk her far away from the boy became unbearable.
The only reason I didn’t do it was that she would hate it if I intervened—even more than dealing with that lovesick puppy herself.
“Not really. A royal favor is huge. Don’t use it on me. Just as I don’t want you to upend your whole life and follow me to where I’ll end up when all this is over.” Her tone was deflecting, much to my amusement. But of course, the youngling didn’t get the hint.
“Nothing is too big for you. Also, I thought more about moving somewhere together, Naya.”
“Bryon—”
“Don’t you want that too? We can settle down somewhere, start a family. Together. I’m sure you’ll be an amazing mother, and I swear to you I won’t make the same mistakes as your father.”
He hadn’t just—dear gods, he had. He'd really suggested that.
Nayana looked dumbfounded, and the sheer audacity must have stolen her words and actions because she stayed silent, allowing the boy to invade her personal space.
Hot fury burned me from the inside out, and something urged me to tear him to pieces, to eliminate the boy who thought he could present himself as competition to me.
My shadow rippled as I was about to intervene, no matter the consequences.
“Just think about it, Naya. We grew up together. The only reason I kept my distance back then was because I had to leave to join the army. But I’m not bound anymore. I want you, Naya, like nothing else. I want to spend my whole life with you. Please, come with me.”
Counting down from three, I was determined to interfere should she not move or speak once I’d reached zero.
The infuriating boy splayed his paws all over her waist and stared down at her pleadingly.
I just ended my countdown when Nayana finally stepped away from the boy and his filthy hands.
Again, he’d touched what was mi—oh no, not going there, definitely not.
“Bryon, I…listen, I’m really flattered, but please, I can’t settle down, not with you or anyone. That isn’t who I am, and you know it.”
“Don’t be mad at her, but Rewi let it slip that you have a crush on me. Please Naya, you don’t have to be afraid.”
Someone should tell the boy that pleading wasn’t a good look on him.
It was written on Nayana’s face how uncomfortable it was for her to deal with this.
For some unknown reason, she still refrained from hurting the youngling.
I wouldn’t have such reservations, which proved once again how much she needed me in her life.
“I’m not afraid, Bryon. Maybe a bit pissed at Rewi, but that’s between her and me.
And yes, I had a crush on you once, but that was winters ago.
The future you’re envisioning—it’s not the one I want.
I’ll never be able to be the one giving you that life, and leading you on wouldn’t be fair.
You’re a good person, Bryon, and you deserve the kind of happiness you seek.
But you won’t find it with me.” Nayana fell silent for a moment while utter defeat crept into the boy’s features.
“Also, I’m busy enough trying to get out of this mess I’m in.
I have no time to even think about romance and relationships.
So please, save your favor. Don’t spend it on me, but use it for something worth it. ”
“You are worth it.” The boy was stubborn and persistent, I had to give him that—and I could almost respect him for it.
“Bryon, please understand—”
“You may reject me now, but I won’t give up. Won’t stop trying to save you, nor attempting to win your heart. Forget the future, ignore what I’ve said about you and me. Just join Rewi and me. Please.”
I’d had enough. My patience was spent. I moved a few shadows back, then stepped out of the darkness and stalked toward the two of them.
“There you are, Jama.” I caught her eyes while I pretended that I hadn’t eavesdropped the whole time. “I thought you’d be wiser than to go to dark places while being unprotected.”
“She isn’t unprotected. She’s with me.”
I only raised an eyebrow at the boy. “I’d repeat myself if I had any hope of getting my point across, but you seem rather dim. Why don’t you remove yourself and let the adults talk? Shoo.”
“Dion! Stop acting like a bastard.”
“It’s about time for you to see that I’m not acting. I’ve never made a secret out of it.”
Nayana let out a frustrated growl, and a chuckle was rising in my throat. Sometimes, this tiny woman could be so adorable.
“We were talking, and you’ve barged into our conversation unwanted. So leave.”
The boy must have a death wish, as he not only interrupted Naya and me but also slipped into the space between the two of us while puffing his chest.
This confirmed it. The youngling longed for his death, and I was just in the mood to fulfill his desire.