Page 74 of Journey to the Elderoak
They spun through the patrons as the music played on. “So, who are you taking home with you tonight?” she asked, scanning the room.
Jerking his head to his left he replied, “See her over there? With the long black hair and exquisite breasts?”
She followed his gaze. “It looks like she’s with that man next to her.”
“So, both of them will join.”
She laughed as he continued to lead her down the dance floor. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Do you ever want to…you know…settle down?” Maybe the alcohol made her bold, but she added, “This whole, ‘I sleep with everyone’ thing. Is it an act?”
His swagger faltered before he regained his composure, though something still lingered in his gray-blue eyes. “I once believed that was possible. It’s too late now,” he answered softly.
“Raine, I—” she began, about to apologize for bringing up a sore subject, when he interrupted.
“This isn’t a topic for a night such as tonight.” He smiled, sadness in his eyes gone again as he twirled her.
Quinn and Thorne were on the floor together enjoying each other as they spun by. Thorne released Quinn and approached Ava and Raine.
“May I cut in?”
“She’s all yours,” Raine replied as he let go and sauntered toward the couple he’d pointed out moments ago.
Thorne took Ava’s hand, leading her to dance once more. Quinn had pulled Casimir out of his seat, and they were now trotting across the floor.
“You’re doing a great job,” Thorne said as he spun her.
“It’s not as hard as I thought.”
“How are you?” he asked.
“Better. But I’m still terrified of the Elderoak journey. And the rest of this war.”
His expression hardened. “You are an Everwood, Ava,” he said, ever the king. “You remember how tenacious our mother was.” She nodded. “I’ve seen that in you as well. At times, you’re unsure. But when you allow yourself to let go of your fears, determination comes out and you become unyielding. Unwilling to give up.” They spun across the floor, and she looked at him, his eyes fierce. “I saw it the first time we met.”
Her lips curved into a small smile. “When you thought I was threatening you?”
He laughed quietly. “Yes. When you stood up to a king even though you were lost in an unknown world. And I’ve seen it every time you stand up for yourself. I know that strength came out in Saxumdale. You can do this.”
Her eyes glistened as her brother spoke. He believed in her. Truly believed in her and she hadn’t realized she needed his reassurance until now.
“It’s a lot of pressure,” she admitted. “That I’m the only one who can banish Deidamia.”
“It is,” he acknowledged. “But the thing about Monterre is,we don’t do anything alone. Other kingdoms are not quite like ours.”
“What do you mean?” she asked as he spun her and brought her back, leading them in between pairs of dancing revelers.
“We listen to each other’s opinions. I have the final say but I always consult Jorrar, the advisors, and often the others,” he explained. “Most of the other kings or queens demand blind devotion. They don’t allow their decisions to be questioned. Some have even been known to punish those who do.” He paused. “Our father was that way. A tyrant. I want to be questioned. I may not like it, but I respect it. I want all of you to call me out if you feel I’m being rash. It may not change my decision, but it makes me think about what’s best for everyone.”
Ava beamed at her brother. He was a leader who cared. “Why are you different from the others?”
“I don’t care about power,” he explained. “I care about peace.” He looked at her intensely. “So, like I said. You are not alone. We are in thistogether.”
She pulled him close, stopping their dance as she gave him a hug. “I’m proud to call you my brother.”
They were interrupted by Quinn and Casimir approaching.
