Page 48 of The Night Prince 6

“Ah, I admit I’m curious about Haera and all of Rhalyf’s family,” Aquilan murmured. Declan remained looking forward. “His skills in weaving magic are truly unmatched.”

“Such a powerful family in your corner would be a good thing?” Declan asked.

“Yes, it would, but Rhalyf…” He broke off. Even telling Declan some of his suppositions about Rhalyf’s family seemed wrong. “I definitely have the feeling that something has happened. Maybe many somethings. And he was trying to leave that all behind so…”

Declan did not respond. His expression was studiously blank. Perhaps Rhalyf had said something to Finley who had said something to Declan… But when would that have happened? They’d had no time to recover since Illithor in truth. So that seemed unlikely but… He didn’t know. Maybe he was imagining things.

They next found Finley and Rhalyf in a quiet corner of the tent, feet stretched out onto chairs, and with Finley looking intently at a book. But the moment they started towards the two, the young man slipped the book beneath his shirt and put on a smile.

Did that come from the Temple of the Necrilem? It looks very old…

“Heading out?” Rhalyf smiled.

His best friend seemed lighter than he had been before. But there was an almost hopeful brittleness about him, too. Aquilan tilted his head to the side. Something had happened that night to both relieve Rhalyf of some burden, but it was not gone altogether yet.

“Yes, I think the evening is winding down,” Aquilan finally answered. “Will you two join us on the walk back?”

Rhalyf opened his lips to answer, but Finley said, “Rhalyf has promised to show me some more magic.” He threaded the fingers of his nearest hand through Rhalyf’s. “I wouldn’t want to delay the two of you with all of that.”

“Unless you would feel safer with us by your side,” Rhalyf offered, though he looked eager to show Finley magic too, but still guilty he was shirking his duty to Aquilan.

Truly, his friends did think him in need of protection and care! Even the one who knew best that he was quite capable of protecting not only himself but all of them. Still, he knew that this was out of love and it warmed him instead of irritating him.

“I think I am quite safe enough.” Aquilan squeezed Declan’s arm.

“He will be safe,” Declan stated simply.

Rhalyf slowly nodded. “Then he shall be.”

Declan had a way of doing that. He said a thing and it was accepted, because he didn’t say anything he didn’t mean.

“Then we shall see you tomorrow,” Aquilan said fondly.

“Yes, Aquilan, about tomorrow…” Rhalyf half rose from his chair. His hand remained linked with Finley’s as if the young man was giving him support to say this.

“Yes?” He smiled at his best friend.

“Would you have time…” Rhalyf’s mouth opened and shut a few times, but then he rushed out, “Would you have time to have a quiet word?”

Aquilan blinked. Declan had been asked nearly the same thing by Haera and now Aquilan was being asked this by her brother. He slowly nodded.

“Of course, Rhalyf, I always have time for you,” Aquilan assured him.

Perhaps when Declan met with Haera, he would meet with Rhalyf. Then they would both have to decide whether such information could be shared.

Finally, they turned to the last person in their party: Vex. They swiftly moved on towards the Night King and… his bandmates. But six feet from his father, Declan froze and lifted up an eyebrow. No words–that he had heard in any case–had been spoken between them, in fact, Vex appeared to be flirting mercilessly with Cynda and another member of the band. He had a hand on both their knees. But, clearly, he had spoken to his son. His wink at the two of them confirmed that.

“My father won’t be joining us,” Declan said dryly and a little repressively, “He has plans. I won’t bore you with the details that he is laying out for me in incredible detail.”

Aquilan let out a sudden bark of laughter and shook his head. “Why am I not surprised? He could have his choice of almost anyone.”

“Yes, and he is reminding me of that,” Declan sighed.

Aquilan cast an affectionate glance at his Shadow. “It must be a little odd to have your father being so desired–”

“No,” Declan shook his head. “Anyone could see why others would be drawn to him. I just don’t…” Declan let out a soft breath. “I cannot imagine wanting to be with so many.”

“Are you more of a one-person lover, Declan?” he asked.