Page 49 of Real

Talking with Timothy was so easy.

“Also, if any of them like country music, I think it’s nice.”

I’m asking for Skatt to find a man exactly like Timothy for me. That isn’t fair. I should try to like my mate on his own merits, not because he reminds me of someone else.

Skatt raises his eyebrows at that statement. “Country, huh? That might be a hard sell for this crowd, but I’ll ask them. Why don’t I get Einar, and he can take you to a room on the next floor?”

“Okay.”

I wring my hands while I wait. What if the guy I choose bonds to me out of obligation, and he’s miserable with me? What if I’m a terrible skatt, and the Illusors change their minds? What if the guy I choose tonight can’t bond with me because he’s not actually attracted to me? Then Candlewick will be stuck in prison and all the Illusors will gossip about how the new skatt is hideous.

“Hey,” a voice says next to me.

I jerk my head to see Einar sitting on the couch. I was so anxious, I didn’t even notice he’d come in.

“Sorry.” I’m already messing this up.

Einar holds out his hand to me, palm up.

“I thought you didn’t shake hands,” I say.

He smiles. “I am not trying to shake your hand. I would like to hold it. Perhaps I am being too bold?”

I look down at his hand. If I want to free Candlewick, I have to do this. I clench my teeth and grab for it.

“You act as if holding my hand is as bad as getting a shot,” he says, still smiling.

“I’m sorry—”

“It’s okay. I know your heart belongs to Timothy. He told me that you liked physical affection. And ice cream.” He laughs. “I don’t have any of that, so holding hands will have to do.”

Timothy told him to give me physical affection. Tears spring to my eyes. He was willing to hand me over just like that?

“Hey, hey. It was very hard for him to leave, skatten min. I understand why you are so taken with him. He’s a good man.”

It’s nice that Einar doesn’t mind talking about Timothy. At least I don’t have to hide the feelings I still have for another man.

“I know this must be hard for you. I want you to know that I can be whatever you need me to be. I can be your friend. I can be your mate, but only in name for the first little while until we’ve gotten to know each other better. I can be your boyfriend while you figure things out. I can even be one of several guys you date until you know who you want to settle down with. Whatever works for you, okay?”

That’s too many options. They swim in my head until I remember that things are actually quite simple.

“My friend is in trouble with the law for helping me. I need to be human to get him out of jail. I have to choose a mate and bond to someone tonight.”

He lets out a loud breath. “Wow. Okay. We better get upstairs then, huh? The rooms there are more comfortable.”

Those are the rooms where the Illusors create private illusions, and even let guests touch their light sometimes.

“Are there yarons up there?” I ask.

He holds back a smile. “Skatt said you didn’t need one, but if you want, I can probably track one down.”

“No, sorry. I’m tired.” It’s been such a long day, and I didn’t get to sleep much last night.

“There’s a bed upstairs. Maybe you can take a nap.”

I shake my head. I don’t have time for a nap. Skatt said I needed a full night to bond with my future mate. I stand up and tug on Einar’s hand to come with me. He moves slowly, the way Timothy does.

If I have to be with someone, Einar isn’t so bad. He leads me to a staircase at the end of the hall.

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