Page 60 of The Duke and the Disciple

They dressed in silence, stealing charged glances in place of words. Aesylt was desperate to talk about what had happened after they’d retreated to their own beds, but every time she got a bolt of courage, the moment seemed off. Either his back was turned or he was washing his face, or it was some other excuse her mind invoked to let her off easy.

The little splintered grunt he’d made when he had come played over and over and over.

An exhilarated thrill tore across her chest. The way he’d kissed her... It certainly hadn’t felt very clinical. Very scientific. How he’d snapped her close... a small shard of his reserve disintegrating. When she completed her notes after morning meal, she’d spend additional time describing those fractional moments. If she were brave enough, she’d write about how they’d made her feel.

In the celestial realm, he was another man, less inhibited and more himself. She couldn’t wait to learn more.

Rahn mouthed the wordsafter youas he waited at the open door leading to the stairs. She flicked her eyes toward his, then demurely averted them, slipping past with a racing heart. He was close behind her all the way down, his steps echoing alongside hers in perfect concert. When they reached the bottom and the open arch leading to the small courtyard garden, she turned, once again seized by a moment of courageousness, but a gregarious greeting stopped her.

“Dobryzen, Aesylt, Rahn.” Pieter took a crunchy bite of a mostly eaten apple and tossed it into a bush. His hood was pulled low and taut, and Aesylt soon realized why. It was pouring rain. She’d been so preoccupied getting ready, she hadn’t even noticed the weather. “I trust you both slept well?”

Aesylt tried not to look at Rahn when she answered. “Yes, thank you. You were right. It’s the perfect location to see the stars.” She tugged her hood into place with a shiver. A man who looked like Hal, but was taller, nodded at her and she nodded back. Kezza, she presumed.

He made a hunh sound. “Not last night, I reckon. Another storm coming in.”

“Yes, well, we didn’t do any stargazing last night, with how tired we both were. You know, we both went to sleep almost immediately, hardly even spoke if I’m being honest, but I’m sure it will...” She looked to Rahn for help.

“Stunning views,” Rahn agreed, patting his vest like he’d forgotten something.

Pieter slowly nodded as he regarded them both. “Good. I trust you’ll pass many productive nights here.” He turned and started toward the keep.

“Many,” Aesylt replied, then shrugged and winced at Rahn when he gave her an incredulous look.

They jogged behind Pieter, racing to get out of the rain. Her head was down when her boots hit dry stone, so she didn’t see the towering man until she smacked into him. “Lord Dereham,” she said, looking up. “Forgive me, I?—”

Rustan Dereham smooshed her in a bighearted hug. “Our resilient little wulf cub has returned” were his first words, in a singsong voice that sounded peculiar with his deep, booming tone. He released her, holding her at arm’s length. “It has been far too long, Aesylt. You needn’t wait for tragedy for an excuse to visit. Tell your brother as much.”

Aesylt bowed and smiled gratefully. “You’re right, my lord. And I will pass the message to Drazhan as well.”

“And you are not just the first duke to grace our halls, but twice now!” Rustan tipped a respectful nod at Rahn. “Though I seem to recall you telling us you prefer no deference?”

“Duke is a title I happily left behind in Duncarrow when I came to the Northerlands,” Rahn said graciously. “I’ve always preferred Rahn.”

“Scholar Tindahl,” Pieter said, chiming in. “Is what he goes by now.”

“A man of many names is a man who has lived.” Rustan sized Rahn up once more. “Duke or scholar, though, I trust our Aesylt is safe in your hands and that no oversight of your studies will be necessary.”

Aesylt read the threat, and from the look on Rahn’s face, so had he.

“Steward Wynter was fine with your arrangement in the tower, but you both understand that after nightfall, you’re to stay put. No wandering. The courtyard is teeming with guards. Hal and Kez are the best you could ask for. You needn’t worry about being safe,” he said. “But I’m asking you, Scholar, from one honorable man to another, if the arrangement works for you.”

“I would never let harm reach her. We’re comfortable with one another and will not require alternate arrangements,” Rahn answered, his cheeks tightening. “We thank you for your hospitality while Steward Wynter works to resolve matters at home.”

“The Barynovs won’t be put down so easily. Weak men seek validation, not resolution. Your steward has his work ahead of him, dealing with that unruly baron. All Drazhan has to do is say the word, and we’ll send men, end the whole ordeal. Ezra Wynter wouldn’t have been too ashamed to call upon the generosity of his lord.” Rustan tapped his chest with a cough. “Felice and Nyssa are already in the Great Hall and are beside themselves to see you, Aesylt. Stewardess Wynter should be there by now as well. Shall we?”

Rustan went ahead of Aesylt and Rahn, with Pieter falling behind. Aesylt was bursting to say something to the scholar, but the Dereham sandwich limited her options. “Quite the rain we’re having. I’d guess it’ll freeze over later,” she remarked.

“Treacherous, isn’t it?” Rahn scratched his fingers down his neck and tugged on his collar. “We’ll need to be mindful on the walk back.”

“Our men take the salt from the mines and lay it down on all surfaces the moment rain falls,” Pieter said from behind. “You needn’t worry about safety in your lord’s domain.”

Rustan stiffened when his son spoke.

No one else said anything until they entered the Great Hall. Aesylt spotted Imryll in the center of the endless table and broke away, rushing toward her. Imryll stood and wrapped Aesylt in a fierce embrace and whispered, “We’ll talk after.”

Aesylt kissed her cheek. “Where’s Aleksy?”

“In the nursery with Hadden.”

---