Page 11 of Elemental Affections

“It really doesn’t, and I’m not here in a teaching capacity.” He made a face. “I’d rather be continuing work at home, but needs must.”

Dae’s smile faltered. “I’m sorry that relief has been so slow in coming.”

“Yes, the speed of government.” His lip curled. “We’ve learned Rhell must rely on her own first when it comes to dedication. Attentions run short when personal investment isn’t a factor.”

Dae flushed anew. His wording was careful. Deliberate. Not an outright attack, yet it felt like one. Or maybe it simply tugged at a guilty conscience, for all that directing the government had nothing to do with her. Still, it was a dig, an unspokenI told you so, a reminder that she’d chosen poorly.

“Very wise,” she said, tone neutral. “I hope the university has the answers you’re looking for.”

“Indeed.” A furrow formed in his brow. “And so you’ve finally decided to come here as well? I can’t imagine your family sanctioned this endeavor.”

Dae’s eyes narrowed at the mocking edge to his tone. “I’m here because I want to be.”

“Did you not want to before?”

She took a sip of her lukewarm tea to collect her thoughts. “I’ve wanted a number of things over the years.”

“How very diplomatic of you.” There was something disappointed, almost bitter, in his tone. “But I would expect nothing less of a Helm.”

Dae bit the inside of her lip, fighting to keep her neutral mask in place. “It’s been lovely to catch up, but I’m—”

“I stopped by because I happened to overhear about your financial … situation,” Ezzyn said. “I could speak to the local branch here about assistance. The Sor’vahls have accounts at the bank in town.”

“Assistance,” Dae said slowly.

Ezzyn’s head cocked to the side, lips twitching again, this time with a smirk as his eyes roved over her. “If you’re here, should I presume you aren’t engaged anymore?”

Dae swallowed, aware of how his eyes fixed on her face. “No, but I— If you mean an exchange of, of, or for…”

He chuckled, a soft exhale of dark mirth as his teeth bared in a smile. “Ana, I think it’s a bit late for that. Though, if that’s how Helm Naval has been conducting business, I’ve underestimated what—”

“I-I— That wasn’t an offer!”

Ezzyn made a sweeping gesture with his hand. “We could structure it as a loan, if that’s more to your comfort.”

Dae stood, voice low but cold. “I don’t need your charity,Prince Sor’vahl.Whatever you may think of me—”

He put a hand out to stop her from brushing past. “Apologies, that was out of line.”

“It was.” She crossed her arms, shoulders hunching as she tried to calm the flurry of conflicting emotions roiling through her. She kept her gaze averted, focusing on the teapot as she added, “And it’s Anadae. Or Dae. Just not Ana.”

“Anadae,” Ezzyn said. “Sorry, old habits.”

“It’s … recent.”

“I see.” Ezzyn hesitated. “I am serious, though, about speaking to the bank. As a favor between friends,” he hastened to add.

If only it could be so easy. “I can’t … that’s nice of you to offer, but I can’t accept.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t need you to save me, Ezzyn,” she murmured, finally looking up at him.

He frowned, one hand smoothing over his chin as he thought. “Would you be open to work opportunities instead? I believe the university provides a generous stipend for that sort of thing.”

The prideful part of her wanted to decline on principle, his previous crack aboutarrangingfor assistance still needling under her skin. Practicality won out. “Possibly,” she said. “What did you have in mind?”

“In addition to shepherding along Gaz’s seminar, I’m continuing research for Magister Three,” Ezzyn said. “I could use a research assistant. All completely above board, managed through the university.”

---