Page 17 of Heart's Keeper

"You're sure you're fine?" Lana asked after a pause.

"I am well, yes."

"What were you and the others talking about?"

"Just their part in this mission. I have assigned them to build a few types of explosives in case they are needed."

"And?" Lana said.

"And what?"

"Did you...did you say anything to Krel about what happened between you two before takeoff?"

"Ah," Xerus scratched at his neck. "Yes. I explained I wasn't feeling well. They understood."

Lana frowned. "That's it?"

"They were concerned at first, but I assured them I was fine and that it was misbehavior on my part. I took the blame and said they should no longer worry about it."

Lana tilted her head at him. "And they accepted your reasoning?"

"Yes, we are on better terms now."

Lana nodded though she still watched him carefully, waiting for any signs of change and seeing none. "But you're feeling better now?"

"Yes, better. Meditation and sleep helped, I think." Xerus reached out and brought her close to him. "I did not worry you too much, did I?"

Lana knew she couldn't lie to him. After her and Xilya's discussion and how he had acted back on Tryth, she couldn't casually blow it off. "You did, actually," she confessed. "I'd never seen you act that way. You scared me."

Xerus' expression grew very serious. "Scared you?"

Lana nodded. " Xerus, I think something might be very wrong."

Xerus rubbed her back gently. "Whatever it was, I believe it has passed. I feel much more clear now."

"But what if it hasn't passed?" Lana asked. "What if it gets worse?"

Xerus didn't seem to know what to say at first, and there were few times he was ever without words. After a long moment, he said, "If I begin to feel unwell again, then I will meditate some more. But believe me when I say I am well now and here with you. My head no longer hurts, I no longer even feel restless or distracted. I feel the most calm I've felt since before returning to Tryth."

"Do you think it was something at home that was making you act that way?" Lana said, surprised.

"Maybe so." Xerus cupped her jaw in his hand and lifted her head. "But the storm has passed. You needn't be afraid."

Lana felt a small weight lift off her chest. Maybe it was true. Maybe it was something back on Tryth that had been affecting him and, now that they were away, he was himself again. She let out a slow breath and wrapped an arm around him. She rose up on her toes, and he, in turn, lowered his head and grazed his mouth to hers with a rough kiss.

"Don't scare me like that again," Lana said after they parted.

"With all my will," he replied.

"We might have to deal with the problem when we get back to Tryth."

"Then we will after, if it is still a problem."

Though relieved, Lana wondered if she should still mention to him about her and Xilya's conversation when the door to the chamber slid open, and one of the dirra swept through in a hurry.

"I don't mean to intrude," she said with a bow. "But Xilya is asking for you both. She says it is urgent."

Lana glanced up at him, and he in turn gazed down at her. Lana separated from him then turned to the crew-woman. "Then we will see her."

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