Page 96 of Heart of the High King
“I never meant for any of this.”
“I really wish you would stop blaming yourself for anything. You’ve done nothing wrong. You’re exactly where you should be, and I’m grateful that you filled out that application.”
“Are you still mad at me for not contacting you after I woke up from my coma?”
“Rafe, come on. I’m not angry at you for anything. Yes, I would’ve liked to hear from you because I worried about you and because you would already be healed. Sorcery D’Vaire could’ve spared you some of the pain you’ve gone through, but I’m not going to ever hold that against you.”
“How did you become such a good person, Sander?”
“I’m not so remarkable, but you are.”
“This pedestal you want to put me on is weird.”
“So is your insistence at not looking at me when we’re talking.”
“In your eyes I can see what you’re feeling, and it’s overwhelming because I expected you to be…I don’t know…over me or something.”
“I have no intention of ever getting over you. I doubt I could if I tried.”
“I know I can’t get over you.”
Aleksander placed a hand on Rafe’s bounty of soft curls. Gently pulling his head close, he kissed his temple. “Good. Now relax for a bit. I’ve got to go shake off some of this rage that wants to choke me. Then I’ll be back to check on you.”
“Okay, but I’m going to go to bed soon. I’m tired.”
“Get some rest. I’ll tuck you in if you’re already asleep,” Aleksander told him. Releasing him, he grabbed his tray to carry it to the kitchen. “Don’t forget we have a Sorcery D’Vaire meeting tomorrow afternoon.”
“How could I?”
Satisfied that Rafe was willing to consider having his wounds healed, Aleksander strode out, with Mortis on his heels, and allowed the fury in his veins to flood his system. The only thing that could calm him a fraction was the reminder that the fallen knights would never give up. Someday, Rafe’s family would pay for what they did to him and the life they nearly took.
