Page 30 of Enamored
“Yes, ’tis a very good thing, O extremely wise one.” I bumped my shoulder against his, and he did likewise to me.
We’d stayed in the center of the maze until we’d grown so cold that we needed to get up and race around the maze to warm our limbs. When finished, we sneaked into the castle kitchens and attempted to raid the pot of warm mead simmering on the hearth. Thankfully, we only woke one of the scullery maids, who graciously aided us in our task.
With the mugs of mead in hand, we’d gone back to the schoolroom and talked through the wee hours of the morn. Maxim shared in more depth about his time away, speaking fondly of Father Johann at St. Olaf’s, his sincere faith and trust in God, and how the man had been like a father to him.
Maxim had asked questions about all I’d done since he left. Although my life hadn’t been nearly as exciting and as adventurous as his, I’d visited various parts of the country in preparation for becoming the queen. I’d even once traveled to the Frozen Wilds, appreciating the untamed beauty of the far northern land with the beautiful Northern Lights.
We’d talked endlessly about everything and lost track of the hour. By the time I realized dawn was approaching, we rushed to the turret and made it just as the first rays climbed above the horizon.
Now we gazed out over the city and distant fields for another minute, then I made another notation. Once finished, I handed the leather journal to him. He took it wordlessly and made the next few entries at every minute.
When the sun had risen enough to cast its light through the arrow slits and form the shape of a cross, Maxim was the first to turn and gaze upon the cross of light. “Do you still pray?”
I nodded and knelt. As I bowed my head, I could feel his presence beside me.
My heart swelled with gratitude and wonder. Only yesterday, I’d lamented that Maxim was back. Now, this morn, our friendship was as solid as if he’d never left, and I prayed we would have many more days together, that nothing would come between us in the future.
As I lifted my silent plea, his fingers at his side brushed against mine. We were no longer wearing our gloves, hadn’t been since returning from the maze. At his caress, my prayers fled so that all I could think about was his hand so close to mine. I wasn’t sure if the contact was accidental, so I did nothing.
A second later, his little finger looped through mine.
My heart flipped upside down. What did he mean by it? I could safely assume his touch wasn’t coincidental. He’d reached out and purposefully made the connection. Did that mean he was feeling what I was? That this time together was indeed special? Something he’d missed while we were apart? Something he didn’t want to take for granted ever again?
“In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen,” I whispered in closing.
“Amen.” His whisper was low but sincere.
While he assisted me to my feet, he kept his finger intertwined with mine. When we stood once more, he faced me just inches away.
Somehow the pale light of dawn softened his features, turning his eyes a warm blue. “Thank you for giving me this night. ’Tis one I’ll never forget.”
“We can have more like this, can we not?”
He glanced toward the open tower door where Halvard stood hidden in the shadows. Was Maxim worried my faithful guard would overhear us and report our time together to the king? Would the king be upset to learn I was spending so much time with Maxim—time I could be sharing with the noblemen instead?
My heart quavered. If he’d sent Maxim away once, he could surely do so again. I’d need to be careful. And Maxim obviously sensed the threat too. Even so, we need not put aside our friendship altogether.
“We shall watch the sun rise again on the morrow,” I insisted.
Maxim swung our hands back and forth a couple of times before he let go. “Have you forgotten what today is?”
“I beg you not to remind me.”
“You’re turning eighteen.” His voice held a gravity I loathed.
I spun away from him, stalked toward the stairway, and rushed to descend, as if in escaping Maxim I could escape the truth.
I heard the door close and then Maxim’s footsteps tapping the stone steps behind me. At the landing leading to my chambers, he caught my arm before I could exit.
“Elinor, wait.” His plea stopped me more than his hand.
Slowly I pivoted.
Only one sconce lit the flight of stairs, leaving it shrouded in darkness. Yet I could see the power in his gaze, one that made my insides tremble with a need I didn’t understand.
“Please do not tell me you cannot spend more time with me,” I whispered, glad for the shadows that hid my trembling lips.
“I would watch the sunrise with you every day if I could.” He lifted a hand, as if he wanted to stroke my cheek or my hair, but then let it drop.
