Page 56 of Polestar
Retrieving the glasses, she tapped them against her palm, regarding Magnus across the desk, then turned her inspection on Ana, nose twitching again.
The woman’s frustrated indecision rippled through Ana.A psychic wasn’t needed to see the unspoken words in her expression.
Magnus had made it clear that he was banished and expected to be treated as a dead man.This ritual of their impendingmarriagewas the only excuse that would grant them entry into the realm.
“You are not a bear, or a shifter.”Her demeanor steeled when she turned her attention to Ana.
“I am not,” Ana said.
To Magnus, the registrar said, “You were serious when you said Barentia should make alliances with outsiders.”
Magnus nodded.
“The king seems to have changed his mind on the subject.Outsiders come and go as freely as Barentians these days.”Her gaze flicked to the door again.
The woman’s growing conflicted concern weighed on Ana’s senses.She wanted to tell Magnus something.
But Magnus was a banished outcast.No one was supposed to be talking to him.Her sole role here was to record his impending marriage and any offspring.
After having observed the two for the last few minutes, Ana acted on instinct.Reaching for Magnus’ hand, she looked up at him and thought of their night together.The memory of his tenderness and consideration radiated through her.She smiled, allowing her growing feelings toward this gentle man to show on her face and in the way she leaned into his arm.Her thumb stroked his.
“I’m honored to have the chance to be here, in Barentia.To see your childhood home, even if just a little bit.”She laughed.“Perhaps if we have many children together, I may get to see a little more of it each time.Though it would be a shame that they might not know it as you do—did.”
Magnus’ fingers squeezed around hers affectionately as he looked down into her face.
She sensed his emotions flipping, but the corner of his lips lifted.“Manychildren,” he repeated gruffly as his gaze turned heated.
Warmth bloomed in her cheeks, spread through her chest and down her belly, at the look in his eyes.
The registrar cleared her throat.
Her expression softened as she looked between the two, appreciating their affection for one another.
“You’re only supposed to be here long enough to declare for the record, but if you like, I can give you a peek at the library where Magnus spent so much time as a boy,” she said to Ana, tipping her head back toward the open door she’d come through with the book.
“Maerie’s duties as registrar are just part of her role here in the stronghold.She’s also the clan archivist and librarian.”
“And clerk and secretary,” she added, proud.She reached for the quill, dipping it into the inkpot.“Shall we?”
Magnus’ fingers tightened on Ana’s again.She glanced up into his face.Concern creased his brow as he stared down at the book.His apprehension was palpable.
She understood.
Returning her attention to the book, she considered the elegant script lining the pages of the thick tome.
Their names were to be inscribed in the clan’s official register, tracking royal lineages.
Magnus was a prince.A shaman was supposed to witness this record.This act was part of the clan’s long, long tradition and should not be treated lightly.
They were there under the guise of a pending marriage.A sham.A ruse.
A lie.
Ana’s chest tightened as she looked up into Magnus’ conflicted face under the weight of the moment.
When he turned his gaze to her, the feeling flowing from him took her breath away.
“Analiese, before we sign this register, if you have any doubts, we can turn back now.Leave the page blank.”
