Page 151 of A Queen's Game
“Don’t call them cultists. Meruk is an old acquaintance, and he asked me to join them when he noticed I was alone, since you couldn’t bother to be on time.”
“I don’t owe an explanation,” he said through his teeth. Despite the freckles dotting his cheeks, he was terrifying, almost scary; but Marietta knew he was all bark, no bite.
“I’m tired of this, Keyain. You’re always late, treat the people I talk to like they’re rubbish, and your attitude is piss poor at best. If you’re going to act like this, then go back to the room.”
“Watch your tone with me.” His face was feral as he forced himself to take a deep breath. “Mar, I’m under a lot of stress, okay? I’m sorry. Please, let’s go.”
“Sure, you’re stressed, but you won’t share why. Again. What are you hiding?” Marietta stared him down, refusing to yield.
“We’ve been over this. If I could tell you, I would. Now let’s leave the cultists here and go.” Keyain grabbed her arm, pulling her towards the door.
Marietta ripped free from his grasp. “Enjoy eating alone, Keyain.” She returned to Meruk and his friends with an apology, the tavern door slamming shut behind her.
Keyain would be furious, but at that point, Marietta didn’t care. The increasing possessiveness and his attitude grew tedious, always getting antsy to let her out of his sight for toolong. Marietta hated it, and hated his new behavior. To grab her as he did? That sent her over. Keyain deserved to eat alone.
As an added insult to Keyain’s anger, Marietta stayed for an extra ale. When she returned over an hour later, he had torn apart the room, their possessions scattered everywhere and sheets ripped from the bed. Strewn across the floor were the contents of her bag, the fabric shredded. Keyain sat on the bed, his head in his hands.
“What did you do?” she whispered.
Shame coated his ragged expression when he looked up. “I’m sorry, Mar. I want to tell you everything, but I just can’t right now.” Keyain’s gaze faltered, falling to the floor.
Marietta walked over to him, placing a hand on his back. “You can’t keep losing your temper like this.”
“I know. When I see you with them, I just can’t control my anger.”
“What do you mean by ‘them?’”
Keyain stumbled over his words. “Uh, them, the humans—err, the temple. You know what I mean.”
“For someone who insists on traveling Enomenos, you sure have little tolerance for pilinos.” Marietta crossed her arms. “Stop saying derogatory things, or I’m leaving you.”
“Mar, if you knew what I knew—”
“Then tell me!” she yelled, throwing her hands in the air.
“I can’t! Okay? I can’t tell you.” Keyain stood up, grabbing her shoulders. He took a deep breath and leaned his forehead against her own, holding her face with both his hands.
“Please, Marietta, move with me to Satiros.”
“What?” She pushed away from him.
“Move with me.” Hope filled his eyes as he repeated himself.
“You said you wouldn’t ask that of me,” she hissed, jerking away. “I will not move to a city-state where I’m considered alesser citizen. Are you out of your mind? Do you think I’m a lesser person?”
“No, Mar, of course not,” Keyain said, grabbing her hand. “You’re not likethem. Please, I love you so much, and the thought of losing you crushes me. I can’t keep this up. It would be so much easier if you moved with me, please. I’m begging you.”
“The only way I’m moving to Satiros is if you drag me there against my will. If you expect a future where we live together in Satiros, then we should talk about not continuing this relationship.” Marietta pulled her hand out of his grasp.
Tears welled in his eyes, and his mouth tugged into a frown. “Mar, please. I can’t let you go. We’ll figure something out.”
“I don’t think we will,” she whispered.
Keyain wrapped his arms around her. “I’m not letting you go,” he murmured into her hair, followed by a kiss.
Tears fell from her eyes. Four years together, and that was what they had to show for it. Keyain was well aware she didn’t want to move to Satiros—that she would never go.
Though she wasn’t sure where their relationship would lead, Marietta was okay with it. Keyain would leave for six months of the year, sending her the occasional letter, and they’d be back on the road together for the other six. It worked for her, but clearly, it wasn’t working for Keyain.
