Page 23 of Fate of Echoes and Embers
“Two are not enough?”
“Where you are concerned? Nay. Besides, even if I wished to, you know well I cannot.”
That was wholly untrue. Issa simply believed it to be so. “Will not. There is a difference.”
“Hawthorne Manor?—”
“Was your parents’ dream.” I had an uncanny knack for finding ways to make Issa angry with me, even as I began to chip away at her defenses. “Was it not?”
Her eyes narrowed. She could not deny it; the words were her own, given on that very same night an unfinished game of chess led to our first, and only, kiss.
“My parents’ dream is my own.”
“Nay, yours is to sail Elydor and beyond. Yours is a call to adventure, Isolde.”
I was naught if not consistent but my honesty did nothing to improve her mood.
“Sometimes, we sacrifice for those we love. I am certain the concept eludes you, otherwise I would elaborate.”
I clutched my chest, as if taking an arrow to the heart. “You wound me, Issa. Neither sacrifice nor love are concepts I am unfamiliar with.” I held up a hand to forestall the argument she would make. “I did not say I agree with either, but I am familiar with both.”
Rolling her eyes, Issa shook her head as if to dismiss me. But I would not be so easily dismissed.
“A sacrifice implies you are giving something up, does it not?”
“I believe it is time for me to get up.”
“Convenient, but as my lady wishes.” I stood and replaced the chair. “A meal of bread and cheese awaits you in the tidehall. The sea is cooperating today, if you would like to sail.”
“You would allow me to sail your ship?”
I would allow you to do anything you wished, Issa, if it would put a smile back on your face.
Knowing I was the cause of her current state of displeasure did little to erase the memory of the Issa I first met. The one who happily showed me her home, introduced me to her people. The joy I took in her own was a feeling I remembered so distinctly, I could recall it easily.
“Of course. I await my lady’s pleasure.” I bowed. “If you need anything at all, you know where to find me.”
“Marek.” She stopped me as I stood and turned to leave.
I closed my eyes before facing her. That voice had haunted my dreams, but this was no dream. Isolde was very, very real. With more very’s than my lack of preservation.
“Do not make promises, again, you do not intend to keep. It was that very thing that nearly broke me when you left.”
The immediate reply I thought to offer stuck in my throat.
What was worse? Knowing I had done that which she accused me of? Or “nearly breaking” a woman as strong and unbreakable as Isolde?
Both.
The answer was both.
I bowed my head in deference, sighed, and lifted it. “My mother will take me to join her if I do so again, Issa.”
This time, when she called my name, I did not turn back.
10
ISSA
