The Legacy Of House Auron 14 Chapter 9

Even with Kent as leverage there was every possibility that the thought of those deaths would be too much for her.

I still remember the way she broke down the first time.

Not even Kent could soothe her.

I was still young and naive then.

I couldn't understand what happened.

I couldn't understand why the strongest woman I knew was curled on the ground, her body wracked with shuddering sobs.

Still her anguish had set me off and before I knew it I was crying too.

My father ordered Kent to take me to one of the back rooms and for the first time I saw Kent hesitate to follow a direct order.

Still, it didn't last long.

The next thing I knew I was scooped up in Kent's arms and being carried away.

The last thing I saw was my father kneeling down and pulling her close.

I must have been a trick of the light but I could have sworn I saw tears slide down his cheeks as well..

Things were tense between all of them after that.

My father stopped mentoring her but she remained in our home.

Things between Kent and my father just kept getting worse.

Yes, Kent remained ever-dutiful, but there was an undercurrent of resentment present whenever he fulfilled one of father's requests.

I didn't know why - still don't - but what I knew for certain was that she was the cause.

I wanted her gone.

She was breaking my family apart.

But I was powerless to do anything.

She was father's guest.

Then father died.

Suddenly I was the head of House Auron, a position I'd been trained for my whole life.

I had the power to force her to leave.

But I didn't.

I was worried that it'd cause tension between Kent and I.

The King was left without a tactician so naturally he sought her out.

She refused.

The King threatened to force her and destroy all who offered her protection - placing House Auron directly in the line of fire.

Kent was ready to defend House Auron to his dying breath, but not even he would have been able to withstand the full onslaught of the King's might.

So I made the decision.

I removed the protection of House Auron from her.

I threw her to the wolves as it were.

Told her that House Auron took her in and saved her when she would have died and this was her repaying the debt incurred.
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Yes, my actions protected House Auron, but…

I was glad to be rid of her.

It's ironic, back then Kent's safety required that she leave and now it requires that she return.

"All the magic in the world won't protect you if your head is always lost up in the clouds."

I force myself not to react to her sudden voice.

I glance over at her without slowing my gait.

The quicker we get back to the safe house the better.

Even though I understand her reasons it's still strange seeing her completely covered by a cloak.

Especially because I know she's still just as scantily dressed under it.

"Planning on killing me?"

I ask the question but I know the answer.

"Nah. Kent would never forgive me."

"Can we not talk about killing and death?"

My husband looks distinctly uncomfortable as he makes the request.

"Are you… You are! You're squeamis.h.!.+ Sonia, your husband is squeamis.h.!.+"

She sounds so excited as she exclaims over it.

I don't respond.

He's uncomfortable enough.

"Is this why you chose him?"

That question is so unexpected that I do react.

"What?"

Why would I choose someone just because they're squeamish?

"Because he emotes more. Compared to Kent and your father the guy practically broadcasts his emotions. It's exhausting but I can see the appeal."

I shrug.

Let her think what she wants.

"You never have to wonder how he feels."

She sounds bitter.

Not that I can blame her.

Growing up it was one of my biggest frustrations.

I never knew if I pleased them.

"A lot of good that did. I still didn't know he was part of rebellion and planning to fake his death."

What can I say?

I'm still bitter over that.

I might not have been expecting love going into the marriage, but honesty?

That I wanted.

"Well I didn't know you were a mage."

My husband sounds defensive.

Good.

He should be.

"Please don't have a lover's quarrel on my account."

She sounds so earnest that I'm momentarily taken aback.

"I think you have the wrong idea about our marriage."

My husband doesn't seem to have the same problem.

"Yes, yes, I know. It was just a business transaction to protect Arabella and House Auron."

She waves a hand dismissively.

"That doesn't mean something can't spring from it."

My husband and I exchange uncomfortable glances.

"Speaking of Arabella and convenient marriages -"

"My sister isn't marrying anyone!"

I almost laugh at his automatic response.

"Maybe you should tell her that?"

Riel glares at her, but she doesn't seem fazed in the slightest.

"Right, as I was saying, what happens if she does have one and then you come back to life? The t.i.tle reverts to you, yes, but the husband loses what he stood to gain from the marriage. Could be a messy situation."

To be honest I haven't given much thought to it.

My resurrection could leave Arabella in an untenable position if it takes too long.

If anything it's all the more reason to finish this quickly.

"Well, let's hope that doesn't become an issue."

She shrugs.

The conversation devolves into small talk and inane chatter after that.