Free Rachel Rossano - The Theodoric Saga by The Crown of Anavrea Page A

didn’t help matters.
     
    ~~~
     

 
    Chapter IV
     
     
    Eve wanted to drop through the floor. Ruarc’s glare burned the air between him and Labren.
    Thankfully, Labren appeared oblivious of the intense emotions emanating from her brother. His fingers trembled. Her stroking his head seemed to relax him, but he needed to be lying down in his own bed. Since Ruarc refused to let her out of his sight, she scrambled for a compromise.
    “Might we use the front room? There is a couch there for Labren.”
    “Perfect,” Professor Olof said. “We will move him.”
    Han reappeared just in time to assist with trooping the whole party into the new room.
    Ruarc continued to glower as Eve plumped pillows, unfolded and draped blankets, and then settled on the floor at Labren’s side. Perspiration coated his face. She tentatively claimed the hand resting on the blanket. He weakly squeezed her fingers before closing his eyes and relaxing against the cushions.
    Ruarc claimed the chair closest to Eve, and Han purposefully placed one immediately to his left. Only the professor remained standing. Pacing the rug for a moment, he allowed them all to drink in the tension before suddenly breaking it.
    “Master Ruarc…” He raised an inquiring eyebrow.
    “Ruarc Ethan, Seaman Ethan if you desire.”
    “Very well, do you mind if I call you Ruarc?”
    Ruarc shrugged. “I have never been one to stand on formality.”
    “Eve hasn’t volunteered much about her past so far. Perhaps you would be willing to enlighten us?”
    “I don’t know much more than her.”
    Han stepped. “She mentioned your father. Is he living?”
    “If he was, we wouldn’t be in this mess.”
    “Why?”
    “Eve and I would be free citizens. She wouldn’t be married to this…” Another slur. “And we would not be here.”
    Feeling sorry for Han, Eve decided to help. “Our father was a free man. Our mother was a slave woman owned by a friend. Father had partially purchased her from the friend when he died.”
    Her brother interrupted. “The bastard wouldn’t honor the fact Father paid over eighty percent of the price upon his death. He claimed all three of us. He sold me within a month and I was at sea before the season changed.”
    Tears burned unbidden in her eyes. Eve blinked them back. “Mother died in childbirth that winter. He sold me to Mridle before her body grew cold.”
    Ruarc grunted. “I made him pay.”
    “So, you are still a slave?” Olof asked.
    “Hardly. You don’t see any collar here, do you?” Ruarc bared a naked neck. “I worked off my price a couple years back. I was just coming back for Eve.” He pulled a leather bag from beneath his belt and dumped it on the table with a thunk. “That was to buy her freedom. A pretty hefty sum of gold considering she is of childbearing age and attractive.” He eyed Labren. “Is there a chance that he would accept it and release her?”
    “I told you. I have chosen to stay.”
    Ruarc studied her.
    Eve met his gaze and tried to look as determined as she felt. Labren might not love her now or ever love her, but he was unerringly kind and considerate. Prince or criminal, she promised him before the Kurios that she would be his wife. Ruarc would just have to accept that.
    Jaw set, blue eyes blazing, and barely restrained anger in every line of his face, her brother looked just as stubborn.
    “Fine. But, I am not sure you are making a good choice.” He swiped the pouch from the table and tucked it back under his belt.
    Eve dropped her eyes to Labren’s hand in hers. His long fingers were cold against hers, a sign that the fever was back. She watched him shift on the pillows, sweat glistening on his face.
    The dinner tray arrived. In his movements, Olof crossed to claim Labren’s other hand. His features immediately tightened.
    “You are welcome to stay with us, Ruarc, until you are convinced. However, I am going to insist Labren be removed to his room.”
    “The fever is back?” Han moved