The Crow King's Wife(61)

Nodding Jala smiled at him with genuine love. “I know, Val.” She assured him quietly. He never pushed her on anything, and his patience was seemingly endless. The only time he had ever raised his voice with her or argued a point was when he thought she was in danger. Every action he took in life was to protect her or attempt to make her happy.

He wrapped his fingers around the crystal and closed his eyes. She could see the muscles in his jaw clench, and knew just by that expression he was expecting the worst. Closing her eyes she leaned back against the window sill and turned her face toward the garden. The scent of lilacs was heavy on the air, and despite the tension in the room it was almost relaxing.

When the silence between them stretched far longer than it should have she opened her eyes once more and gazed down at him. He was turning the crystal slowly over in his hands, but at her movement he looked up. She held his gaze for a long moment trying to gauge his mood from his dark blue eyes, but it was hopeless. Valor was too much of a card player. When he wanted to hide his emotions no one could tell what he was thinking.

“So where do you suppose this leaves us?” he asked softly as he set the crystal gently back onto the ledge.

“One step closer to each other in my eyes. We’ve had a lot between us Valor. Neither of us has been happy, and both of us are carrying more guilt than we can manage. I needed to say goodbye to him. I needed to know why he lied to me, and I do still miss him, but I know you do too.” Jala answered quietly.

“Just hearing Finn say he approves of me beside you helped ease some of my guilt.” Valor admitted with a sigh.

“And I hope what I have planned for the rest of the day will eliminate most of the rest.” Jala said as she slid down from the window and moved closer to him. He watched her curiously until she settled quietly into his lap. His arm wrapped around her waist and she felt him relax beneath her. Still silent she rested her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes once more.

“Are you going to give me the slightest hint as to what you are talking about?” he asked after a long moment.

“We are going to Arovan today to return your sister to her family, and I’m going to tell Elijah about Dray. I’m not going as High Lady Merrodin. I’m going as Jala. I don’t want anything political being drawn into this. I just want to know I am doing the right thing, and ease both of our minds. We should have done both before now.” Jala whispered.

“Are you sure you want to tell him about Dray?” Valor asked doubtfully.

“I’m positive. They can choose to accept him or refuse him. That is their right, but Elijah deserves to know he has a grandson, and it will give him two choices for his new heir. Chastity or Dray, I want him to take the burden from you soon.” Jala answered and pushed off his chest enough to watch his face. “If you still see it as a burden that is.” She added hesitantly.

“I have no desire to be the heir of Arovan. My heart is in Merro.” Valor assured her and pulled her closer to him once more. “If that is one of the things standing between us than I will be looking forward to visiting my Uncle. I should be the one to talk to him about the heir though. If you say anything it will seem political.” He added and kissed her gently on the top of the head.

“Do you suppose perhaps that if Elijah agrees to name Chastity heir, and if we are both dealing with our guilt well that we could marry after the council in Sanctuary?” Jala asked softly.

“After hearing you say those words I promise you that Elijah won’t have to agree. I won’t give him the choice. I will lay the signet before him and tell him to find another. If he disagrees then he only has one choice.” Valor spoke firmly and she could tell Elijah wouldn’t get him to budge on the decision he had made.

“What choice would that be?” Jala asked with a faint smile.

“To acknowledge that if I remain heir to Arovan that his country will become an extension of Merro by default if he should die.” Valor answered quietly.

“Ah, Chastity will make a fine heir and I’m sure he will see that just as soon as you bring up that point.” Jala said with a hint of amusement in her voice. “We have two or three hours before we have to face the world, Val. I’d much rather spend it curled in bed beside you than sitting in this chair.”

He rose without hesitation before she had even finished speaking and carried her gently to the bed. She crawled under the sheets and watched in silence as he removed his shirt and kicked off his boots. Within a breath he was beside her and she curled against his chest and wrapped her arm around his waist. “I promise you, Val, that I will never turn my back on you again no matter what weight is on my chest. I’m so sorry for the way I’ve been acting. It was something I should have dealt with sooner.”