Though I had known he was suffering, it still pained me to hear him admit it out loud. I’d been selfish. The ambush, what the reaper did to him, had rattled him, and instead of asking what he needed, I’d locked him inside, thinking it was best for his healing when it was really for my own sake. This entire time, he’d donned a brave face, pretending he was alright as his anxiety had trickled through our bond and he’d shifted restlessly through the nights, and I’d let him. I’d been loath to pry out his confession, to prod him until he admitted his distress when he wasn’t ready or willing, but maybe I should have. Maybe then he would not have been forced to reach a boiling point.

Or feel guilty for it.

“I apologize that I didn’t help relieve those burdens sooner, and that you felt you had to hide them from me.” I kissed the top of his head before encouraging him to meet my eyes. “What can I do to bring you comfort? Tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.”

“You always bring me comfort.” He smiled, though it was a weak little thing. “I’m sorry I didn’t just talk to you. I felt useless after the attack, and I wanted to try and regulate myself, to prove I could do something, but I shouldn’t have. None of it was my fault, any more than it was yours.”

“I understand, but never let me hear you call yourself useless again.” I brushed a thumb across his cheek. “I won’t stand for such slander against my mate. Not ever.”

He huffed a short laugh and nodded. “So, will you carry on the journey with me?” he asked hopefully.

I’d learned early on in our relationship that it was pointless arguing with the little creature or presuming to know what was best, so instead, I presented a compromise.

“Of course I will, but only on the condition that we take a quick detour,” I said. “It won’t delay us by much, perhaps a day or so, but it is something I believe you’ll enjoy. It will offer some relaxation before we reach your father’s settlement.”

He perked up at that, as I knew he would. “What is it?”

I kissed him again, basking in the faint stream of pleasure and curiosity gradually shrouding the discomfort through our bond. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

Chapter Eight

LUCA

“Mermaids!” I whisper-shrieked, endeavoring not to cause a scene, but also…

Fucking mermaids.

Cair smiled proudly. “I thought this may interest you.”