Disclaimer: All characters belong to Sherwood Smith

The next few weeks where uncomfortable at best. Meliara barely spoke a word to Russav or I, avoiding us completely with complete disregard for discretion. Dealings between my cousin didn't fare much better. Russav's brash decision to visit Tlanth irked me.

As much as I wanted to convince myself that the danger he had baited provoked my resentment, it wasn't the only reason. Both his bravado and success in visiting the County Tlanth lit my jealousy. I could not allow myself the luxury to write to Meliara while at court let alone leave to visit her. I had thought Russav to be in the same position… The line of thought was pointless and my jealousy unfounded. I would not confront Russav until I had resolved my feelings.

With our return to court approaching my efforts to remedy the uncomfortable situation increased. Russav and I faced off after morning drills. With the sentries gone, we came to the unspoken agreement that the time had come. "This can't go on," I told him as we circled each other. He attacked and I parried. "I agree," he replied. This time, I advanced.

"What you did was careless," I said keeping my voice controlled. "I don't intend to offend your intelligence by lecturing you on why."

"How gracious of you," Russav grunted, as he attempted a feint.

I blocked, "The risks now,"

"I know…" He tried to block his defeat but failed. "What happened to not offending my intelligence?"

We commenced again, "Then there is nothing else to be said."

"There is," he struck first. This time more forceful then necessary. "Do you think I don't know what your about with Mel? When it comes to this…I have come and left before you have set foot outside the door."

His attacks came swift and fierce. Russav's skill with the sword had improved but I could still read his moves with ease.

"And I saw this coming from the moment you laid eyes on her. You were still too sore to see it yourself. You confirmed it that night when you and Mel went back and forth over politics. I saw it as much as you tried to hide it," he panted as I trounced him once more. He threw his sword on the ground. "I gave you the benefit of the doubt, but I misjudged your self-control. Now here we are."

I followed suit and dropped my sword. Meeting him face to face, I said, voice bland, "If you are as conversant on the matter, then you know your aggravation is for naught. As is this conversation."

It seemed reconciliation would not be as straightforward as I had hoped. I turned to walk away.

"Cousin," Russav's voice now tired and unmasked stopped me, "When that boy started hanging around her. I worried only about how she would manage when it ended. With or without my interference that flirtation was hopeless from the start. I told him as much and he was smart enough off to finish it on his own. This… this is different. You and she are like tide to sand. But I have to try because…" He paused as if second-guessing himself.

I waited, mask firmly still in place. We both knew he was about to say something that could not be unsaid. Placing a hand on my shoulder, he breathed deeply, "She is pure, kind, and untainted by Galdran, by court, by people like us. I love her Danric and I am only trying protect her."

"From me, cousin?" I asked, emphasizing the title and moved his hand of my shoulder.

"From Shevraeth" he said sharply. "You bear the burden of a conflict that will tear this country apart and a crown that is yet not yours. Don't drag her through the muck as you fight this battle. I know what I ask is unjust and that this only adds to the weight you never asked for but choose to carry anyway. I wish happiness for you as much as I do her."

"I concur on one point," I bit out, "your undue appeal is callous. I have little in my life that is not tied to duty or responsibility and you are asking me to let go of the one person who eases it all. Meliara is not the weak, defenseless child, you see when you look at her Russav. She is strong woman capable of being queen and not being crushed by the crown." I grabbed the discarded weapons and moved to return them to their place. Russav followed.

"Think of what will happen to her if you go forth and fail. Be the good man you pretend to be and at least wait until you have the crown to put on her head to court her. She's half in love with you now and is trying to hold on to her resentment to protect herself. Let her be angry, Danric. It can wait."

I flung the swords into the pile of practice weapons, unable to formulate a response.

"You know I'm right," I heard behind me.

oOo

After another quiet dinner, everyone retired to their rooms, but I went for ride. Normally, the rush of a hard ride would clear my head but with Russav's words echoing in my mind even days after our talk, it wasn't enough. I went to my rooms, resigning myself to one more sleepless night.

"What's wrong?" Mel's voice startled me out of my stupor as I opened my chamber door.

"You flatter me with your concern, my lady," I drawled, "I was beginning to believe I'd never hear the sound of your voice directed at me."

"Keep that up and you won't," she threatened.

"Such a shame that would be," I continued as I walked across the room stand next to her by the window. She was dressed in a nightgown and robe; hair braided loosely. She was here against her better judgment.

"You've been walking around like ghost and now you've become an idiot," she grumbled, then with a sigh asked again, "Danric, what's wrong?" She touched my arm gently, her eyes concerned.

"Could you believe that it is your absence, that has me so melancholy?" I asked sounding convincingly indifferent while toying with a loose strand of her hair.

"Not when you say it like that," she retorted. "Listen here, Sheveraeth, knock that off or I'm walking out that door and you can rot in your misery alone." Her eyes narrowed and her lips puckered slightly. She looked adorable.

If I continued provoking her, she would be true to her words. I grabbed her without warning and pressed my lips to hers. Weaving my fingers through her hair, I slid my lips down her jaw. A gasp escaped her lips.

"You would forsake me so effortlessly?" I whispered in her ear, my tone teasing.

She stiffened and swiftly pushed way from before bringing her hand up and slapping me across the face. I knew she would do it and did nothing to stop her. Just like I did nothing to stop her from leaving.

"Rot then," was the last thing she said to me before slamming the door.

I don't know how long I stared at that door feeling cold and empty. I'd made my choice and there would be no turning back from it.

Hi all. I'm not making any promises this time but I really do want to finish this story.