Page 223 of Carousel

He definitely isn’t a tyrant. Yet.

“And you saved mine on your beach,” he counters, dismissively. “We are even.”

“No. I have been racking up a debt to you I didn’t even know about. Your defence for Cosmer. Helping me during evacuation. Even—” My breath hitches. “—not kissing me, when they wanted us to.”

His face lowers to mine. “If I ever kissed you, it wouldn’t be under duress, in a room full of our enemies.”

He must be trying to humour me.

“It’s beside the point. We never will. Kiss.”

He cocks his head. “A shame. I would have loved to know what would have happened if we did.” His fingers twitch at his sides. “The power released could be immeasurable.”

I struggle to find the right words. “We’re strong enough as we are.”

“Are we?” he asks, pointedly.

“Talk to me properly. You know I hate those answers as questions. Like you’re mocking me.”

“I have never mocked you.”

I need to end this conversation. It’s made me flustered. Like I’ve let him get in my head again.

“See you in Rhavna, Drake.”

I turn towards the stairs – but he calls out to me.

“Were you being truthful to Dezeeves, Ara? When you said you believe there is nothing romantic between us?”

My step – and my breath – falter.

“Yes. Of course.”

I look at him over my shoulder. The sun is lighting him from behind. With his dark hair and deep tan, he looks shadowed. Powerful. Like the sun is naming him the moon.

“Why?” I ask him. “Do you disagree?”

His voice is small, as though it’s reaching me from the other end of the deck. “You know I disagree.”

No.

I can’t hear this. I need to keep walking.

I need to keep walking.

“Don’t say anything else,” I warn him. “Don’t ruin this. You heard Dezeeves agree to help me be with Cosmer just now. It’s decided.”

He shifts his feet. “Just try not to get too upset when things don’t work out the way you hope they might. How does the old Rhavnan saying go? Make a plan, so do the Sisters.” Rigidly, he adds, “And remember your suffering is just as painful for me as it is for you.”

“Things will work out.” Exhaling a puff of air, I snap, “I thought you were supposed to be the optimist!”

He looks at me gently, like he’s about to bring me bad news but knows I need to hear it. “No. Remember what I told you. I am only one when the facts allow it.”

This isn’t a truce at all.

He’s still trying to play some game with me.

I start walking again. Reach the foot of the stairs on the deck itself.