Page 143 of Ashen Torment
He notices it—he notices everything—sometimes he understands even before I can. He gives me a quick pat on the shoulder, then moves calmly to sit across from us.
“I have been to Vienna, Marseille and Florence.”
“I dare not imagine how many women you have seduced, dear brother.”
I suppress a laugh, looking at Nathaniel.
In truth, he is a handsome man. It wouldn’t surprise me at all.
He moves the glass from his lips.
“I have never let myself be guided by lust,” he says, eyes fixed ahead, “unlike someone else.”
“What are you trying to say? I am not at fault!”
“You do not spend all your time writing poetry, Richard.”
“Are you certain?”
“I am.”
I observe Richard, his hands are folded, thoughts sliding across his still-pale face.
There is something he is hiding. I believe... I have sensed something, but Nathaniel seems absolutely convinced.
Richard turns toward me, a curious expression spreading across his face.
“You, rather—are you well, Viscount?”
Nathaniel lifts his gaze from the glasses.
“Has something happened?”
I clear my throat. “Everything is normal, Richard. Why do you ask?”
“I heard what happened in the Durant woods.”
“We just encountered rain during a ride.”
Nathaniel leans forward slightly, his eyes dropping to my ankles. “Did you fall? Were you hurt?”
“No,” I respond, shrugging, “the horses simply bolted.”
Richard fixes his eyes on my hands on the glass.
“Strange, usually Étoile is quite calm.”
I take a sip, the glass clinking against the edge of my lips. Richard sighs, barely shaking his head.
“I read the article.”
“I—”
“You needn’t worry, Evander. Those scribblers always do that. They invent stories to feed their hunger for gossip.”
He indicates Nathaniel with a quick wave of his hand. “Of him, they claim he has a secret wife in Europe.”
He breaks into a light laugh. I laugh with him, but my gaze slides to his brother. His expression remains steady, motionless, and I immediately try to recompose myself.
