Dem walked into the inn after escorting Sara to the Estate. It was a long, quiet, seething walk—neither speaking to the other nor even looking at each other. Sara clenched her fists, and he wondered as he walked in if this woman thought she could hurt him with a punch. No matter.
He stood in the open doorway to the common room, listening. All was quiet, except the gentle sobbing heard from the kitchen. He leaned his head against the door frame and sighed. How would he fix this? His mind kept going back to one disturbing question, pawn or helper. How did a defenseless woman get from Nurn to here without a protector? Dem shook his head, no that was a problem for later.
Pushing off the door-frame, he went to the kitchen and moved behind Egfor, wrapping his arms around Egfor’s stomach and burying his face in the hair at Egfor’s neck. Dem breathed in the scent of Egfor, the unique mixture of Lavender, meat, spices, vegetables, and sweat that made Egfor special among all others. Egfor tensed at the touch.
“I’m sorry, lover, but I need to know if she is truly a pawn or the man’s advanced scout. I had to push her, hoping she would break.”
“I asked twice to keep it friendly; if I had to ask a third time, I would have lost it.”
I don’t have the time or luxury with this, Dem thought; followed by, my business is too hard for his sensitive spirit. I will have to include him no longer. “I needed to know if she was pawn or scout. I’m sorry. Maybe I should do my business of this sort separately.”
“I find being nice with others is just as effective.” Egfor tensed up again, and Dem could hear the tears.
“Teach me a better way, and I will use it.”
“Never mind, just forget it.”
“Do you think I am mocking you? I am serious. This is how I have always worked. It is the only way I know. Teach me.”
“Yes, I thought you were mocking me.”
“I hurt when you hurt. I don’t like hurting you.” Dem turned Egfor to face him. “My prince, I love you, and the last thing I ever want to do is be the cause of your pain. Especially when I can prevent it.” Dem pulled Egfor into his arms. “I love you, always and forever.”
Drawn by Egfor's player.
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