Page 106 of Salt Between the Wolves

"Lord Aldric."

"Please don't."

The answer came immediately, and his expression suggested he had endured the title his entire adult life and disliked it every bit as much now as he had at the beginning.

Eira blinked.

For the first time since his arrival, she found herself uncertain what to say.

Fortunately, Aldric seemed accustomed to rescuing awkward conversations.

"My daughter informs me that you're Mother's secret."

A strangled sound escaped Maelin.

Aldric ignored it.

"She also informed me that you've seen bears, survived bandits, crossed mountains, and may or may not be the most interesting person currently living in this house."

Eira stared.

"I see she's been busy."

"Very."

The corner of his mouth twitched.

For the first time since entering the room, some of the tightness in Eira's chest eased.

Aldric crossed toward the hearth and held his hands briefly toward the fire before speaking again.

"I imagine this isn't how either of you wanted this conversation to happen."

The room fell quiet because there it was at last: the real subject, neither hidden nor avoided, but simply acknowledged.

Maelin looked away.

Aldric watched the flames for a moment before continuing.

"I won't pretend I'm pleased to discover that my wife has been smuggling politically sensitive guests into my house."

"Politically sensitive guests," Maelin repeated.

"You know what I mean."

"I do."

Eira expected irritation, perhaps even anger.

Instead Aldric sighed, and the sound carried the exhaustion of a man who had spent three days on horseback only to return home and discover an entirely different problem waiting for him.

Then he looked directly at Eira.

"You are safe here tonight."

The words came without hesitation, conditions, or negotiation.

Eira felt herself go still.