Etania's Calling by M.H. Elrich

Author:M.H. Elrich
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Fantasy, Clean Fantasy
Publisher: M.H. Elrich
Published: 2022-02-12T00:00:00+00:00

KEYEL WAS UP BEFORE everyone else, practicing with his sword. He liked the feel of the blade in his hands as it whooshed through the air. Running through the different stances with practiced efficiency, he felt in control.

In control... even as Etania’s pained face flashed before him over and over again. He was right to distrust her, wasn’t he? Whoosh. He sliced the air and bent his elbow back into the first stance. His mother’s words reminded him to be cautious. Honesty was crucial in any relationship.

Etania had stayed silent about her powers. Her explanation for keeping a secret from him was understandable, but it made him cautious about marrying her. Keyel shifted his feet, running through another stance with his blade.

Etania claimed to repulse Zaden’s affections, yet, he’d found her closely talking to the prince—perhaps even flirting! Keyel imagined Zaden in front of him and sliced downward in an arc.

He hadn’t lost his temper since being an apprentice. He hated how conflicted he felt inside, his emotions overruling his logic. Control. He wanted to remain in control.

Zaden sauntered to the top deck, yawning and heading toward the prow of the boat with a leather skin that reeked of alcohol. Keyel sheathed his sword and followed. He needed to make sure the prince knew his place, once and for all. Upon his approach, Zaden barely looked up, continually sipping his drink.

“Do you need anything, Keyel?” Zaden inquired lazily.

“I need you to stop pursuing Etania,” Keyel said.

That stopped Zaden. He looked over at the Leici and raised an eyebrow.

“Why? I’ve done nothing wrong.”

“Your behavior towards her indicates otherwise,” Keyel retorted.

“I’m a perfect gentleman toward Etania, and you know it.” Zaden leaned toward Keyel with a smug smile on his face. “Jealousy doesn’t become you, Leici.”

“Jealousy!” Keyel exclaimed, his fists clenching around his sword hilt. “I’m not jealous.”

“Then why are you bothering me? I can assure you that Etania has never behaved in any way that makes me think her heart isn’t yours.”

Keyel felt heat rushing through his body.

“Etania isn’t the issue. You are,” Keyel spat.

“Are you sure about that?” Zaden countered. “After all, you’re the one who won’t commit.”

“Our conversation about marriage was private. How did you find out about it?”

“Etania told me. She confided in me because I’m her friend.”

“F-friend?” Keyel repeated.

“Yes.” Zaden smiled again.

Before Keyel could press the Pyros further to see if he was lying, Bayanna and Etania’s animated voices carried over the deck.

“Leici, we’ve a long day ahead of us,” Zaden pointed out. “Surely you’re satisfied that my behavior isn’t inappropriate?”

Keyel gritted his teeth, but he nodded.

“Great! Then let’s put our disagreement aside and face the Shards, shall we?”

“Fine,” Keyel agreed.

As they walked toward the ladies, Keyel stuffed his feelings into the depths of his heart. Zaden was right about one thing: he needed to concentrate on what was ahead of them.

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