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my honor. We need to leave this place.
I ll get the bag packed, Alexis said, giving him a squeeze.
Please do, my honor. He wanted to get moving as soon as possible.
* * * *
The ride back to his home was a quiet event. Neither one of them seemed to know what to say as
the transport took them back to their own private oasis. Alexis wasn t sure when he d stopped
thinking of his home back in the human cities as home, but he had. He now looked forward to stepping
into Elia s home with the eagerness of a man who d been away from home for ten long years.
I m sorry, Alexis said as the transport came to a stop at the entrance to their long dirt road.
The Marknads were in the pasture that was near the pond on the south end of their lands, grazing on
the rich earth grasses. Truth be told, they looked more like skinny hippos than cows, but they moved a
lot like cows. They had friendly little personalities though. Alexis actually enjoyed going out and
putting out their feed with Elia in the early afternoons. They usually went on horseback, but
occasionally he d get to hop down and caress their slick skins. He wasn t sure he d actually be able
to eat them come harvesting season. He was very attached to the little buggers.
Why are you apologizing? Elia asked, climbing out of transport before offering Alexis a hand
out. This shame isn t yours, my honor. It is my father s. He knew I would have to choose between
following his dictates and choosing the path I d set out on. He just didn t wager I would choose you
when confronted.
Alexis took his hand and let him pull him the rest of the way out of the vehicle. What about your
sire and the rest of your siblings? You gave up everything just because I m selfish. Guilt was eating
him alive. Alexis hadn t been thinking when he d creamed Kranok in the face with a chunk of Eoean
sculpture. All he d seen was someone hurting Elia, and he d reacted. He d half expected Elia to cave
once Kranok had laid down his ultimatum. The prick. However, he d been floored by Elia s firm
assurance and unwillingness to compromise his wishes.
Elia reached back into the transport and pulled out their overnight bag. It was programmed to
hover and tag along behind them, so with a press of the button it did just that. You gave up your
entire life for me, Elia murmured, twining their hands. It only makes sense that I should sacrifice
just as profoundly as you, my honor. They walked down the road the exact same way they d done
Alexis s first day here, but it felt different this time around. He felt like he d finally come into his
own and was at last right where he belonged.
You make me incredibly happy, Elia. He paused and swallowed hard, working up courage to
say exactly what was on his mind and tongue. I love you.
Elia pulled him into a bear hug before leaning down and claiming his lips in a kiss. Alexis
sighed and let the kiss deepen, enjoying the way his lover felt pressed against him. He reached up and
ran his hands down Elia s face, tracing his forehead and small horns with appreciative hands. He was
beautiful. How he d ever been frightened of him, Alexis didn t know. When he took a breath for air,
Elia spoke. I had hoped my hesitation hadn t ruined the feelings you had for me.
Alexis shook his head. I thought for a second that you hadn t meant what you said. I thought you
were just going to order me to be quiet and do what you wanted anyway.
I am not that type of Arak, my honor. Though I understand where the thought comes from.
You re nothing like him, Alexis said for what had to be the millionth time. He had no doubts.
Elia wasn t exaggerating or playing him. He really cared. He pointed toward the field. It looks like
the fence will need mending before long. Even after the short period he d been here, he could spot
the imperfections in the wood s line. It was a trick Elia had taught him on day three.
Elia nodded. I saw that. Your eyes are getting good. Which of the Marknads are about to
spawn?
Alexis s eyes went to the ones he could see, and he racked his brain, trying to recall the signs
Elia had taught him before. The grayish blue tones of the animals had something to do with it. He
pointed to the two large females near the pond. Those two. The flesh turns almost white along the
line of their backs right?
Elia grinned. Very good. I ll make a gardener out of you yet.
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