Ten: Zargis

I had just finished making arrangements with Citron when Otreg got back. I waited for a glimpse of Thelia behind him, but she didn't appear. My eyes glanced at my friend who just shrugged, giving no sign if she was alright or possible in danger.

"Then it's settled?" Citron asked.

"It's settled," I say and stand. Shaking his hand, I use my manners before storming out of the house, Otreg behind me. Unda is in the carriage where I told her to wait so she didn't have to be bored with political talk, and poked her head out. I hold up a hand to her. "Stay there. We'll leave soon."

"But, Zargis! I hate being in this carriage. It's cramped and I'm tired," she complained with a pout.

I ignore her and lead Otreg away a bit before turning to him with questions on my lips. Before I can speak, he says, "She's fine."

"Where is she?" I all but growled.

He pointed towards house and I saw Thelia sitting in a chair bundling wheat from a basket. I relaxed and watched her for a bit. As if sensing my eyes, she looked up and saw me, waving a little shyly. "She needed to think about a few things and answer a few questions for herself," Otreg explained. "Once she did that, I helped her grab some supplies and carry them back. She assured me that she would stay there and do her work. And she kept her promise."

After a minute, Thelia went back to her work and I turned to my friend. "We're staying one more night." Otreg raised a brow. "She didn't get to go flying last night. I want to take her tonight. In the morning, we'll leave."

"Unda is not going to be happy about this," he said, glancing in the direction of the woman with a anxious look.

"She can either go home alone, or wait. I don't care."

Otreg held up his hands in surrender. "Where would you like her to go and stay?"

"Just take her to your place. She should be happy enough there."

Otreg nodded and then looked over at Thelia. "I'm not sure she's going to be in a good mood when you tell her we're leaving."

"She won't be," I sigh. "She will probably walk away like she did this morning." Running a hand through my hair, I shake my head and turn to Otreg. "Make sure the carriage is ready. I'm going to let Thelia know about tonight, then come with you."

Otreg nodded and left. I went over to Thelia, worried about how the night might end, but knowing that it wouldn't be the last time I'd ever see her.

She glanced up as I was about five feet away and gave a small smile. "How was your business with Citron?"

"It went well. I think as long as everyone keeps their word, all will go smoothly." I kneel before her, moving the basket from her lap to the ground beside me, then take her hands. "I'm going to run a few errands. I'll be back tonight. I want you ready when I get here."

She tilted her head slightly. "What for?"

"It's a surprise," I say, smiling. Her expression turns curious, then it lit up with delight. I put a finger to her lips before she could ask her question. "Promise me you'll be ready."

She nods.

When she opens her mouth again I shake my head. "Be sure you get your work done early that way you'll have time to rest before I see you. Now, I have to go. I'll see you soon."

"See you soon," she says softly. I stand and walk away. When I enter the carriage, I look back at her once more to see her watching me with a bright smile. The carriage starts to pull away and soon I lose sight of her.

"Are we going home?" Unda asks.

"Not quite yet," I tell her. I want you to see Otreg's home he has here while I run errands."

"I don't want to see his home!" she hissed. "I want to go home!"

"In the morning," I say and sit back, closing my eyes.

It was a mistake.