LOREN
It really wasn’t fine, which is why Loren had broken through his fear to offer Remi a simple touch. Still, the gratitude in the other man’s eyes both banished some of the darkness inside the Launceleyn and caused his heart to sink at the familiarity of it. So the summoner remained silent, not trusting his voice to speak. At least, not until later in the conversation. ”Do I look particularly capable of subterfuge?” He was practically stick-thin, still exhausted from his magic, and had dark circles under his eyes: not exactly the picture perfect spy. Then again, those were the best kind.However, when the conversation drifted inevitably to Northaven, it stung to hear the alchemist speak of how it used to be. ”My people? You mean the ones who tortured me because I wasn’t strong or obedient enough? Or maybe you mean the ones who wouldn’t let me love who I wanted openly?” The bitterness in the summoner’s voice surprised him; it was also, completely and totally unfair to snap at the other man like that. ”I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.” The truth of the matter was, Loren didn’t have any people, not even the remaining members of his family. No he was terribly, completely alone, even in Remi’s presence. And it was his own damn fault.
The Launceleyn looked away, emotions still too raw to watch the other man. ”If standing is progress I shudder to think what you were used to before this.” It wasn’t really what the alchemist had meant and it was a weak attempt at humor, but it was all the summoner could muster at the moment. ”And this is me putting distance between us before you recklessly try to disregard my rules again. Or, maybe I’m just cold and want to go inside.” At the explanation about the Prince that was not an explanation at all, the Launceleyn rolled his eyes. ”What creature that lives in the Underground?”
Surprisingly enough, Loren met Remi’s gaze without wavering. ”Well she’s gone.” His voice came out bluntly, but he was getting a bit annoyed hearing that same old refrain everywhere he went. ”And I know it hasn’t been that long and I’m sorry for all the horrors she inflicted on everyone here, but I’m getting a bit sick and tired of everyone acting as though, if she comes back, which she might not, there’s absolutely nothing we can do to prevent it from happening all over again. I am planning to stand against her if she tries to take control again, or even if she returns, and I’m not exactly a pushover. And you, reluctant as you might be to fight, could probably take her on without breaking a sweat. Surely there are others, including this revolution you formed that just so happens to be, oh, I don’t know, in charge of the kingdom now?” That might’ve been too far, but Loren really was trying to rehabilitate his family, and it seemed very few were willing to give him that chance. Remi was just a convenient target for the summoner’s frustration. ”But, regardless, for now, she is not here. I am. My remaining family is. While everyone might dislike me, and with good reason, I am begging you not to take it out on the rest of them. They are innocent in all this, and if you don’t think Beatrix and Jace see and hear the way people react towards the Launceleyns and our home now, then you are sorely mistaken.” The librarian’s voice had softened, become almost pleading in the end. If he couldn’t break this reputation they had, there might not be any hope for them after all.
A beggar's book
outworths
a noble's blood
