The Path of Giants by B.T. Narro (year 7 reading list .TXT) 📗

I saw, with her family’s lavish rugs, decorative furniture, and the beautiful paintings on the walls. But all of it just made me wonder how Whitley had earned so much money.

Kataleya seemed to sense my sour mood, a tense silence between us until we made it to my room. As expected, it was beautiful. Most importantly, the bed was large and looked very comfortable. There were a couple windows that oversaw a private garden, enclosed by walls.

“I’m sorry my father was a little rude to you,” Kataleya said to my relief.

“Thank you. I wasn’t sure if it was something I’d done.”

“I didn’t expect that he’d want you to address him as lord, otherwise I would’ve said something.”

“Is there a reason he’s acting toward me this way?”

“Yes.”

She didn’t go on.

“Are you going to tell me?”

“I want to tell you that it’s best if I keep it to myself, but that will just make you want to hear it more.”

She seemed to be asking a question, as she paused and looked at me.

“Go ahead, Kat. I can handle whatever the reason.”

“All right, but think of this as a warning that it might…cause problems you don’t want.”

I was starting to second-guess my decision, but I was too curious to let it go.

“Go ahead.”

She walked over and shut the door. “I will get in trouble if my mother sees this shut, but that trouble wouldn’t be worse than if anyone heard what I’m about to say. Let me be brief, so I can open the door again.”

She appeared nervous as she crossed her wrists while standing before me.

“I have to explain something to you. I’ve always known the Chespars are powerful—”

“The Chespars?” I interrupted.

“The family of Trevor Chespar.”

“Oh.”

“They, along with my family, have the capability of gathering an army and even a few sorcerers. Additionally, each of our families has more coin than the king by a considerable amount right now. I grew up with my father telling me I would ruin the good relationship my family had with the Chespars if I was to marry anyone else.”

“But Kataleya, I already told you that I’m over this. It’s fine.”

“You wanted to know why my father is treating you this way.”

“Oh,” I said again, realizing what she was implying. Something had happened between Kataleya and her father, probably recently, and it involved me. What had she said to him?

“My father always said that our future is with the Chespars, but that was before Nykal led the rebellion and became king. After that, things changed a bit. My father thought Reuben might be a better match, a noble sorcerer of the king. I’m sure Reuben was told the same thing about me.”

“He probably was, considering his early behavior.”

“As you know, I wasn’t interested in Reuben but found myself attracted to you. Unfortunately, my father would never accept a marriage to you.”

“Because we’re on the subject,” I interjected again, “I have to tell you that I still don’t really understand why that is.” This had been bothering me, as much as I had tried not to let it. “I’m a sorcerer to the king, and I don’t think it’s arrogant to say that I have great potential to be extremely valuable not only to him but to the kingdom.”

“Of course that’s not arrogant. That’s the truth. In fact, that’s exactly what I was telling my father before you arrived. You see, Jon, I have been thinking about my future a lot these days. I have to make a decision because Trevor is likely to propose soon. I know I hurt you accidentally, and you have been getting over me, but I couldn’t completely let go. Not without knowing if the future could at least be possible. So I…” She paused. “In so many words, I brought up the idea to my father.”

“I imagine he was furious with you.”

She let out her breath as her shoulders slumped. “Yes. He doesn’t value you in the same way he values the Chespars. I want to apologize on his behalf. You don’t deserve this kind of treatment.”

“It’s not your fault.” And you shouldn’t apologize for him, I decided not to say.

“I wasn’t going to tell you any of this, but that was before I saw how my father treated you. You deserve to know the reason. It’s not your fault. If it’s anyone’s, it’s mine. I’m sorry.”

I refused to believe it was Kataleya’s fault, but I could tell she was eager to finish this conversation and open the door. But first, there was something else bothering me that I had to get out.

“There’s one thing I still don’t understand. What would’ve happened if your father had approved of a marriage to me?”

She had a wry smile as she looked at me, speeding up my pulse. Damn, there was my attraction for her again as I imagined Kataleya opening her heart to me, and once again, her body.

“Well,” she said. “I would’ve liked to see what might happen between us. I think that one day you will be something more than just a powerful noble, like Trevor is, and my father will have changed his mind about you.” She frowned. “But that is just a fantasy that I have to let go of. I was almost certain my father wouldn’t allow it, which is why I told you at the castle that we couldn’t be together.”

She looked at me without saying anything else.

“You’re right,” I said eventually.

“About what?”

“Telling me all this does cause problems. But.” I approached her. “I’m glad you did.”

She still had her wrists intertwined as I wrapped my arms around her. She went supple for a moment, then slid her arms around my torso. I could feel her relax as she let out her breath. It felt so nice to hold her.

“There’s no chance you’re going to go against your father, right?” I had to make sure before I let go of Kataleya completely.

“I can’t fathom the thought. He’s my father and the lord of Livea. My entire future