Chapter 10: Love Didn't Cure Him

Ysmerelle put the kettle on the sitting room hearth while Caerovan waited beside the table.

He still had her shawl over one arm.

She took it and held out her hand for his coat.

He gave her his hand instead.

They looked at their joined fingers.

"I was offering to hang that up," she said.

"I misunderstood."

He didn't let go.

She moved closer and put her free hand against his collar.

This time he understood before she spoke.

He kissed her gently enough that she could have changed her mind.

She caught his coat and kept him near.

He made a low pleased sound against her mouth and kissed her again.

She liked his height, his warmth and the way he finally stopped waiting for her to arrange the moment.

When they drew apart, the kettle had begun to hiss.

He looked at it with open resentment.

Ysmerelle laughed and went to fetch the cloth beside the grate.

Caerovan reached for the kettle before she did.

She caught his sleeve.

"Use the cloth."

He took it, lifted the kettle and discovered the lid beneath his thumb.

She moved the lid.

He tipped the spout over the first cup.

Nothing came out.

She lifted the lid farther and showed him the little strainer blocking the spout.

He put the kettle down again.

"I could carry the cups to it," he said.

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