I fought with Marina. I hate it. She’s not wrong that I’m putting her at risk more than anyone, but I can’t just put Brayton to death. I wish she understood, there’s no one else in the world who I think even could. Tristan has made eye contact with me a few times, which is comforting but not, well, entirely welcome at the moment.

I haven’t told him about what went on with Eric earlier. I haven’t told anyone, because I want it to be mine, at least for a little while.

“What has your attention?” Eric asked sitting next to me. I smiled at him. “Where’s Duchess Marina?” I sighed and looked down.

“She wasn’t feeling well,” I said simply, “and also I did something she wasn’t happy about.” He nodded as the food was placed down, I nodded so everyone could begin. He nodded.

“Did you try apologizing?” He asked. I looked at him. “You’re not so much a queen that you can’t apologize are you? Even my brother, who believe me, condescends to no one, apologizes occasionally.”  I laughed. “Goddess, Annalise, haven’t you ever had an argument with anyone before.”

“Only with Aaron and that was usually his fault,” I said, “so he apologized.” He laughed. “You don’t want to know what it was about?”

“I’m pretty sure I can guess,” he said, glancing towards the doors. I blushed.

“It wasn’t that,” I said, “it was much more serious, but it doesn’t matter.” He nodded. “She’ll probably be hungry.”

“Yes,” he smiled, “she probably will.” I nodded. After everything broke up, I asked for a plate to be put together and we carried it up. Lefty came too, teasing us both, and happily slipping into Marina’s room when I left her. I sat on the couch and Eric plopped down next to me.

“Thank you,” I said softly. He smiled and pushed my hair out of my face.

“Of course.” He said softly. “What were you fighting about?” I sighed.

“We think Lord Brayton has lost the blessing of Amina and Marina wants me to schedule his execution,” I explained, his eyes got large. “But I have this feeling, based on my dreams that I’m not supposed to do that. I don’t know, it’s all very confused.” He kissed me. I pulled myself close. His hand rested on my waist as I pulled myself onto his lap.

“Annalise,” he whispered, pulling away. “We shouldn’t.” I swallowed. “I told you I won’t share.” I nodded.

“I’m sorry,” I said and pulled away. “But you’ll wait for me?” He smiled.

“Of course,” he whispered, “forever.” I got a chill then. I wanted him so badly, and invoking the vision, that vision, only made it harder to not touch him. We heard a giggle from the other side of the door. “Is she,” he sighed, “Lefty isn’t used to, well, nice girls, should we say.”

“I’ll go rescue her,” I smiled. It had the added bonus of separating me from Eric, the air between us felt charged now.