“Go away Envy.”
“I can't. You're in my bed.”
Aera lifted her head off the pillow and glared at him over her shoulder. “So?”
The Kartaian shrugged. “What right-minded elf would walk away? I'm joking, Aera.” He added quickly as she kicked him.
After a pause, he spoke again. “I thought you didn't like elves. You picked Ruli and Kentaro-”
“Rulitus and I-”
'I know, I know.” He cut off her disagreement. “But still, I tried for years. He walked in two weeks ago.” Aera kept quiet.

After another pause, he sighed and got up, grabbing a cloth and a bowl of water. “Up.” he demanded, sitting back on the bed. 
“Why?”
“Cause you're getting blood all over my pillow.” Envy retorted. “Do whatever you want, but I don't care to sleep with the assassins fluids all over my skin.”
Aera shot up and smacked. Still alarmed by her hands, he flinched, spilling a good deal of water. He stared at the wet spot on the bed in dismay. “Sorry.” she said softly.
“Eh.” He shrugged. “I can turn it into triumph. I had the Raielwen in my bed and she got my sheets wet.” Aera smacked him again. “Ow! Dammit, that one hurt!”
There was a hint of amusement in her eyes. [i]Progress[/i]. He dipped the cloth in the bowl and began wiping the blood from her face, her chin in his huge hands. “Don't hate him, Aera.” Her dark eyes rose to his. “You've got a chance to be happy. You deserve that, even if he doesn't deserve you.” Her eyes went down again. “Tell me you see that.”
“I see it.”
“Then what has you all angry?”
The pale elf swallowed and more tears fell from her dark lashes. “Does it make me a horrible wife? A horrible person? If I know he's going to die and I allow it?” Her hand covered her mouth as she tried to stifle her sob, a rush of tears falling. 
Envy quickly put the bowl down and grabbed her, pulling her into an embrace. “Hush, baby girl.” He whispered against her hair. “Aera, don't be ridiculous. You're not allowing it, you're accepting that theres nothing you can do about it.”
“I even... want … it.” She gasped against him through her tears. Her head came up and she looked at him. “Kentaro knows Taris is behind everything. All the killings. But he can't p-prove it.” She coughed. “Taris killed his best friend, right in front of him. He-e knows Taris wants me. He won't give me up.”

Envy's eyes widened as he understood what she was saying and he pulled her back, cradling her head. He closed his eyes as he held her. “I will not let him hurt you. I'll hide you. I'll take you to Carantathraiel... we'll find it and get you there.”
She shook her head, working furiously to recover herself. “I can't. If I leave, he'll destroy everything. He'll hit the tunnels first. All the children....” Taking a deep breath, she stopped the tears and leaned back out of his grasp.
The Kartaian could say nothing, knowing she'd set her mind on staying. He pulled her forward and kissed her on the forehead and continued to wipe her face clean, mindful of the welt on her cheek. “[b]The moment you feel threatened...[/b]” Aera nodded, still steadying her breathing. “[b]Aera...”
“Yea, I know. I'll let you know.[/b]”
He gave her a cheeky smile. “[b]No, I was going to say you should have stayed with me[/b].” He laughed she she smacked him again. “Okay, I'll be serious.”
“You do that.” She said, standing, now that her face was clean. “I have to get back before Kentaro realizes I'm missing. He'll wake up soon.”

Envy leaned back on his bed with a sigh when she'd left. [i]Things are about to get dangerous.[/i]