The Ranger of Marzanna (The Goddess War #1) - Jon Skovron Page 0,140

seemed especially unfair.

“Perhaps I should tell her before we marry. In case she wants to…” Sebastian’s throat seized up at the very idea that she might want to call off the engagement. “Well, I should tell her. It’s the right thing to do.”

Rykov handed Sebastian his boots. “If you say so.”

Sebastian gave himself a hard look. A determined look. “Yes. I think it is.”

He put on his boots in silence, then left the garrison for Roskosh Manor. Despite his resolution, he felt a hollow dread in his chest. His horse was quite familiar with the route by then, so he was able to focus on how best to broach the subject to Galina. He would need to do it in a way that did not make her feel guilty, should she choose to…

The very thought of losing his Galechka made his stomach plunge. But deception by omission was still deception, and he could not break the sacred trust between them, no matter the cost.

Sebastian reached Roskosh Manor in time for supper. During the meal, he did his best to participate in the idle conversation at the table, but his forthcoming confession to Galina weighed heavily on his mind. It seemed that Lord Prozorova also had his thoughts elsewhere. His lordship barely spoke, and occasionally glanced over at Sebastian as if he were not quite certain who he was. It fell to Lady Prozorova and Galina to keep things lively, but if there were two women better suited to the task, Sebastian didn’t know them.

Then at last the meal was over and Sebastian retired to the parlor with Galina to converse in private, as was their habit during his visits.

“How was your visit to… Kamen, was it?” He stood by the window that looked out at the gardens where the two of them first confessed their love.

“Very insightful, my volshebnik,” she said as she sat on the sofa. “As you know, I’ve been assisting my father with his archival work, and there is a striking difference between transcribing my father’s notes here in the comfort of my home, and actually listening to the peasants tell their tales. I find myself wishing there was some way I could capture not merely what they said, but how they said it.”

“Indeed, that would be a challenge.” He tried to sound interested, but the pressure of his looming confession was like a weight upon his chest.

She gave him an odd look. “Will you not come sit beside me, Sebastian?”

“I… have something I must tell you, and I think I would prefer to stand while I say it. And perhaps you might as well.”

“Is something the matter?”

He still did not know quite how to begin. His mouth opened, but no sound came out.

“Have I done something to displease you, my betrothed?” She looked concerned.

Instantly he felt a pang of guilt. Here he was, so wrapped up in his own feelings that he had completely disregarded hers. He hurried over to her side and took her hands.

“No, my beloved. It’s not something you have done. Indeed, I doubt you could ever do anything wrong. Instead, it is the cruel hand of fate that has wronged us both.”

“Pray, tell me what troubles you, so that you no longer have to bear this burden alone,” said Galina.

Sebastian took a deep breath. “I believe that the… toll my magic is taking on my body has been more exacting than I’d previously realized.”

“You have seemed in poor health of late.” Galina considered for a moment. “It’s been such a gradual change, though, that I can’t recall when I first noticed.”

“It… it’s worse than that, I’m afraid. The book you gave me suggests that elemental magic use causes premature aging.”

“Oh?” Her large eyes grew wide.

“And so,” he said, his throat tight with fear, “I leave it to you, my precious Galechka, to tell me honestly if you would not prefer to break off our engagement so that you might find a man who will age as you do and who will remain virile and hardy for many years to come.”

He steeled himself, preparing for possibly the most heartbreaking moment of his life. But she surprised him by letting out a quick laugh that almost seemed relieved. “Don’t be absurd, Sebastian. If your use of magic is what’s causing this terrible affliction, then the solution is obvious. Simply stop using magic.”

“B-but, my love…”

“Yes of course, it makes perfect sense!” He had never seen her so enthusiastic about something before. She was almost gleeful.