Page 167 of The Ranger

He shut his eyes then looked at the ground a moment. “I am sorry if this upsets you, little one.” He took her by the arms and pulled her close. “This has been my biggest worry. I do not wish to see you upset or displeased over what my heart needs. But know that it can also be feed by you.”

She gasped.

He pulled her into his arms. “My little Maida. That does not mean we have to fight. Though when we did battle in the creek, my heart was not only glad, but fed.” He stepped back to look at her. “Do you understand?”

“I… I think so. But we were just playing.”

“It was still a form of battle.” He held up his thumb and index finger, then brought them together. “In a small way.”

She had to smile at that. They had fun at the creek, and she wouldn’t mind doing it again. “I have so many questions.”

“I have no doubt. Rest assured, that after we are joined, we will find another way for my heart to feed. And discover what yours needs.”

“Me? But I’m human… oh, not all of me.”

“No, not all, little one.” He ran his fingers through her hair. “We will find out together.”

She took his hand and held it. “So, what do you do when you’re hungry and there’s no one around to fight with?”

He took another deep breath. “I find someone.”

She gasped again.

He blushed. “Again, I am sorry if that upsets you. But I cannot help what my heart needs.”

“No, I suppose not. But… could you please not tell me when you feed? I think I’d rather not know.”

Sadness filled his eyes. “Of course. I will refrain from it if I can.”

She’d never seen such a look. She might as well have told him she didn’t want to get married. Guilt assailed her, and she didn’t know what to say. “Can we talk about this later? After the dance?”

“Of course.” He squeezed her hand, kissed it, then got back to work.

Maida put a hand to her heart. She had no idea a Muiraran’s heart could feed on such a thing. And what was that he said about justice? Was he like a hired gun for the king?

Confused, she tried not to think about it. She might have to marry quickly and wanted to be ready when the time came.

It wasn’t long before they were loading themselves into the wagon. Makama and Vale decided to ride down to the canyon and would meet up with them on the way back. As there wasn’t a huge selection of dresses to choose from, this shouldn’t take long.

When they reached the lane to the canyon, Makama and Vale kicked their horses into a trot and disappeared as they made their descent. Makama’s heart must be hungry, which made her think.

Maida glanced over her shoulder at Pa, Grandpa and Duncan who were riding in the wagon bed. She then touched Markhel on the arm to get his attention.

He smiled at her. “Yes, little one?”

“When did you last feed your heart?”

“It has been… a while.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what to do to help you.”

He gave her a gentle smile. “I will do my best not to upset you. I will not speak of it.”

She looked him in the eyes. “You’re hungry, aren’t you?”

“I am.”

She blew out a long breath.