Artemisia glanced down the left curving hallway almost furtively, then tugged on his hand and began to walk fast down the right side of the circular corridor. He slowed his steps. aWeare in good time.a He was in no hurry to do this.

She scowled up at him. aYou do recall that I have a sister who is a priestess, donat you? Who works here? As a counselor?a aNow that you prompt me, I do.a Sounded as if Artemisia hadnat shared her troubled heart with her sister. Garrett matched Artemisiaas pace. He was in no hurry to meet that woman, either.

Artemisia stopped at a door halfway between the south and east entryway with Leger Cinchonaas name on it. Garrett wasnat sure whether the position indicated the status the priest had attained or whether the placement was spiritual in naturea"Cinchona liked the energy of the southeast.

Garrett would inwardly admit that the man had good Flair.

The priest opened his door and Garrett noticed that his office was generally four meters by four meters, the outer wall curved, of course. There was a slight odor of incense and herbs but nothing that would bother Garrett any more than being here.

Cinchona nodded to Artemisiaa"good, the man didnat reach for her handa"and looked past her to Garrett.

Feeling exposed enough to check that the hall was still empty, Garrett also kept his voice low. aI requested that since much of the reason Artemisia wishes to speak with you involves me, I be included in the meeting.a The priestas eyebrows went up. He met Artemisiaas eyes. aIs this what you want, Artemisia?a

Thirty.

Garrett felt her palm go damp in his hand. Or maybe that was his. He closed his fingers tighter.

She sniffed and the priest seemed to take that as a good sign that Garrett wasnat intimidating her. aItas true, we have a tangled relationship.a aI wouldnat have thought that youad have lunch or dinner with a man interested in pursuing his own relationship with you if you were entangled with another,a Cinchona said gently.

Artemisia tugged on her fingers and Garrett reluctantly let them go. She raised her chin. aWe werenat in a relationship, then.a aYesterday noon,a Cinchona said.

aItas complicated,a Garrett growled. aAre you going to see us or not?a aThat depends.a Cinchona didnat move. aOn Artemisiaas wishesa"and on yours. Do you trust me as a priest, Artemisia?a She smiled. aOf course.a aGood to know, but still a small pity thatas all you see.a The guy was being too good. Garrett grunted.

aAnd you?a He switched his blue gray gaze to Garrett.

aYeah, yeah,a he said.

Cinchona c.o.c.ked his head. aI sense that you donat trust many people.a He raised a palm. aAnd you donat want to talk about your relationship with Artemisia.a aYou got that right, but if itas something that Artemisia needs, Iall do it. Iall always give her what she needs.a Artemisia b.u.mped into the doorjamb as she stepped back and looked up at him. Heat came to his cheeks, but he nodded to her. aIave been a stup.a aCome in.a Cinchona stepped back and opened the door wide.

The room was comfortably furnished, and not as if the priest catered mostly to females. Rust and gold and dark brown chairs and cushions, well used but not shabby. Everything about the man indicated he was a lesser n.o.ble, a second son or something, and had never had to worry about gilt.

But the data from Garrettas informants had stated Cinchona was a very good man. No doubt kind, compa.s.sionate, and caring, like Artemisia.

Too much like Artemisia. She needed someone, like Garrett, a little rougher in her life.

aPlease, sit,a the priest said.

There was a long couch with one side that angled up. Garrett nearly shuddered. Since he was the first in, he took one of the three chairs near a wedge-shaped outside corner, obviously set up for couples counseling. He stiffened his spine. He was part of a couple. He leaned against the back cushion, stretched his legs out.

Artemisia sat in the chair on his right, a little beyond his reach. Cinchona sat in the b.u.t.terscotch brown fine-grained leather chair. Garrettas own chair wasnat as comfortable.

aIam Leger Cinchona,a the priest said.

aI know. Iam Garrett Primross.a aAh, I have heard of you,a Cinchona said. He blinked as if accessing his memories and Garrett let quiet sift into the room.

Artemisia sighed and settled into her own chair, her face in its usual, sincerely serene expression. Which was good, as was the priest and the atmosphere, but Garrett didnat have any expectation shead remain serene long. Not when they started digging into the events of the night before last and the snarled bonds between them.

Before the man said the blessing that would start the session, Garrett added, aI saw you at Apollopa Park.a Cinchona smiled slowly. aI know.a aYeah?a Garrett couldnat help himself, he angled his body to ruin the line between Artemisia and the priest.

aYou donat think I could feel such an inimical glare?a Cinchonaas brows rose. He was enjoying this, dammit. Garrett felt his face heat.

The priest went on, with a hint of a smirk. aYou didnat like my interest in Artemisia. Or rather, you donat, even now, when it must be obvious that she considers me more of a priest, and perhaps a friend, rather than a gallant to woo her.a aWhat I need to know,a Artemisia said crisply, ais if whatever is between the two of you will impede this counseling session.a c.r.a.p. Just that easily her mood had been broken. Garrett not only retreated a mental step, but ratcheted down his att.i.tude. aNo,a he said.

aOf course not,a the priest said in a smooth and professionally gentle tone.

Rusby flung back the flap of his carry case and hopped out to the large, rolled arm of Garrettas chair. The rust brown weave was loose enough that it didnat show any pinp.r.i.c.ks made by small claws. I am Rusby Primross and I have been very good. He sat straight.

aYou brought Rusby!a Artemisia said.

At her tone, Rusby huddled in on himself and gave Artemisia big eyes. Garrett could tell the kittenas feelings werenat hurt, that the Fam was curious more than anything else, but Garrett kept his mouth shut.

You donat want Me here?

She pursed her lips, looked at the priest.

aThere are no rules against Fams,a Cinchona said. aOn the contrary, Iave found they can be helpful.a aHmm,a Artemisia said, then shrugged. aVery well.a aThank you, Artemisia,a Garrett said.

Thank you, FamWoman, Rusby said, and revved his thin purr. The comforting sound lasted through the standard blessing for truth and gentleness and guidance.

Garrettas nerves tightened.

Artemisia began to talk. She was unexpectedly generous when she told of the experiment, touched on his ordeal, then revealed the circ.u.mstances of Garrett telling her that she was his HeartMate and that he didnat want her. Her words still made Garrett writhe inside.

The priest asked penetrating questions about the exact circ.u.mstances of the when and why Garrett had spewed so, and when Garrett was slow to answer, Rusby wriggled on his lap. Garrett figured the kitten wouldnat keep quiet about the nightmares, so he reluctantly answered each and every question, delving further into his feelings, more than head ever wanted.

And as he explained, he felt the bond between himself and Artemisia opening, flowing with emotion, her inherent compa.s.sion that tugged on his feelings, his very mixed feelings, in return. He stopped his instinctual squeezing shut of the bond.

He couldnat do that anymore.

Not if he wanted Artemisia.

At the end of all the questions, the priest studied Garrett, then Artemisia, then the both of them. aI have heard of your experience with the Iasc sickness, of course,a Cinchona said slowly. aThree years ago when it was discovered you survived and were willing to help fight the epidemic with your blood donations. Also when the most recent experiment was proposed and successfully concluded.a He slanted a look at Artemisia. aYour sister, Tiana, has duties to lead rituals here, and is required to report any other claims upon her energy and Flair. She told usa"her peer group and our teachersa"that shead conducted a couple of Family rituals with regard to the experiment.a aYes,a Artemisia said.

Garrett hadnat known that.

She turned and met his gaze. aIt was very helpful.a Again the priest studied them both, and Garrett felt the manas Flair brushing him.

aYou have never seen a priest or mind Healer about your experiences? Your loss and grief?a Cinchona asked him.

aNo,a Garrett gritted out.

The priest sighed. His brows went up and down as he studied Garrett. aIad recommend that.a When Garrettas jaw clamped shut, the priest amended, aWhen youare ready.a He paused. aSince you and Artemisia came to me for counseling, and such is held to be completely confidential, I will not report your breaking of the law about informing your HeartMate that she was your HeartMate. Especially since I can see that you are both being punished by the knowledge.a He drew in an audible breath. aThough I might recommend following the requirements of the law in circ.u.mstances such as yours, when one HeartMate informs the other who is unknowing of the link. You violated Artemisiaas free will.a aIt was a good thing,a Artemisia said and her voice wasnat even unsteady. aIad been . . . unconsciously waiting for him. When Garrett informed me that he wouldnat claim me, it gave me the freedoma"a aStop,a the priest ordered, pushed a little Flair behind the word.

Artemisia did.

aI see no reason to go over this particular event again since it hurts you both. You will Heal well enough from the emotional pain if it is left alone.a Thank the Lord and Lady, this priest might be an okay guy after all. But Garrett hadnat looked up the consequences of breaking that law. His face hardened into a mask. aIf that means staying away from Artemisia . . .a He held out his hand to her. Once again she stared at his fingers, then met his gaze with a troubled one of her own. aI canat do that. Iave already stayed away from her too much.a He sucked in a breath and inclined his head to her. aIam all right with having to prove myself to her. Thatas fair for all that Iave put her through. But . . . but . . .a He couldnat bring himself to say it.

Artemisiaas took his hand again and tendernessa"tenderness!a"swirled along their bond. aYouare afraid.a Only one side of his mouth twisted up in a raw smile. He kept his eyes meeting hers. aYeah. Afraid Iall lose you. To another man . . . or worse.a aAn understandable fear,a the priest murmured.

aI want a husband and children,a Artemisia said.

aI know.a He drew all the intensity he had around him. aI canat say that I am ready for children.a More deep breathing, and no one hurried him. aBut I will protect and cherish you to my last breath,a Garrett said. Since he already had a history of doing that with another woman, he figured theyad believe him.

The priest considered him; this time the manas pupils were dilated and the guyas Flair enveloped Garrett.

Cinchona said, aWhat if protecting and cherishing Artemisia means you must rid yourself of these negative feelings by piercing the wound of your fear and grief and letting them drain? I believe thatas the best option at this point.a Garrett jerked. Head never thought that head carried around an infected sore seething with pusa"or worse.

The priest still looked at him, using Flair that slithered along Garrettas exposed skin, raising the little hairs on his body. aYou sure about that wound business?a Garrett managed.

aIam afraid so.a aAnd how am I supposed to do that?a Garrett scowled.

Artemisia dropped his hand, and he missed her touch.

aBy telling us about your experience,a Cinchona said.

aIave lived through it again recently, isnat that enough?a Garrett snarled.

aHave you ever told anyone every detail of that fateful trip, or has it only been as dry and factual a report as you could get away with?a Bullas-eye.

aOnce you say it, it should be done,a Cinchona offered.

aYou think so?a Garrett didnat believe that.

Cinchonaas own smile was wry. aYou think we havenat counseled warriors such as yourself before? Yes, this procedure often works.a Garrett made a disbelieving noise, added, aI can get a guarantee?a Now Cinchona stiffened. aI have given you my best recommendations in this matter, the conclusions I came to through experience and the use of my Flair. However, if you donat wish to take my advice, that is certainly your prerogative. As is deciding whether or when to do this and whether with a different counselor.a Oh, yeah, head want to lay the whole d.a.m.n stupidity out for someone else, sure.

aSuch as the best mind Healer, FirstFamily GrandLady DaSea. Iam sure that under the circ.u.mstances, with the service youave given to Celta, she would waive her fee.a Canny priest. Of course Garrett wouldnat want to talk to a female mind Healer, especially not one of the highest n.o.bles.

Artemisia stood up, straightened her tunic, looked down at him. Her gaze lingered on his arms across his chest, his closed-off body. Dammit, their bond had narrowed and he knew head reduced it automatically.

He didnat want to do this. Head never wanted to talk about it, relive it. Hadnat he already done that enough?

But he understood from the expression in her eyes that Artemisia doubted him. That if he didnat go through this now, she might think he wasnat worth having. Head lose her. And somehow shead become too dear to do that.

Head meant what head said previously, to the marrow of his bones. Head do what head have to, to win her, to keep her safe and cherish her.

His tense shoulders lifted, dropped as his breath nearly groaned out of him. aYeah, Iall do it, right now.a Surprise and pleasure flowed through their bond from Artemisia, and her smile at him took his breath.

aHereas something to make it easier.a Cinchona had gone to the no-time food storage unit and Garrett hadnat noticed. The priest held out a tube.

The liquid really didnat look like blood. Sure, it was red, but it fizzed with bubbles, was a whole lot thinner and lighter than blood. Pomegranate. Or cranberry. And that reminded Garrett of Opul Cranberry, and the boyas courage in fighting the sickness. Garrett was supposed to have courage, too, even if everything inside him cringed at doing this.

He stood and crossed to the priest and grabbed the tubea"cool to his toucha"and swallowed it down before he asked, aWhat is it?a Cinchonaas smile was wide and gently teasing. aLike I said, you arenat the first man who doesnat like to speak of his . . . concerns. Weall call it a tongue loosener.a aGreat,a Garrett said. The stuff hadnat tasted too bad.

Cinchona waved Garrett to his chair, and he obeyed. He turned his head at Artemisia. His tongue was beginning to feel thick, maybe he wouldnat talk after all. Not his problem if the potion didnat work on him.

Artemisia came to him, curved her hands around his face and bent and kissed his forehead. Memory swam of the time when he was sick. Shead been tender then, too. He was surprised shead offer the gesture, though. aThanks.a aSheas your HeartMate, who else would be so much of a comfort?a asked Cinchona softly.

And I am his Fam, Rusby said.

aYes.a aYou have been a good kitten, keeping quiet,a Garrett said.

Human problems pretty boring, the kitten replied. Even FamManas and FamWomanas. I fell asleep.

Cinchonaas eyes twinkled. aKittens do.a aYesss,a Rusby said.

Then the three of them sat and watched Garrett. His body tightened with wariness. Artemisia scooted her chair closer and took his hand in both of hers. He saw the golden bond between them pulse with emotiona"compa.s.sion and, affection?a"from her. She had affection for him? After all that head done?

He could feel the drink working on him, too, cracking him wide open like he was some crusty sh.e.l.lfish, his outer protective cover gone, the tender, vulnerable meat of him exposed and throbbing anxiety.

Cinchona said, aThe Iasc sickness was traced to an unknown fish with an unknown infection that washed ash.o.r.e on the beach of the Smallage estate near Gael City. You received a scry from Dinni Spurge Flixweed, who lived on the estate, to meet her at a Gael City health clinic.a The priestas tone was smooth, nearly hypnotic. He repeated the words Garrett had always used when giving his report of the events.

aYes,a and Garrett went on. And told everything, every detail, every feeling, every fliggering twitch of his gut. Like head told no one before, from the first person head scried from the mountain quarantine clinic after the disaster to the self-righteous and arrogant FirstLevel Healer Ura Heather.

After an eternity, he came to consciousness as a tiny rough tongue swiped at his wet face. Garrett was curled up on the floor of the office. His throat felt raw, his eyes grimy. Oh, Lord and Lady, head spilled his guts, hadnat he?

FamMan is awake, Rusby said, with one last lick. Garrettas face had dried with sweat. Maybe drool, too.

Cautiously he inhaled. Nope, didnat smell like head soiled himself again, like in real life, and a couple of nightmares since. Thank the Lady and Lord head been spared that.

He became aware of a soft body cradling his back. His neck cricked when he looked down. Artemisiaas arms were around him, clasped as if she wouldnat let him go. The last of his breath soughed out. His spine felt . . . protected.

He wouldnat have to clean himself up and walk through a horribly echoing, smelly clinic . . . Had he told them that, too?

Yes, of course. The d.a.m.n drink had loosened his tongue to a babble of every fliggering particular.

He turned his head, with another creak he felt more than heard, and saw the priest in his chair. Cinchonaas face remained professionally serious, but he swallowed convulsively and sweat beaded his hairline, making the dirty blond widowas peak darker. Guy had long hair pulled back and tied in a tail, and Garrett thought some of those strands were darker, too. He was perversely pleased head shaken the priest.

There was a quiet cough and Garrett jerked to sit, his head wrenching around to see the newcomer. His stomach clenched as he recognized the highest priest of the planet, TaSandalwood.

Thirty-one.

Garrett stared at High Priest Sandalwood as the great man scrutinized him. Garrett opened his mouth to speak, but it was too d.a.m.n dry. Artemisia moved, withdrew herself, and he felt chilled. A moment later she was back, next to him, putting an arm around his waist, leaning against him. Snuffling. She rubbed her head against his shoulder and he realized she was crying.

Garrett glared at Cinchona.

The man shrugged bony shoulders. aIam sorry, I didnat realize that I was out of my depth with you and the multiple deaths of close friends in such a manner and the horror of the trip and awakening, such grief . . .a He gulped and sweat was along his top lip, too. Guy looked wrung out.