Hector moved down the center of town with a purpose in his steps. The few people traveling against his path gave the large man wide berth, their shifting unnoticed by him. He was angry about what he heard. Angry at the one person he loved beyond all others.
Serenity was once again wasting time playing healer. Endearing to be sure, but at that moment it brought out Hector's ire. She existed for a higher purpose, and it wasn't to coddle sick children. He was tired of her hiding behind the ill.
Hector pushed hard on the door, slamming it against the wall. The small boy cringed and pulled the blanket tight to his body.
"He was almost asleep," Serenity complained, unaffected by Hector's dramatic entrance. She was sitting on the floor next to the straw mattress, her skirts neatly laid about her in a ring. "Shhhh, ignore him, Wayland. Close your eyes."
"We need to talk," Hector growled.
"Not now."
"Now!"
"Big men always think their problems are so important," Serenity cooed to the boy. She tucked in the blanket and leaned over to kiss his forehead. "I'm going to speak with him, and I'll be right back. You close your eyes, and when you wake up, I'll be here. Okay?" The boy nodded, his wide eyes never leaving Hector.
Hector led Serenity by the arm out the door and around the back of the tiny shack. She tried to pull her arm away, but he held on tight, reinforcing his resolve. They didn't stop until they until the town had disappeared behind the trees.
"Why are you so angry!" Serenity said, finally yanking her arm away.
"That boy had a witness."
"What boy?"
"You know what boy, don't play with me," Hector growled. Serenity shrugged her shoulders feigning ignorance. Hector jaw clenched. "Kelton, the one with the scar." He drew a line down his face from ear to chin.
"Oh, that boy," Serenity said.
"He had a witness!"
"He denied it." Serenity folded her arms across her chest and stuck her chin in the air. Hector struggled not to slap the look away.
"He didn't deny anything. Not one way or the other."
"He said there weren't any cursed when it happened," Serenity argued. "Am I supposed to know these things? Anyway, his head wasn't on fire."
"It was red as fire!"
"I didn't love him!"
"You didn't even give him a chance," Hector said, his voice quiet. "You never allow anyone but those children into your heart. You are the last of Kushiel's line. You have a duty."
"And so do you. Does your oath to my mother mean nothing? Did you ever think that mayhap one of those sick babes will grow up to be the Answer?"
"He had a witness, Serenity. They strung her up and tortured her until she died." Hector turned his back to her. "Mayhap, he was the one, and your forsaking has doomed him."
"I...I did not know. My mother said I would know if I saw him. He was not in my heart, I swear it."
"Would you even recognize love?" Hector asked. It was the sound of her sobbing that made him turn around.
"No," Serenity cried. She wiped the back of her hand across her eyes. "Hector, I think I'm broken." Hector's anger vanished as her anguish filled him. He had pushed too hard.
"You're not broken," Hector said, pulling her into his arms. It brought back memories of her younger days when she sought him out to cure even the smallest of troubles. He was her guardian, her friend, and her father. Although the later he had promised her mother never to divulge. Serenity must always see him as expendable. When her arms wrapped around him, his own eyes became heavy.
"Your duty is a difficult one," Hector said. "Sometimes I make it harder. I see a clear path and then steer you into a bog. You will find love in time. Either the Answer, or the one who will make sure the line does not end."
"Do you think I failed and missed the Answer?"
"Your mother said you would know him. It is her words that should guide you, not mine."
"I miss her," Serenity said. Hector silently agreed and held his daughter. It was these moments that made him question his oath. Is it so horrible for him to wish Serenity a normal life, one that doesn't consider sacrifice as success?
"I must be more dutiful," Serenity said, separating from Hector. She wiped her eyes and strengthened her stature. "I will not be so quick to deny in the future. Will that set your mind easy?"
"It will, my lady," Hector said, adding a slight bow.
"When I am assured that Wayland is fit, we will move on." Serenity straightened her skirts. "There will be less doubting and more looking. I will find the Answer or a mate to extend the line." She turned and headed back to her patient.
"As you say." Hector watched his daughter disappear, replaced by the strong woman. He loved both, though the daughter held a special place in his heart. It wasn't the first time he'd driven her back to her duty. He knew it wouldn't be the last.