Chapter 147: Countdown to Peace - Part 3

ETAN

"A journey… to Summitras?" Sarya's eyes were wide and searching his.

"In part," Etan confirmed, his heart aching as the thought of Ayleth's face if she heard this conversation. "What I have found during my time of reflection, Sarya, is that I have become… disillusioned with politics."

Sarya gave a soft snort. "Only just now?" she asked skeptically.

Etan gave a soft chuckle. "No, of course not. I think… I think you and I have danced around the true picture since we arrived, have we not?" he said, hating himself for the manipulation.

"I'll admit, I thought you were using the political machine to your advantage, Etan," she said. "I thought our unspoken words confirmed that you were… otherwise engaged."