He held up a hand to silence her, and she waited, circling the table to face him.
"Where is my sister?"
"Are all women of your world unusual?" he asked with impatience.
"We are not unusual on our world," she retorted. "Where is she?"
"She is safe and well."
"Why are you here, then, if not to tell me something's wrong?" she asked, perplexed.
"Nishani is unusual."
"You come to tell me she is unusual?" She shook her head. "I don't understand. I know she is unusual. She's a brilliant artist, independent, a complete sweetheart, a little too emotional, but she's an artist … I don't understand."
Evelyn gazed at him, waiting for more. His jaw clenched. By the look of this man, Kiera hadn't wed him by choice. Romas had decreed that the man Kiera chose would have to have her agreement to be mated. Evelyn just didn't see it happening. Kiera could be the most stubborn and frustrating woman Evelyn had ever met, and she'd sworn off any man, let alone an alien. She'd never fit into Romas's society. Realization played across her mind, echoed in a puzzled smile dancing across her face.
"You can't figure her out," she said. "That's it, isn't it?" And she laughed. Kiera was well indeed if she were able to send a man like this to Evelyn's door looking for advice. Kiera's mate hadn't counted on an obstinate bride.
The man before her crossed his arms, not amused.
Hormones and emotions kicked in at the same time, and Evelyn's laughter turned to weeping. She sat on the table and buried her face in her hands, grateful and relieved to be reconnected with Kiera, even if indirectly. She cried until she could control herself, wiped her face, and drew several shuddering breaths.
"My … my sister is sweet but stubborn," she managed. "I don't have an easy answer to your problem, if that's what you want. Is she speaking to you?"
She imagined the conversation was nothing short of torture for a warrior. She knew without a doubt that Romas's arrogance would never allow him to admit his inability to deal with her to anyone. That Kiera's warrior was at least willing to do something so painful gave her some hope for her friend.
"I have not seen her in a few days," he replied after a pause.
"So you dumped her off and left," Evelyn summarized, and wiped her face again. "Kiera will never be the woman you warriors want. Get used to that now. I'm sure a woman with intelligence will shock you."