Jade Fern Grove hauntings

"what is your problem?" merrick hissed in frustration as his raven did not relax, or appear quelled by their venture. single eye narrowed into a blazing slice of balefire. "you're always on my jock about something."
did she know about donovan? ulysses? lips quirked, frowned. why would she care if she did know? merrick was ignorant in many ways, and happy to be so, happy to operate within his own limitations, but no children could ever come of his unions. and theirs had apportioned two brats. 
outside of her, women appealed in no way to merrick.
hs gaze softened, dropped. "i know you don't trust me anymore. i wanted to get away with you. that's it. just ... we haven't been alone ..." voice feathered to nothing; he had never needed to speak to her, for in her face every expression was a missive.