Magnus crouched down next to Roland's father's grave and the one next to it, but said nothing.

"That one there must be your father's," Roland said. "I'm sorry my parents did not speak of him."

"He was a good man and a great warrior. Very loyal to the king and queen." Magnus straightened, his gaze fixed intently on Roland.

Roland squirmed under the scrutiny. He did not know how to take such open staring. Especially from someone he found attractive. He stepped back and nearly stumbled over a large rock.

Magnus once more caught his arm and steadied him. "You must be careful, Roland."

"I've always been a bit clumsy."

"Every action you take from now on must be carefully thought out."

He seemed so serious, Roland laughed. He could not help it. "What does that mean?"

"You will learn very soon." Magnus glanced at the clouds. "I've felt a sprinkle or two. We should head back to your hut. I would not want you to be soaked and then to become ill."

He might be younger and considerably smaller than Magnus, but that did not make him a child to be coddled. "I am not a baby. I will take the chance."

A smile curved Magnus's lips. "Nay, you are no mere babe." And then, to Roland's surprise, Magnus's hands smoothed over the muscles of Roland's arms sending unwelcome jolts of longing through him. "Taking care of the crops has given you some muscles. You will fill out more with the training."

"Training?"

Magnus stepped closer until they were only inches apart, so close he could feel the heat radiating from the big warrior's body. Roland could barely breathe. There was something in Magnus's gaze he couldn't quite place, but it warmed his insides.

Magnus shook himself and broke their eye contact. A muscle ticked in his jaw and he exhaled heavily. "Is there a maiden here you are fond of?"

Roland swallowed, startled by the question. "No, there is no maiden."

Magnus's dark gaze returned to him and for just a couple of heartbeats he thought Magnus would say something else, but the silence stretched between them. Unthinkingly, Roland tilted his head up, as though he wanted to be kissed. Did he? He supposed so. It would be his first one. Not that he expected Magnus would actually kiss him. He should just go back to the hut before he made a complete idiot out of himself.