Page 119 of Aryn

Because I’ve claimed you.

Because you’re mine.

Because I want to take care of you for the rest of forever, in this life and any others.

Instead, I lean in and press a kiss to his lips. “Because I like taking care of you,” I say softly. “Let me.”

He searches my face for a long moment, something vulnerable flickering in his eyes before he sighs and deflates. “Alright,” he says as he hands me the comb, “but just so we’re abundantly clear, I put my foot down at the healing salves.”

I preen as I brush his hair and trim his beard. Cato even indulges me and waits to put his coat on so I can help him into it. We’re stepping out of our room when Brihn comes rushing over, his braid swishing behind him.

He nods a polite good morning to us both before jumping straight to business. “My contact at the castle responded. The Vaelor has agreed to a private audience.”

Relief hits me so hard my shoulders sag. “That’s… amazing.”

Finally, forward movement.

“I agree,” Brihn says with a cautious smile. “If it’s alright with you—both of you—I’ll travel with you to the capital.”

“Yes, of course,” I say immediately. “I would love that.”

Cato squeezes my hand and nods. “After everything you’ve done for us here, you could do damn well what you please and I’d agree to it.”

Brihn smile turns radiant. “It’s settled, then. Since we know the rebels are in the area, several of my guards will join us for protection. We’ll travel on sylvaren, and I’ll arrange a wagon. Supplies are easier that way, and it allows for rest on the roads. If you have no objections, we’ll leave at first light.”

“How long is the trip?” Cato asks.

Brihn tilts his head back and forth. “Depends on the weather and if we run into trouble on the way. Two days, if all goes well. Longer if it doesn’t.”

Cato groans. “Don’t jinx us. Luck hasn’t exactly been on our side.”

Brihn claps him on the shoulder with a fanged grin. “Well, maybe the Fates will see to it our fortune changes.”

“It would be in our best interest if they did,” Cato mutters, but returns Brihn’s smile with a cautious one of his own.

As Brihn leaves to begin preparations, Cato and I track down the others to tell them the good news. We split duties, so while Lillith, Taryn, and Cameron take stock of supplies and replenish in the market, Cato and I join Ronan in the armory. We sharpen blades, restring the bow I stole, and examine our weapons. Cato purchases a few extra knives and I refill on arrows, just in case.

The work is grounding, and the day turns into late afternoon before I know it. Ronan works on wrapping his hilt in fresh leather as Cato pulls me aside.

“I, uh…” He rolls his lips between his teeth and glances away.

The obvious show of nerves steals my attention. “What is it?”

“You can’t make fun of me for this,” he warns.

My brows fly up, and I barely fight back my smile. “Rethinking the salve? A saddle can be a little… bumpy.”

“Oh, my gods, no, I’m not…” He trails off, then drags a palm over his chin before planting his hands on his hips. “You’re fucking with me.”

My lips twitch. “Maybe a little.”

He crosses his arms and glances away, refusing to hold my eyes. “Here’s the thing. I’ve kinda… never ridden these things.”

“Of course you haven’t,” I say, brows furrowing, but they smooth out as I realize what he’s trying to say. “Horses, either?”

He gives me a sheepish look. “No. I don’t…” He trails off again, then releases a resigned sigh. “They freak me out, okay? When we were kids, Gideon told me they didn’t like my hair, and—”

I can’t help it. I burst out laughing, then when I try to stifle it, I only get louder.