Page 129 of Aryn

“Not accusing you of anything you haven’t earned,” Galdren retorts. “If memory serves, you’ve been known to stretch the truth.”

Brihn scoffs. “Now you’re just making things up.”

“I could share stories, if you’d like?” Galdren says with a deliberate look.

Brihn smirks as he steps up to Galdren’s side and pokes him gently. “Oh, we’re sharing stories now? I’m sure I recall one or two you wouldn’t want repeated in present company.”

Galdren catches his hand for a split second, and Brihn meets my eyes as I glance pointedly at where they’re holding on to each other. A deeper red flushes Brihn’s cheeks as he quickly drops his hands to his sides.

Galdren clears his throat, then flashes another poised smile. “Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your arrival, we are thrilled to host you. Rooms have been prepared for the duration of your stay, and we welcome you to explore the city. The Vaelor had some unavoidable business to attend today, but we have arranged for a formal meeting tomorrow afternoon. It will not be interrupted.”

He waves at the stable hands nearby. We collect our supplies before they lead the animals and wagon away, then Galdren guides us into the castle. Aryn stays close, his hand closing around mine as we follow.

The interior is breathtaking, with high vaulted ceilings supported by thick stone columns, polished floors covered in rich fur rugs, and walls hung with intricate tapestries depicting ancient battles and sweeping mountain landscapes. Warm light from lanterns and roaring fireplaces fills the halls, making the space surprisingly welcoming despite how grand it is.

We climb a wide staircase and walk down a long corridor until Galdren stops in front of a heavy carved wooden door.

“You’ll be staying in this hallway,” he says, gesturing at the row of rooms before pushing the door open. Aryn and I are the closest, so he nods for us to enter first.

A massive bed sits in the center, piled high with thick furs and soft blankets. They make me want to fall into them and not wake up for a solid twelve hours. The room is warm from the lit fireplace crackling in the corner, and the wood gives off a scent of something close to pine. More fur rugs cover the stone floor, and through an open doorway is an attached bathroom. The large tub is big enough for two, and metal pipes run along the walls to the shower and sink.

“The water is heated,” Galdren says as he follows my gaze, then tries not to smile at my groan. He gives a respectful dip of his head. “I’ll get the others sorted and leave you to rest. Dinner will be brought to your room shortly, and breakfast will be provided at sunup. If you need anything in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to ask. The attendants are waiting at the end of the hall.”

The door closes behind him with a quiet click, and for the first time in what feels like forever, we’re completely alone.

Cato

Aryn pushes out a long breath, like he could purge the exhaustion from his body by blowing it away. He steps forward and wraps his arms around my middle, resting his head on my shoulder. The easy affection hits hard, clicking into place like I’ve been waiting my whole life for this exact weight against my chest. It’s a novel thing, being wanted in this way. Right now, he wants comfort, and he’s coming to me to get it.

People come to me for strength. They come to me for protection, or to get a job done—when they need something.

No one has ever come to me for soft moments like this.

To just… be.

Somehow, I fall for him just a little harder.

For a few heartbeats we stand there, breathing each other in. “I probably stink,” I say eventually.

“Oh, you do,” he agrees without hesitation.

A soft chuckle slips out of me as I press a kiss to his temple. “Yeah, you’re not exactly a desert rose right now either, darlin’.”

His eyes move up to mine, eager in a way that turns my insides right to mush. “Can I… wash you? I know you’re exhausted, but…” He trails off, clearly fighting the urge to take care of me. I nod, too worn out to argue and too far gone on him to do anything besides indulge him.

We step into the bathroom, and he tilts his chin toward the shower. “Rinse the worst of the road off. I’ll run the bath.”

It takes me a few tries to figure out the taps, but soon the room fills with steam. I strip out of my filthy clothes and step under the spray with a loud groan. The warm water is pure mercy on my battered muscles and aching spine. Dirt and grime form rivers on my limbs, making me cringe as I watch it swirl down the drain. Soaps that smell similar to mint and honey cut through the worst of it, and by the time I step out, the tub is full and waiting.

Aryn is naked now, watching me with open hunger as I drip onto the rug. “Climb in,” he says, dragging his hand down my arm. “I’ll join you in a moment.”

The water is hot enough to erase the days in the cold, and I sink in until only my face is above the surface. A few minutes later, Aryn steps out of the shower and slides into the tub behind me.

“We’ve been riding like this for days,” I say as I scoot lower and settle back against his chest. “Aren’t you tired of being behind me yet?”

He hums quietly and tilts my chin back so our eyes meet. “I could never get tired of being anything with you.”

His hands are gentle as he washes me, soapy palms sliding over my chest and down my arms. He works shampoo into my hair, raking his nails along my scalp in a way that makes my eyes fall shut. Then he laughs softly and pushes the soapy strands up into a mohawk. I leave it there just to keep that smile on his face, spinning around to return the favor.