We ate as fast as we could. Something tasty I didn’t remember. Aiden was barely out of arm’s reach the entire time.
After we finished, Helene handed me a new outfit. She’d been passing them out all evening, a flushed smile on her face. The Rellmirans and Dags both seemed to like her and Isabel. I was glad they’d found a home here. And a purpose.
I changed inside one of the outhouses. The thick white shirt and black trousers were nothing special. Though they made me think of Gretchen’s yellow-flowered shirt. I hoped the woman we freed from the log raft was wearing it now on her way home. The boots and stockings chafed my raw ankles a bit, but I’d never been happier to have them.
I also used some soap and water to clean my skin. It wasn’t a full bath, but it was enough for now with exhaustion dragging at my limbs.
After the destruction of Calimber, Nikella’s death, and worrying over Maz, I’d barely slept. The thought of sleeping in a real bed with Aiden almost made me giddy.
He was waiting for me outside, also refreshed in new clothes. “You can burn those,” he said, nodding to my prisoner rags.
“Gladly.” I walked to the nearest fire and tossed them in.
I wished the memories were just as easy to burn.
I put my hand in Aiden’s, and he led me to a small lodge that looked newly built.
The camp had expanded since we were last here, overtaking nearly half the snowy meadow. Most likely to make room for the visiting warriors and refugees.
One day, I wanted to visit under more pleasant circumstances, not after another heartbreaking battle.
I’d been so angry and hurt the first time we came here. So eager to leave as soon as I could. Then, after the battle at Arduen’s Mountain, I’d wanted to crush Calimber to honor my mother’s sacrifice.
I was still laden with grief—old and new. And with fear for Maz and the battles we had yet to face.
But I also had love. Because of the man at my side. Love was worth every battle I fought.
Snowflakes kissed my cheeks before I ducked into Aiden’s lodge.
A bed barely wide enough for two people took up most of the space. A small table and a stool consumed the rest.
Any possessions we had left were with our horses in Twaryn.
“Do you think we’ll be able to retrieve Wicked and Ozlow soon? And the other horses?” I asked.
Aiden rolled back the heavy fur blankets and quilts on his bed—ourbed. “One day, I hope. After.”
After Aquinon. Would he be king then? Would I be...
I shook my head.Enjoy this now while you have it.
Aiden kicked off his boots and turned down the overhead lamp. I gingerly removed my boots in the darkness.
“Aiden?” I whispered.
A warm hand grasped my elbow and guided me to the bed. “I told you I’d always be able to find you, even if you were one with the dark.”
I smiled and crawled into the bed. His large body quickly followed. I curled into his arms as if we’d be doing the same motions for years. He dragged the blankets over us.
“Does the darkness bother you? After everything,” I whispered.
“It helps to have destroyed that place.” The words rumbled in my ear. “But I fear nothing with you in my arms.”
I snuggled deeper into his arms. I had many new fears, but he was right. I was at peace in his arms.
“I love you, Aiden.”
His arms tightened. He kissed the top of my head. “I love you, too, Kiera.”
