“You have about an hour until you need to get up and get ready to go.”
A shudder moved through her, and she rolled over, pulling sheets to cover up with.
She brought her hands to her face and kept them there. Though she put on a brave face, I knew fear circled her like a hungry wild cat stalking its prey. It was all too much for one person to bear. Even though she had the help of Lysians, she tried to shoulder as much of the burden on her own. The girl did not even have time to fully mourn the loss of her friend because of the Sidhe looming over her.
“What are you thinking?” I asked, hoping she would let me in.
Her hands fell away from her face, and she turned to me. Her gaze traveled over my chest and stomach before returning to my eyes. “Just about how delicious you look.” She offered a smile that did not quite make it to her eyes.
My arm snaked around her, and I tugged her close, resting my chin on her head as she curled into me. “You will get through this and return to your people, to me.”
She took a deep breath. “I’m scared.” Her words were hardly a whisper.
“You would be crazy not to be. But, you are one of the bravest and most powerful people I know. If anyone can get through this, then it is you.” I said the words for her as much as for myself. They needed to be true.
“What if- What if I can’t find a way out of there? I will do my best to learn as much I can of the Sidhe and their lands. I know I will help win this looming war because of this decision. But if I cannot sneak away before the war breaks out–”
“I will find you,” I said.
She shifted, looking up at me, and began shaking her head. “No. I mean to say that if I am trapped, then so be it. Countless lives shouldn’t be risked for one person.”
My hand found her cheek. “I will come for you,” I said again. She began trying to shake her head once more, but my hand stilled her.“Ariana, I won’t stop searching until I find you. I will find you and bring you back.”
Her eyes swirled with so much emotion, a small glimpse into what was going on in that head of hers. Even as she lay in my arms, she offered me a peek into the pain experienced by her, but no more. Her gut reaction had always been to hide those things from others. To put up a strong front.
Desperation to protect her ate at me. It ripped into my heart, leaving a bloody mess I could hardly conceal. Letting her go to do this was one of the hardest things I ever did.
And now, with her staring at me with those large eyes. They crippled me.
My lips found hers.
In her kiss, I tasted the same desperation I felt. The two of us hopelessly tried to forget the weight of the world pressing on us. Instead, we sought to lose ourselves in each other. A fleetingbliss encased us in a warm cocoon of safety and we thoroughly enjoyed those moments.
In each other, we found an escape and safety.
In her, I found my world.
We stoodat the back gate of the Bavadrin city. One hardly ever used, making it the perfect place for Ariana to leave unnoticed by most. She had already briefly addressed her people, letting them know she would be gone for a while and that Willis would lead in her absence. When some pressed for more information, she remained vague on her answers.
Ariana patted her horse, the one I had given her what felt like so long ago. Rain was packed with supplies and looked eager to get going on a trip. Two guards flanked the horse, on their own mounts. They were going to accompany Ariana to the border, after which she would continue alone with the wolf, Shay.
“Iver is going to be actively involved in our plans moving forward,” Ariana said to her small parting party.
“Why is the little brother of the King now joining us? Can’t Erik just fill his Lysians in?” Kiora asked.
“You know of me?” Iver smirked, cocking a brow.
“I know you’re trouble.” She leveled her gaze at him.
“He is a conjuror, a strong one. We will need his help.” Ariana informed them.
“Perhaps we should have had a private meeting before deciding such things?” Edda asked.
Ariana’s green eyes snapped to the Seer. “No. I want this to be as transparent as possible. We need each other.”
Edda’s lips thinned. “Perhaps we do. But we are still separateraces and people. It is not abnormal to have some level of division.”
“I disagree.” She then turned to Willis. “However, regardless, what happens after I leave will largely be in your hands.”
