“No. Just ridiculously in love with you.”
Her smile softened, and his heart tripped as she rose onto her toes, planting a quick kiss on his mouth. “I love you, Venn Grannard.”
Venn grinned. And since he was still cradling her head in his hands, and her lips were so close, he claimed them again.
Several long minutes later, they ducked out of the tent. The color in Vera’s cheeks had yet to fade as they readied their horse.
Venn didn’t think there had ever been a better reason for running late.
When they finally reached the entrance to the camp, they found several people waiting for them.
“I rather wish you could stay,” Zander said, holding out a hand.
Venn grasped it, shaking firmly. “You have things well in hand, I think.”
“And someone does need to give a report to the princess,” Zander said.
That seemed truer than ever. Over the past few days, Zander had heard the stories of many accused rebels, and—to Venn’s horror—many had shared stories of a fire being set to their homes. The situation with Grandeur and the Hunt . . . it was out of control. Venn just hoped there was something Serene could do about it.
Zander dropped his hand. “It’s been a pleasure, Venn. I hope the fates will cross our paths again.”
“Agreed,” Venn said.
Zander reached into his pocket and handed Venn two letters. “One is for Princess Serene, and the other is for Serjah Desfan,” he explained. “I know they’ll believe your report without my words, but I thought I’d detail my experiences.”
As soon as Venn had tucked the letters into his pack, Sarah dropped her father’s hand and threw herself at Venn. He scooped the girl up at once. “Hey there, what are those tears?”
“Don’t leave,” she sniffed, promptly burying her head in his shoulder. “Stay.”
Venn smoothed a hand over her back. “Ah, little one, I’m afraid I can’t.”
“I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you, too,” Venn assured her. After so many weeks of caring for the children, it was difficult to say goodbye.
He saw Vera stoop to embrace Finn, who held her in a tight grip.
Gratitude shone in David Holm’s eyes. He held his infant daughter in one arm, and his voice was roughened with emotion when he stepped forward, offering his hand to Venn. “Thank you again.” He then clasped Vera’s hand. “Both of you. For everything.”
Finn looked to Venn. “Will we ever see you again?”
“I hope so.” He released Sarah, who took her turn to hug Vera. Venn crouched until he was on the same level as Finn, and he wrapped a hand over the boy’s shoulder. “You’re incredibly brave, Finn. I’m so proud of you.”
Finn’s face twisted, and when he wrapped his arms around Venn’s neck, Venn had to struggle with his own tears.
“Thank you for helping us,” he whispered.
Venn gave him a firm squeeze. “Of course.”
When Finn pulled back, he was quick to swipe a tear from his cheek. “I’ll tell Sarah more stories about the wolf and the princess. That way, we’ll always think of you. They won’t be as good as yours, though.”
Venn quirked a small smile. “You’re going to tell amazing stories, Finn. I know it.”
The boy bit his lip. “Be careful. Da says Duvan isn’t safe.”
The gravity in his eyes made the words more ominous.
Unease prickled along the back of Venn’s neck, but he tried not to show it as he gave Finn a last hug. “Don’t worry. We’ll be all right.”
