“You.”
The simple answer, so easily and sincerely given, made her still. “Carver . . .”
“I meditate,” he added. “And I spar. But I’m not lying when I say you help silence my demons.”
Warmth suffused her chest.
The night continued on, the conversation carried so easily between them. When a chill breeze swept in, Carver shrugged out of his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
Amryn couldn’t stop smiling. She had never thought she would have this. Between her father’s betrayal and her empathic abilities needing to remain secret, she had always assumed she would never have a husband. And yet, she’d been blessed with Carver. She couldn’t imagine her life without him.
They were now eating dessert, a lemon confection that was a bit tart for Amryn’s taste, but Alora had assured her was a favorite of Carver’s. The bars had a light crust, a gooey layer of lemon filling, and powdered sugar dusted on top.
Sugar dusted Carver’s lips, and Amryn was certain her own mouth was also covered, but she didn’t mind. She loved seeing that smile on his face and feeling his joy.
“Thank you,” Carver said suddenly. He took in the rooftop garden, gently shaking his head. “I can’t believe you did all of this for me.”
“I have something else for you.”
Curiosity twined through him as she set the velvet pouch on the table between them. He glanced at her before lifting it, and she bit her lip as he opened the drawstring bag.
He pulled out the braided wristband, his brow furrowed as he studied the dark corded leather. Four separate strands were twisted and knotted together.
“It’s anarwyd,” she explained as his thumb traced over one of the more intricate knots. “It’s an old tradition in Ferradin. The cords are knotted for specific purposes. This one is for protection and peace.” A flush touched her cheeks. “I know it’s just a superstition, but I thought it might bring you comfort. Maybe even help you sleep better.”
His eyes lifted to hers. “You made this?”
She nodded.
His heart swelled, the warmth in his chest matching the heat in his eyes as he said, “I love it, Amryn.” He fit the wristband into place, pulling one of the leather cords to cinch it, before he met her gaze once more. “I’m never taking it off.”
When the moon was high in the sky, and Amryn was beginning to feel Carver’s tiredness—as well as her own—they blew out the lanterns and gathered the remnants of their food to take down to the kitchen. The house was silent, so they moved quietly through the shadowed halls.
Once they’d deposited their dishes on the wooden counter, Carver laced his fingers with hers. “Do you want to stay here tonight?” he asked quietly.
It was later than she’d expected to be out, so it was easy to nod.
As he led her toward the kitchen door, she whispered, “Do you think I’ll get in trouble for abducting a general?”
He tossed her a half-smile, his thumb brushing against her skin. “I don’t think it counts when I came willingly.”
She grinned. “I suppose I also made Ford do it. Did he tell you where he was taking you?”
“No. All he said was that you’d be there. That was enough for—”
A shadow stepped into the doorway.
Carver slid in front of Amryn, his hand dropping for the knife at his hip before he paused. “Morelli?”
Amryn clutched Carver’s jacket, which was still wrapped around her shoulders. Her heart pounded as the older general took a slow step forward, bringing him out of the shadows. The usual warmth in his eyes was absent, his emotions a dark, twisting mass inside him. The moonlight slicing through the kitchen window revealed his solemn expression—and the blade in his hand.
Carver’s entire body went rigid.
“I’m sorry, Carver,” Morelli rasped, grief and devastation tearing through him. “I didn’t have a choice. They sent me to kill you.”
Shock exploded in Carver. But his disbelief didn’t stop him from drawing his own knife. He shifted into a fighting stance, tension riding him hard as he gritted out, “Amryn—”
Morelli lifted his blade—and tossed it onto the nearest counter. He raised empty hands, his voice shaking as he said, “I’m surrendering to you, General Vincetti. Arrest me.” He swallowed hard. “I’m ready to tell you everything.”
