“Actually,” he smirks, “I know you have a lot of feelings for Troy, and I fear for his well-being when you finally let them all out.”
“You’re unbelievable,” I groan.
“Mhmm,” he leans down so that his lips nuzzle my neck, “and you’re trouble.”
I roll my eyes and feel Keane’s hands drift down my back. His fingers caress below my ass in a now familiar embrace as he picks me up. I curl myself around his waist and let him lead us back to bed, truly wondering what I did in this life to deserve such a man.
A deep tension rises with the morning sun as I stir against Keane. I wake up to my body once again splayed against his, my leg tossed across his thighs and my arm draped over his chest as if never wanting to let go. Keane is still deep in his own sleep but his hand is holding onto my arm, keeping it pressed tight to his chest as if not wanting to let go.
I sigh in deep contentment and think of everything that will take place today…
There would be no training. No meet up with Holis and Cal. Keane mentioned last night that we would see his father just after breakfast, that Desmond would greet Cal, Holis and Mana at the bottom of the Southern Staircase before the five of us ate together in the castle’s kitchens. He also noted, with a small smile after I inquired, that Alanna would busy herself with Lord Daniel and Barnes at the training fields while we were away.
If all went smoothly with his father, then we would attend and leave court early tonight so that we could travel up to the Palisades to watch Cal’s fight. It was a perfect plan to set forth, but I couldn’t help but wonder if all of our minds would be too scattered after our conversation with the King to do anything after. I knew mine would, and I didn’t like the idea of Cal going into a fight with the wrong mindset. He needed to focus on one thing and one thing only tonight, not dwell on what the ramifications of today’s conversation may bring.
I frown at the thought and will myself to keep a hard, clear mind for the conversation ahead. We had so much to discuss with Zander, and the anxiety that was routing itself deep inside me was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was a nervous and tense feeling, one that burdened the full of my body, but I calmed myself with the notion that what would come would come, and there was nothing left for me to do but to go with it.
I gently pull my arm off Keane’s chest and smile at Stormfall sleeping on the headboard above us. He looks so peaceful in his sleep, much like Keane.
“Golem?” I whisper, looking around the room to find our other companion.
The magical being is nowhere to be seen, but the soft morning breeze billowing in from the balcony lends a perfect indicator as to where he might be hiding.
I quietly move off the bed and pick my robe up off the floor, wrapping it around my body as I head out to the balcony and morning sun. Golem turns when hears me and gives a simple nod, his Discerni features remaining relaxed and unbothered as I move to stand next to him.
“Today’s the day, Golem,” I sigh and lean my head on his shoulder, “I’ll have to give you back to the King.”
Golem remains quiet and unanswering, his gaze turning towards the Bell Grove as I do the same. I let out a deep breath and watch the morning light dance across the small forest, relishing in its calmness and willing its beauty to ease the anxiety that still wants to consume me.
“No more adventures,” I continue sadly.
Golem releases a breath, almost like a sigh, then reaches for my hand and entwines his cool fingers through mine before giving them a small squeeze.
“But we have shared some epic tales together, haven’t we?”
He nods in agreement and squeezes my hand again.
The two of us remain outside for a long while, with Golem holding my hand as I use his shoulder for support. And when the sun finally crests above the Grove I pull away with a sigh, reaching for my magical friend in a tight embrace as I enjoy what may very well be his last day of company.
“Thank you for everything, Golem. Truly…”
Golem pushes me back gently and squeezes my shoulders as we part. His drooping brown eyes give me a look filled with deep affection, one that I feel to the core of my bones as we both share a kindred smile. His gaze flicks over my shoulder with another smile before he turns me around.
“Good morning.”
No matter how many times I’ve seen it, the sight of Keane watching me will always take my breath away. He’s leaning against the balcony opening with his arms folded over his bare chest, his brown eyes darting between Golem and I as a small smile tugs at his lips.
“Good morning,” I let out a breath.
“Do you spend time out here often?” he asks, gaze darting around the small veranda.
“Yes,” I nod. What an odd question...
“To read.”
I walk towards him and jut my chin to the small table and chair in the corner. Keane follows my gaze and nods quietly, his fingers reaching out to my hip and skimming my torso as I walk past him and into the room.
“I’ll need to visit my room in the castle before I meet you in the kitchens,” he says quietly from behind.
