The vibrant color drained from Krevan's eyes, leaving them a flat, ashen gray.His gaze fixed on their intertwined fingers."Grandfather claims to regret it now," he murmured, each word hanging empty in the air between them."Yet I still bolt awake some nights, her disdain and my unhappiness as real as the sheets tangled around me."His fingers slipped from Ancelin's grasp, the warmth of his touch fading to nothing."Get some sleep.Tomorrow stretches long ahead of us, though I hope you'll find it pleasant."Rising to his feet, his tall form cut a dark outline against the star-scattered night visible through the window."I'll come for you when it's time to leave for Silos.I’m going to work in the greenhouse."As he turned away, Ancelin watched him go, and she went up the stairs to the bedroom which was cold and empty.
Chapter 6
Ancelin woke to the whisper of lips against her temple and the gentle weight of Krevan's arm draped across her waist.Morning light caught in his dark lashes as he gazed down at her, his eyes that impossible emerald-green that still made her breath catch.
"Your shuttle leaves in an hour," he murmured, tracing the curve of her cheek with his thumb."Silos awaits."
She buried her face against his chest, breathing in the warm scent of him."Five more minutes," she pleaded, voice muffled against his skin."Last night was worth being tired for.I’m glad you finally came to bed."
His soft laugh vibrated through her."You missed me, huh?”
“Yes.”She nodded.
“I promise you'll have me all to yourself tonight too."“If you linger, you'll miss the market.The vendors won't wait, and I thought you were eager to explore.If you're like my sisters and mother, the allure of shopping is irresistible.Time to rise, sleepyhead.Shall I carry you to the shower?I'll join you, though we might end up even later,” he joked, giving her a gentle pat.
"Krevan, make up your mind.Shower or bed?"Ancelin mumbled, her eyes still closed as she hugged the pillow closer."You're making it impossible to sleep."
“Ah, the truth surfaces—my partner's not a morning person with a hint of temper.Well, you're the one keen on the market, not I.I'm ready whenever you are.Coffee awaits to rouse my sleepyhead,” Krevan declared, his voice booming playfully.Ancelin sighed, sitting up reluctantly.
She shivered and pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders."It's freezing in here."Her eyes caught the lamp light as she looked up at him, the amber flecks in her green irises suddenly visible.
“Indeed.Winter is on its way; it’ll probably snow in four weeks.Verrian's weather is unpredictable, and it changes quickly.We have a busy day, so rise and shine.And remember, a visit to the clinic might be wise unless you're racing to parenthood,” Krevan reminded.
Ancelin groaned once more.“It's so early, Krevan.And we've been...carefree without birth control,” she pouted, her voice trailing off.
"That's true.We could have a little Vallex running around soon," Krevan said, his eyes crinkling as he pressed a lingering kiss to her pouting lips."But first, Silos awaits.Remember that picnic spot you wanted to find?"He scooped her up with exaggerated effort, making her squeal.
"Put me down, you giant," Ancelin laughed, playfully batting at his shoulders."I'll be ready in fifteen minutes, I promise."
"Ten," he countered, setting her down with a flourish.
"Fifteen," she insisted, tapping his chest with one finger."Some of us need time to look presentable, Krevan Vallex."
"You're already perfect," he whispered against her hair.
Ancelin hummed under the hot spray of the shower, then twirled in front of the mirror as she pulled on her favorite sweater.She tucked a pair of pants into her bag "just in case," though she secretly hoped Krevan might notice her bare legs beneath the swishing skirt.Counting out Common currency for the market, she playfully flipped a coin and caught it mid-air, then blew it a kiss before dropping it into her purse alongside her identi-card.She practically danced down the stairs, where Krevan waited with her coffee prepared exactly how she liked it—the cup warm against her fingers as his smile warmed her heart.
"Here you go, my dear.You can rest in the car while I drive.I've loaded the food you prepared into the vehicle and picked up the blankets you left on the table.Did I miss anything?"
“No, I think that's everything.Krevan, since this area is so unsafe, perhaps you should hold most of my Common currency.I'll keep just a small amount with me.”
She pressed a thick stack of Common bills into his palm.Krevan's eyes widened as he thumbed through the bundle.
"This is...substantial.More than a year's wages for most locals."His gaze sharpened."You carried this to Verrian?”
Ancelin sipped her coffee, avoiding his eyes."Cash comes in handy.You never know."“Ancelin, I have enough money for our needs.Go put your money back and don't carry this much with you anywhere.I'll handle the purchases.Do you understand?You definitely need protection,” Krevan insisted firmly, leaving no room for disagreement.He walked away, shaking his head as if amazed by her innocence.
Ancelin lifted her chin."On Earth, that's not that much.”
"We're not on Earth," Krevan said, his voice tight."And this isn't your family's affluent community."
"I need that money."Ancelin quickened her pace to keep up with his longer strides."There might be gemstones at the market for my jewelry designs.And I want to get something special for Kellie's baby.Plus, some special cooking provisions."Her fingers brushed his arm."I can pay my own way, Krevan."
"Ancelin, hand me the money, I'll handle it.Get into the black vehicle; I've prepared that one for the trip.I'll be out shortly.I'm going to put the money away.I'll buy everything for you.I'm a wealthy man, and I'll take care of it.You're my wife and mate."
"We both know I'm not really your wife," Ancelin replied, hands on her hips, her voice rising.
"Oh yes, you are."Krevan stepped closer, his eyes flashed silver, catching the light."You announced it publicly, confirmed it with Derrick and Kellie.I went along with it too.On Verrian, that's binding."His voice dropped lower."And being my mate means far more than just being my wife.Now please go to the vehicle."The command in his tone would have frightened her if she didn't know how he treasured her.Instead, Ancelin spun around and marched to the garage, deciding to let him have this one.Let him spend his money.The wife-subject could wait.
