This is her bow. The one Cerian made for her eighteenth birthday.
And the heartlanding gave it to her because she wished for it?
A knock at the door signals Rominy’s return, and relief fills her. She already misses him.
Memories of their bodies pressed together on that bed heat her cheeks. She could curse her fire magic right now. Pera said to work out the excess fire and take advantage of water when she can.
So far, all she’s managed to do is dehydrate herself trying to contain her magic.
“Are you all right?” Rominy calls through the door, and she licks her lips again. Even her throat feels dry this time.
“I’m well. You may come in.”
The doorknob turns and clicks open, and Rominy steps into the room with a full glass of water in his hand.
Thank the fates for that.
He catches sight of her and freezes, his eyes like saucers. “Elowyn.”
A nervous energy settles over her at his response. Is he impressed? Appalled?
This is who she is, though. She’s an elf. And she’s not ashamed.
Still, her heart beats rapidly under his assessment. Unless that’s his heart.
His gaze roves from her head down her body to the floor, and heat flames her cheeks to match the heat in his eyes.
He definitely approves.
He also seems to have been rendered speechless.
“Thank you for the water,” she says softly.
His brows knit. “Water?”
“In your hand.” A smile threatens to trip across her face at his reaction to her.
He seems to love her as an elven princess as much as he loves her when she’s attempting to fill her role as the future Queen of Nunia.
The thought warms her heart.
He gazes down at the cup in his hand, a flustered look in his eyes. “Water. I brought you water.”
“Yes. Thank you, my love.” After replacing her bow, she takes the cup from him, and he stares at her.
“You called me that before.”
“Hmm?” She guzzles the water, the relief immediate.
“‘My love.’ You called me—”
Swallowing, she cocks her head to the side. “Shall I stop?”
He shakes his head. He still looks flustered. She might need more water if he keeps looking at her like that.
“Let’s get you ready for battle,” she says as she sets aside the empty cup. “I have plans for you tonight, Rominy Montarac.”
He just gapes at her.
