Episode 63
“Arisanna.”Awarmhandrubs her shoulder, and she blinks her eyes open in the dim room.
Where is she? And what time is it?
“Cerian?”
“I’m here. I...I need to know what you wish to do.”
“What?”
“Do you wish to return to Feressa, or would you rather wait here in Darlei?”
“Feressa?” Then it all comes rushing back. “Rominy. He’ll need me. He’ll be a mess. I—”
“He will be well cared for by my family if you don’t feel up to returning. We can stay here so you may rest.”
“What? No. I need to go.”
“You’re exhausted, Arisanna.”
“Don’t you want to be there?”
He breathes out slowly before answering. “Elowyn is in good hands. Your well-being is my priority now.”
She looks up at his shadowy face hovering over her. She may be exhausted, but she needs to be there for Rominy. Is it even a question?
“I want to go. Please.”
He sighs in relief and drops his head. “Oh, thank the fates. I was afraid you would choose to remain here.”
“Stars above, Cerian! I thought you weren’t going to let me come!”
“I’m sorry. I needed to be certain I wasn’t pushing you too hard.”
She trails her fingers down his cheek before pulling him into a soft kiss. “You’re not pushing. I want to go. I need to go.”
“Then we’ll go. Stardust will carry us both with ease, and Tharios or my mother will help you sleep while I hold you, all right? And if you need to rest, we’ll stop and rest.”
“I’m sure I’ll manage. Is it time?”
“Yes. Everyone is gathering outside. But do what you need to do. I can get us to Feressa even if they leave before we’re ready.”
She nods and rubs at the grit in her eyes as she sits up. “Do I have time to brush my hair?”
Quicker than she imagined possible, he’s sitting behind her with his own hairbrush, gently running the bristles through her tangled tresses. “There’s food for you,” he says quietly, and she reaches for a biscuit. It’s a little stale, probably left over from earlier in the day, but it fills her famished belly, and she won’t complain.
Especially not while Cerian is running his hands through her hair.
“Shall I braid it?” he asks.
Cerian can braid hair? His own hair hangs past his shoulders. Perhaps she shouldn’t be surprised.
“If you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind.”
She bites her lip at the warmth in his voice, and soon he’s tied a leather strap around her plaited hair, and she’s scarfed down the food he brought. After a quick trip to the water closet, she’s ready to depart. Her eyelids still feel heavy, but she’ll probably sleep on the way. She’s more worried about him.
