But she doesn’t tell him that.
To her shock, he sweeps her off her feet again and carries her into the corridor.
“I can walk, Cerian.”
“Let me care for you. Please.”
His words warm her, and she gives in to the urge to relax against him. She might not need anyone’s help to fall asleep.
As they exit Windhaven, the rest of his family are mounting their horses. No one says anything about Cerian carrying her, and Tharios is there a moment later to hold her steady on her feet while Cerian mounts the most beautiful silver creature imaginable. A glimmering ivory horn extends from its forehead, dazzling in its brilliance.
Stardust nuzzles Tharios, and Arisanna pats the unicorn’s nose. Then Stardust nuzzles her as well. Unicorns must be affectionate.
“Here we go.” Tharios lifts Arisanna toward Cerian, settling her in front of him. “I want you to sleep, all right, Arisanna? Healer’s orders.”
“Are you a healer?” She knew he had life magic, but did he study to become a healer? That’s fascinating. She’s never heard of a monarch being trained in the healing arts. Human or elf.
“I am. We can talk later, all right? For now, I want you to rest. Just relax. You’re in good hands.”
She glances at Cerian, who tightens his arm around her.
When Tharios rests his hand on her shoulder, warmth seeps through every part of her, easing her aching muscles and sending her to a peaceful slumber, safe in Cerian’s arms once more.
Oneminute,Rominyisrunning his hands along Elowyn’s bare flesh as warm water flows over them in the shower she asked the heartlanding for.
The next moment, they’re on the deck of their sailboat again. It’s twilight this time, though whether the sun is rising or setting is hard to say.
“Rominy? What happened?”
“Elowyn.” His voice comes out pained. Then he crushes her to his chest as if he hasn’t seen her for days.
But they were just together. He was kissing her. Touching her. She was ready to give him everything. And he wanted everything.
It felt as natural as breathing, the way he said it would when they were ready.
But they’re here now. And this doesn’t feel natural at all.
“What’s wrong?” she whispers. “Why didn’t we wake up?”
He just hugs her tighter. Buries his face in her hair.
“Rominy.”
“I can’t do this without you, El. I’m a mess without you.”
“What?”
“I did wake up. I did. But you didn’t.”
She lets his words sink in as he clings to her, and dread fills her belly.
“Why didn’t I wake up with you?”
“Because you’re sick. And I’m trying. I’m trying to handle everything. To make all the decisions and guess what you would want, but I’m not good at this. At any of it. And what if I chose wrong, and...and...”
She frames his face with her hands. “Rominy, my love. Breathe.”
“I keep telling myself to breathe. That’s what you would say to do, but—”
