“I thought...” He pauses as if trying to force his own words over a lump in his throat. “I thought we decided...we can talk to each other.”
Stars above. How hard was it for him to say that?
“You’re right,” she says softly as she looks down at her hands. “I...I’m nervous about where I’m going to sleep tonight.”
When he doesn’t respond, she gazes up at him again. Is that compassion in his eyes?
“Wherever you want, Arisanna. That’s what I was discussing with my parents. They think I should let you choose where we’ll live. And where you’ll sleep.”
That was a lot of words for Cerian. She gapes at him before slamming her jaw shut.
“Where we’ll live?” She assumed they’d live in Celesta. The capital of Lostariel.
“If you wish us to make our permanent home in Darlei to be nearer to your family, my parents won’t object, though we’re expected in Celesta soon for a time.”
Staying near Nunia appeals to her, but she doesn’t say that. “Where do you want to live?”
“Darlei is my home. It always has been.”
“Because it’s closer to the border? To make it easier for your mother to maintain the heartbinding?”
He nods. “We don’t need to decide tonight.”
No. At least, not where they’ll live.
Where she’ll sleep, though. That might come up soon.
Another shiver sweeps over Arisanna, and without hesitating, Cerian unclasps his cloak and drapes it over her shoulders, fastening it at her throat.
His hands are warm against her skin. A flush creeps up her neck, and he looks a little pink, too.
“Better?” he asks, and she nods.
“Thank you.”
His mouth quirks into a smile that almost steals her breath. Why doesn’t he smile more? Especially if he looks like that when he does?
“I seem to be making a habit of sharing my clothing with you,” he says. Their eyes lock, and after a few moments, he looks away first. “We should catch up with the others.”
With a nod, she nudges her mare forward, and true to his word, he stays by her side.
They still didn’t discuss their sleeping arrangements for the night.
Don’t Leave Me
Episode 23
Arisannalooksoninawe as the first buildings appear in the distance. Rather than brick or stone or planed wood, they’re covered in bark, like trees grown into the shapes of houses and shops.
“Plant magic?” she whispers.
“Yes,” Cerian says beside her. “It’s the primary construction method in Lostariel.”
She glances his way and tilts her head. “Can you do that? Create these buildings from trees?”
That smile quirks his lips again, and he nods. “I can, though we have other plant wielders for those jobs. I wouldn’t want to put them out of business.”
The desire to see him work his magic overwhelms her, but she keeps that thought to herself, turning to take in the rest of the city.
