A smile sweeps over Rominy’s face at her words. What did she threaten him with this time to get him to leave Elowyn’s side?
Once Cerian and Arisanna are gone, Grandmera looks down at Rominy. Elowyn seems to have drifted off again.
“Will you manage alone tonight, or do you wish for company?” Grandmera asks.
A night alone with Elowyn? In the real world?
The thought is both wonderful and terrifying. If Tharios left, Elowyn probably doesn’t need any attention Rominy can’t give her, though.
“I think we’ll be all right.”
“I expect you to make wise choices, Rominy Montarac.” Grandmera stares him down, and he gulps.
This conversation didn’t suddenly grow awkward.
“That’s my plan,” he says. That was his plan earlier, too. Before Elowyn was suddenly kissing him.
He doesn’t say that part, though.
“Good,” Grandmera says. “Follow your plan. I will see you in the morning.”
The door closes behind her, and Rominy lets out a slow breath.
He should probably help Elowyn to bed. And get some sleep himself.
“Hey, love,” he whispers softly as he smooths her hair. “Are you ready to go to bed?”
“Where did everyone go?”
“To their own beds. It’s late.”
“And they left us?”
He struggles not to smile. “Apparently, we’re being allowed to fend for ourselves.”
She yawns. “I don’t know how to be bound in the real world.”
“What?”
“We barely knew each other when I got sick.”
She’s right, isn’t she? That feels like a lifetime ago.
“I imagine it’s much the same as in the heartlanding, though,” she murmurs as her eyelids grow heavy again.
“I guess we’re about to find out. Let’s get you to bed.”
He helps her off his lap, and she sways a little, but he quickly lifts her and carries her to the bed.
“Shower tomorrow?” she whispers.
“We’ll see.”
Stars above. Someone else might need to help her with that so they don’t light each other on fire.
Grandmera would not approve of that. It’s doubtful Tharios would, either.
Elowyn falls back to sleep as soon as Rominy tucks her in, and he stretches his stiff back before readying for bed himself. As he pulls his shirt over his head, Elowyn’s name on his wrist catches his eye, and he smiles.
