“I know. I’m sorry.”
She nestles closer and basks in his comforting warmth. “So maybe not today or tomorrow or next year. But maybe not decades or...or centuries, either.”
He presses a kiss to her temple and rests his cheek against her hair. “Elflings terrify me, but I believe I can live with anything that makes you happy.”
She wraps her own arms around him and holds him tight. “Someday. When we’re both ready.”
Hopefully, sooner than centuries. Stars above.
“I’m sorry,” he says. “I should have brought this up myself. Or talked to Tharios. Or Father, even. I don’t know what I was thinking. Or not thinking.”
She looks up at him in surprise as his words fill her heart. He would have done that?
“I’m grateful Tharios was watching out for us,” Cerian continues. “Since I clearly wasn’t.”
“I didn’t even know to ask. No one told me I have options. We don’t have things like Lothlesi preventatives in Nunia. Tharios is a good brother, Cerian. Even if he delights in tormenting you.”
“Yes, but I will never admit that to his face.”
Cerian’s words make her smile, but she can’t hold back a yawn despite her best efforts.
“Let’s get you to bed,” he says softly. Without warning, he lifts her to his chest and carries her to the massive bed, setting her down gently before collecting his knapsack.
The gesture warms her heart.
With the briefest glance her way, he digs in the bag until he finds the vial. “This?”
She nods. “One drop every night.”
To her surprise, rather than handing it to her, he twists off the lid himself and collects a small amount with the attached dropper.
“Yes?” he asks as he meets her gaze, and she smiles at the warmth in his eyes.
“Yes. For now.”
Then he holds out the dropper and releases the liquid bead into her mouth. It’s syrupy sweet, like too much candy, but the taste quickly vanishes as a slight tingling sensation spreads where it touched her tongue.
“Thank you,” she whispers before yawning again. “Next time, I’ll tell you sooner.”
“Please do. So I don’t carry on about water closets while wondering if you’re ill.”
She chuckles as her eyelids grow heavy, and he pulls the covers over her before leaning down to press his lips to her forehead. “Sleep well, my human princess.” He only hesitates for a moment before adding, “I’ll see you in your dreams.”
“Howlongdoyouthink it’s been in the real world?” Rominy asks as he tries to resist the urge to watch the rain falling outside their little cottage window again. The sky is a dusky gray. Somewhere beyond the rain clouds, the sun must be setting.
“I have no idea. Hours? Days?”
“It’s been two days here,” Rominy whispers, as if Elowyn isn’t aware.
“Shall we make notches on the wall to mark the passing time?”
Rominy swings his gaze toward her. “Very funny.”
“It brought out your smile, my love.”
He sighs as he turns away from the window. “I’m sorry. I’m moping again.”
“Let’s go on another adventure.” Elowyn’s eyes twinkle beneath silver lashes as her smile steals his breath away.
