“Thank you,” she whispers.
Then he gently presses his lips to hers because he can’t seem to do anything else beyond offering her more of his heat.
“Are you warm enough?” he asks softly, watching her eyes to ensure she answers with the truth. Not that she can lie to him. But what she believes about her own wants and needs doesn’t always reflect reality.
She opens her mouth to answer, but when she meets his gaze, she pauses before speaking. “I...I could use some more of your heat.”
He floods the air surrounding her with his warmth before wrapping his arms around her. “Better?”
“Yes. Thank you. But you’ll get wet all over again.”
The thought had crossed his mind, but he can’t bring himself to let go.
“Are you hungry?” he asks.
“A little. I seem to have worked up an appetite this morning.”
“As have I.” A smile slips onto his face before he can stop it, and he nuzzles her ear. “I have apples.”
“Why, Cerian, are you offering to share your apples with me? I must have done something spectacular to curry such favor.”
His smile grows at her teasing. “You are spectacular.”
It doesn’t come close to describing her, but hopefully, she knows the depth of his feelings for her.
“I’d give you all my apples if you wanted them,” he whispers.
She pulls him into another kiss, and when she lets go, she trails her fingers gently along his cheek. “I would love to share one of your apples, my elven prince. Just let me get dressed first.”
“That part’s unnecessary.”
Laughter fills her, and he steals one more quick kiss before retrieving her gown and handing it to her.
“Thank you,” she says as he strides to the door to collect his apple bucket.
The candy sitting on top of his apples brings reality crashing in again.
They should check on Elowyn soon. Elowyn and Rominy.
Their little hideaway has offered a welcome retreat from their worries. A chance to rest, as Arisanna said.
Hopefully, Elowyn and Rominy are resting as well.
RominystaresupatElowyn’s tree and holds back a sigh.
It didn’t magically transform into a treehouse overnight.
At least their wood is dry today.
“Look, Rominy.” Elowyn holds up a book. “The heartlanding gave us instructions.”
“It what?”
She steps through the sandy overgrowth toward him and holds out the book. “See?”
He skims the open page. She’s right. The directions are detailed and simple, clearly intended for someone who has no idea what they’re doing.
Someone like him.
