“I like to do things on my own.” She took the cup from the table and sipped. “And I definitely don’t like when people tell me what I can or cannot do.”
I nodded. “I understand that. But you don’t owe me an apology. I should’ve had a conversation and expressed my concern in private.” I handed her the bowl of porridge hoping she’d eat before returning to sleep.
“Are you always taking care of everyone around you?” She took the bowl and carefully brought a spoonful of porridge to her mouth. “Who takes care of you?”
“Everyone—we take care of each other. It’s the benefit of letting others in.” I contemplated how far I wanted to push the conversation and reminded myself that I’d made an internal promise to stop holding back. “When was the last time you let someone in?”
Audryn set the bowl down and closed her eyes. She was either avoiding the question or was still suffering from overusing her magic.
“I was very close with my mother—she was my best friend, but …” Her voice trailed as she shifted down into bed.
Whatever was on her mind, she clearly didn’t want to say. I stood and pulled the blanket up to her chin; she was drained and needed rest.
“Sleep next to me?” she said.
I paused and tilted my head.
“Please, Col?”
There was nowhere else I’d rather be, but I’d scheduled a morning meeting and was already late. Though Micah was capable of running the meeting on his own, my absence would cause those in attendance to form an opinion. And with rumors already rampant, I wasn’t sure I could justify skipping it just to stay in bed.
I hesitated for only a moment before I caved to the pleading hazel pools; I couldn’t resist the invitation. She shifted toward the wall, and I laid on top of the blanket fully clothed, intending to stay only long enough for her to drift to sleep. I’d much rather feel her skin pressed against mine, but I’d settle for whatever I could get.
“Thank you.” She curled into me, making my heart swell.
Her breath slowed into a steady rhythm, and her restlessness ceased. Hours passed, and when I couldn’t stay longer, I slowly lifted the arm she’d draped over my side and supported it as I moved. I shifted my weight and prepared to slink out of bed when she wrapped her arm around me again.
“You’re leaving?” Her voice was groggy and filled with sleep.
“I’m sorry,” I muttered, and kissed the top of her forehead. “I have to.”
She looked up from under long lashes. Though her beauty was something that rivaled the most exquisite sunset, it was her resilience that I found most captivating.
“Who was the woman at your mother’s?” Audryn pulled back and a frown tugged at her lips. “The one in the purple dress and the golden crown.”
The problems Kuroden faced were complex and I once again weighed the risk of disclosing information that might find its way back to Ryder. But I wouldn’t risk ruining what Audryn and I had started to build.
“Queen Arden of Shalebridge,” I said, hoping minimal details would be enough to satisfy her inquiry.
“Why were you meeting with her?”
“We have a close relationship,” I said, not ready to risk disclosing the alliance between the two kingdoms.
Audryn shot up in bed, eyes wide. “Like you’re fucking her?”
“No, no.” I chuckled.
Her body slumped. “So, what then?”
“It’s complicated.” I sighed and rolled on top of her to lay gentle kisses on her neck. “We share a common interest, that's all.”
“And that is?” she pushed.
I blew out a deep breath.
“I told you Ryder could send a better land wielder." She chewed her lip. “Are you looking to replace me?”
“Even if I were, Shalebridge is filled with healers. Though I suspect there are some with elemental magic who immigrated before the travel ban was in place. But no—I only want you.”
