Darby held another list. “This seems to show the warriors Jasper sent through the portal. But how would he manage to do that?”
“He sent warriors into our world?” Avery asked, trying to sound surprised.
Darby nodded, handing the list to Savine. “It appears he began sending warriors through a portal near Orofine about twenty-three years ago.”
Savine’s face hardened. “Has anyone else seen this information?”
Darby shook her head. “No, I’ve been the only one going through Jasper’s things, as you instructed.”
“Let’s keep it that way. Bring these documents to our rooms. I want to look at them more closely,” Savine said as he traced his finger to the lake near Bayberry. He looked at Avery with a knowing expression. She noticed what was missing right away.
The portal Susan entered Bayberry through was still unmarked. She truly had stayed unknown her whole life.
Were there others like Susan? Those who entered Aeritis as children, only to be raised in secret?
“I’ll see to it,” Darby said. She began collecting the papers and maps. “While I have both of you here, I was wondering if you wanted to share some opinions on what should be done with this place. I know you’ve chosen to forgo the king’s apartment, instead choosing your own rooms. But there is this suite of rooms and your mother’s apartment as well.”
Savine looked around, the hardness on his face increasing. The rooms were spacious—much larger than the smaller set of rooms they currently shared. These rooms felt more like a home, with a living room and two bedrooms off to one side.
“Can I look around?” Avery asked. Savine nodded and pointed toward the master bedroom.
Savine pointed to two rooms off the living room. “These bedrooms connect. Many kings and queens used them as shared connecting rooms with their soulmates or spouses, but my mother and father chose to live in separate apartments.”
Through the king’s bedroom was a large and lavish bathroom. The enormous carved bathtub could fit at least two, and Avery grew weak in the knees at the truly magnificent shower. Granite tiles lined the space and multiple shower heads pointed to the floor. Farther into the bathroom was a private closet, still filled with Jasper’s clothing.
Darby gave a small smile as Avery admired the space. “There’s a kitchen off the dining room too. King Jasper preferred to take his meals here when he could, inviting only his inner circle to dine with him. He had his favorite cook serve him in the private kitchen.”
Avery walked into the living room before going back to the dining room. A view of the city spanned in front of her as she walked to the curved, wooden windowsill. It was shaped to blend seamlessly with the mighty trunks that formed the building. She walked past the dining room and into the kitchen, where she gazed at the huge stove and ample counter space. All that was missing were modern appliances, and this would feel like a well-appointed American kitchen.
Avery eyed Savine. His face softened as he looked at her. “You like this better than our current rooms, don’t you?”
“It’s very beautiful. The view’s amazing, and it would give us a lot more privacy. I could even cook for us sometimes. But I don’t want to make you move in here if it makes you uncomfortable.”
Savine sighed. His essence seemed to swirl with unease. She hadn’t seen him look so lost in his own pain in over a month, and this was already bringing those harsh memories back to him.
“Darby, can you give us some privacy?” Savine asked.
“Of course, My King. I’ll just bring these papers down to your rooms.”
She left the room on silent feet, leaving Savine and Avery alone in his father’s old home.
Savine tilted his head to the closed door near the bedroom door. “There is my father’s private study and office. He turned what was supposed to be his soulmate’s bedroom into a room that holds so many of my painful memories. If I did something wrong as a child, I’d be sent there to wait for my punishment. Darby was often the one who had to bring me back to my rooms, which is why I think she brought the documents to the dining room.”
Avery closed the distance between them, wrapping herself in his arms and feeling the warm tug of their bond between them. “Oh Savine, I’d never ask you to live in a place that brings up such terrible memories for you.”
“I’m trying to be stronger than my past, but sometimes the past has a way of sneaking up on me in this place. I think staying busy and focusing on all that needs to be accomplished is the only thing keeping me from giving in to the desire to burn this whole place to the ground.” His ragged breath escaped out of him as he spoke. “I hope it’s okay with you, but I offered Kyla and Garnel my mother’s old apartments. I felt it was only appropriate to give them their privacy after all they’ve done for me.”
She let her head rest against his chest, feeling the quick pace of his heart. This man. This beautiful, wonderful man had so much love to give her, and yet he still doubted himself. His past was something they’d work through together, one day at a time, and she knew she’d do all she could to make Savine feel the love he’d been denied for so long. “That’s fine with me. I’m happy to just be with you.”
“I know many monarchs don’t share a room with their soulmates or spouses, but I hoped we could be different. I’ve waited so long for you—so long that I can’t bear—”
Avery stopped him, pressing her finger to his lips. “Of course we’re sharing a room. I don’t want to be away from you either, Savine.”
Savine gave a tiny nod. “I’m sorry I can’t give you this.” He gestured to the beautiful room. “ I just—there’s too much of him in here.”
“You don’t have to apologize. I’d never want to make you live somewhere that makes you uncomfortable. Maybe at some point we can remodel. We could expand our rooms and make them more of a private home. I don’t think I’d be comfortable with our future kids sleeping in a whole different area of the King’s Residence anyway, so eventually we’ll need more private rooms.”
“Kids?” Savine asked, eyes sparkling.
