I’d rather fight a storm.
So would I.
The rest of dinner passed with stilted conversation unrelated to their problem. As dessert was being served, a few advisors questioned Adele about how she’d investigate.
Adele spoke of her methodology, refusing to be intimidated when they questioned her credentials or expertise.She handled question after question with competence, and my chest tightened with pride.
This strong woman was mine. Or I was hers. Possibly we were each other’s, and fates help me, I was falling so hard I couldn’t remember what solid ground felt like.
By the time Trevare declared the meal concluded, my face hurt from maintaining a pleasant expression, and I could feel Adele’s exhaustion.
“We’ll arrange for you to visit families tomorrow morning,” Trevare said as we rose and walked out into the hallway, leaving the others behind. He lowered his voice. “I apologize for my advisors’ skepticism. They mean well.”
“I understand,” Adele said. “Change is always difficult, especially when it involves outsiders.”
Trevare’s smile rose. “You’re more diplomatic than they give you credit for.”
“I have a good teacher.” She glanced at me, and warmth flooded my soul.
After Trevare gave us a nod and departed, we walked back to our suite, the hallways quieter now, most of Goldwing’s residents retired for the evening.
Once inside, Adele kicked off her shoes with a sigh that made me smile. “How do people walk in these things?”
“Practice. Lots of practice.” I started working the fastenings on my tunic. “Though I’d argue dragon claws are more practical.”
“Everything about you is more practical.” She turned her back to me. “Help?”
I crossed to her, releasing the intricate lacing marching down her spine. I worked slowly, brushing her skin as each section loosened. She shivered.
“Cold?” I asked, though I knew she wasn’t.
“No.” Her voice had gone soft.
When the dress finally fell away, she stepped out of it and disappeared behind a screen. I finished undressing, dimmed the lights, and slipped into bed, watching moonlight filter across crystal formations in the ceiling.
She emerged in a sleeping shift and slid in beside me, curling into my side, her head finding that spot on my chest that was made for her.
“There were times tonight when they tried to make me feel small.”
I wrapped my arm around her, pulling her closer. “You were the most brilliant person in any room. They’re too proud to admit it yet.”
“You’re biased.”
“Absolutely. Doesn’t make it less true.”
She traced patterns on my chest. “Do you think we’ll figure this out?”
“I know we will.” I caught her hand, bringing it to my lips. “Sleep, sweet. Tomorrow we’ll find answers.”
She drifted off. I stayed awake longer, holding her. This woman felt dangerously close to essential.
Morning came early. Trevare had suggested starting at dawn, and neither of us wanted to be late.
We dressed quickly in clothing we’d brought with us that had been cleaned overnight. Adele braided her hair, and I could not look away as she arranged it at her nape.
Stop staring,she said in my mind, amusement rippling through our link.
Can’t help it.
