“What’s this?”Iask, curious despite myself.
“Sweet-sap” the vendor says.“Warmand spiced.Goodfor easing the heart.”
Theron glances at me, something unreadable in his eyes, and buys a small cup without a word.
I sip it eagerly and find the drink is thick and creamy, laced with nutmeg and something slightly smoky that lingers at the back of my throat.Itwarms me all the way down, spreading through my chest and settling in my stomach like a quiet, steady glow.
It feels wonderful and it’s also strangely filling.Bythe timeIfinish it,Ican’t eat another bite.
“I’m full,”Itell him, almost laughing.“Icouldn’t eat anything else ifItried.”
“Good,” he says, nodding.“Thenlet’s go find somewhere to rest.”
62
ELOWEN
The innTheronfinds is tucked just off the main market road, its wooden sign creaking gently in the night breeze.Warmlight spills from the windows, and the sound of low conversation drifts out as he pushes the door open and guides me inside.
The common room is cozy with a low ceiling made of thick wooden beams and a wide hearth burning at one end.Afew patrons sit at scattered tables, but it’s quiet compared to the chaos of the market outside.
The innkeeper looks up as we enter.Hisgaze goes immediately to my eyes, and a slight frown creases his face.Butthen his gaze drifts to my hand and he clearly sees the ring.Thetension in his face relaxes and he comes towards us with a genial smile on his homely face.
“Good evening, friend,” he says toTheron.“Willyou and your wife be wanting a room for the night?”
I feel my breath catch in my throat.Nobodysaid anything about me beingTheron’swife!
But the bigDrakeshifter doesn’t miss a beat.
“Yes,” he says easily, his arm coming around my shoulders and pulling me close against his side.“Wewould.”
His simple words send a rush of warmth through me, followed immediately by that same overwhelming sense of connection.Ifeel his emotions surge again—protective and possessive.He’sclaiming me—and he really seems to mean it.
I have to swallow hard to keep from reacting.Insteadof saying anything,Ijust smile.
The innkeeper nods, apparently satisfied.
“You came at a good time,” he adds as he reaches for a key.“Tomorrow’sthe day theKinghears grievances.Courtwill be open from morning till midday.”
Theron stiffens slightly beside me.
“Tomorrow?”he asks.“Sosoon?”
I can feel his dismay.Maybehe thought we had more time.IknowIdid.
“Aye,” the innkeeper says.“Couldn’thave timed it better.ThewholeCitywill be having a holiday—grievance day always is.”
“Thank you,”Theronsays.“That’s…good to know.”
The innkeeper nods again and hands him the key with instructions on how to get to the room.
Theron takes the key, and we head upstairs in silence butIcan feel his disappointment and dismay.Thetime we have left together is even shorter than we thought.
63
ELOWEN
The room is small but comfortable and very simply furnished—there’s a large bed, a small table, and a basin for washing.Asingle lantern casts a soft, golden glow over everything, making the space feel warm and inviting.
