Atlas
I've travelled around the realm more times than I can count and each time I returned, all stress and anxiety melted the second I walked in the front door. This time, I don't feel at peace. I'm restless. It's like I left a piece of me in the Frost Kingdom. That piece being Shaye. It blows my mind she's my new definition of home.
Just inside the front door, there's a long narrow box. I pick it up and flip the lid open to find Shaye's dagger. It was used on the decoy mission to draw Vesper's scent if she was still looking for Shaye. From the report I was given when we first docked, the decoy mission saw no action. A blessing for those involved.
I stare at the gold hilted dagger with mixed emotions. I've come to recognize it as Shaye's but I know Bastian is the one who gifted it to her and the mere thought of him enrages me. But a weapon is a weapon. She's learned to fight with it and I'd rather her be protected when I'm not around. I tuck the box under my arm and make my way up to the fourth floor.
Pushing my bedroom door open, I glance around the space to find everything just the way I left it. I drop my bag on my mattress and start unpacking. As I stuff my drawers with clean clothes a thought crosses my mind. I've spent every night with Shaye cuddled in my arms and even though I meant it as a joke earlier, I think she should move into my room.
I abandon my task and rip an entire drawer out of my dresser, pouring its contents onto my mattress. Zipping to my closet, I swing the door open and shove my clothing to one side, making room for her outfits. Beelining down a level, I burst into her room, a fire lit inside me. I can't wait to surprise her.
With quickness, I go to her closet and grab her clothes by their hangers and take them up to my room. Once those are placed, I make a second trip to grab stuff from her drawers. I'm reminded at how little she possesses. A few outfits for training, some lounge wear, a couple sets of pajamas, and a handful of fancy dresses. I'm going to need to take her on a shopping spree when she comes back. Maybe turn this guest room into a closet for Shaye and Eris to share.
I'm getting way ahead of myself here. I need to focus on one task at a time. I empty the only drawer she has and bring it up to my room. I carefully place items she's folded in a specific manner into my drawer.
I'm so lost in thought I don't hear Finn come to my open doorway until he whistles lowly, drawing my gaze.
"Going on another trip I don't know about?" Finn's eyes scan the mess I've created.
"I'm moving some of Shaye's clothes here." By some, I really mean all, but he doesn't need to know all of that.
Finn's brow raises. "Sharing a room, are we?"
"If she's ok with it." I nod, sliding more of her items into her new drawer.
"So," his voice drawls, "you're moving her things without asking if she wanted to move in with you?" He grimaces. "Sounds smart to me."
My hand stills. "You think she'll be upset?" I hadn't even considered asking her first. She didn't seem opposed when I mentioned it during our last night together in Stelara. Then again, I hadn't actually told her it was a serious proposition. Shit. This all sounded better in my head.
"I don't know," Finn shrugs. "But if someone rummaged through my drawers while I was away, I'd be a little irritated."
"Fuck." I scratch my head and look into the drawer I've half-filled. "Maybe I should put it all back? Or ask Eris what she thinks?"
"Eris is taking a nap," Finn says a little too aggressively for my liking, but I'll ignore his tone for now. I have bigger problems to deal with than his attitude. "If Shaye is anything like me, she'll notice her things were messed with."
I groan, running a hand down my face. There's only one thing to do. "You know what. I'll see what she says with this drawer and if she wants me to move all her stuff back, I will."
Finn leans against the doorframe. "I'm sure it will work out."
There's a sadness in my brother's face and posture I can't ignore. "What's wrong?"
He hesitates, mulling over how forthcoming he wants to be. "The truth?" He finally flicks his eyes to meet mine.
"Preferably."
He opens his mouth and shuts it just as quickly. With a shrug, he admits, "I'm jealous."
Surprise flashes across my features. "Jealous of me?"
"Jealous of you and Shaye. What you have." Finn twists the ring around his index finger. "You took a chance, bore your soul to her, and she accepted you."
"You can do the same, Finn."
"I'm far too cowardly."
I frown. "No Harland is a coward." I hop to my feet and slap a hand on Finn's shoulder. "You have two options. Tell Eris how you feel and she may feel the same or remain miserable stewing in the familiarity of what's comfortable."
"There's a third option."
