I glance at the pot, the water slowly coming to a boil, and arch a teasing brow. “Just so you know, if it makes this trip easier, you’re welcome to use all the magic you want.”
He barks out a laugh. “Noted. But I’d still like to do some things without magic.”
I frown. “Why?”
He tilts his head. “Because I would like for you to learn them.”
“Learnwhat, exactly?”
“How to start a fire, to set up camp… things like that.”
I bristle, about to tell him such things are beneath me, but he adds, “I know you don’t like the idea of depending on someone else.”
My irritation dissipates immediately.
“So, I figured you’d appreciate the chance to learn these things,” he says, as if he hasn’t just seen straight through me and understood something I never let anyone see.
I press my lips together, studying him now, impressed despite myself at his powers of observation. Even so, I don’t like that he notices more than I intend for him to see. And I definitely don’t like the fact that he’s right.
I push to my feet abruptly, dusting off my tunic. “I’ll be right back.”
Auren frowns. “Where are you going?”
Heat rushes to my face, but I lift my chin to hide my embarrassment. “To relieve myself.”
“Wait.” He gets to his feet. “I’ll go with you.”
I stare at him. “Excuse me?”
“You cannot simply wander off alone, Vivienne.”
“Of course I can,” I counter. “This is one of those things I can do myself.” I cross my arms over my chest. “And I would prefer to do it alone andindependently, thank you very much.”
His lips press together in a firm line, clearly realizing his earlier words are coming back to haunt him, but he doesn’t back down. “I know. But we’re on the road, and there could be any number of dangers out here.”
I huff, rolling my eyes. “I highly doubt some bandit is lurking in the bushes, just waiting for the perfect opportunity to ambush a princess relieving herself.”
“I will not compromise on your safety,” he says, voice firm.
Reluctant warmth spreads through me. He truly does care. I hadn’t expected that. Not after the way I’ve treated him thus far on our journey. But I scowl to cover the thought and stalk off toward the trees, Auren trailing a few paces behind.
When I find a semi-respectable place, I turn sharply. “Stay here.”
His mouth twitches. “Wouldn’t dream of disobeying, my lovely wife.”
I glare at him before stepping behind a tree, cursing the gods and my bladder for forcing me to endure such indignity.
When I’m finished, I kneel by the stream to wash my hands, letting the cool water run over my fingers, while Auren stands nearby. A sudden, horrifying thought occurs to me, and my head snaps toward his. “Please, tell me your home has indoor plumbing.”
Auren smirks. “Of course.”
I exhale. “Oh, thank the gods.”
He frowns. “Did you truly think we Elves were so primitive?”
I let my gaze flick over him, slow and deliberate. “Well, youdolive underground, don’t you?”
He chuckles and then flashes a gorgeous smile that makes my heart stutter in a way I find entirely inconvenient. “Trust me, Vivienne. My kingdom is neither barbaric nor primitive.”
