“I’m glad to do it.” I gesture to Aurora, standing off to the side. She’s saying goodbye to Vivienne. “Take good care of your mate.”
He glances at my bride, and a hint of a grin crests his lips. “I believe your mate can handle herself, but I wish you luck all the same.” He arches a brow. “I think you’re going to need it, my friend.”
I chuckle. “Safe journey, my friend.”
“To you as well,” he replies.
As soon as they’re gone, Vivienne turns to me. “Do you think they’ll be alright?”
I tilt my head to the side to regard her. “I thought you’d be happy to see them leave, seeing as how you thought they’d cut our throats in our sleep.”
“I was being cautious.” She purses her mouth. “You are far too trusting, and I was merely advising you to be careful.”
My lips twitch. “Because you care about your dear husband?”
She narrows her eyes and then turns toward Vaelen. “Let’s go.”
“As you wish, my darling wife,” I reply, biting back a smile.
I help her onto Vaelen’s back and then settle behind her. Vaelen surges forward, the steady rhythm of his stride drawing her body gradually closer to mine despite her pride. I feel it in the subtle way she leans into me when the path dips, and the way her back rests more fully against my chest when the trees close in around us.
The sun is beginning to set by the time we reach an inn at the edge of the woods. Vivienne perks up as we approach. “Thank the gods,” she murmurs under her breath. “We’ll have a real bed and bath this evening.”
I dismount and help her down. Her hands settle briefly at my shoulders for balance before she withdraws them. Her braid has loosened in the wind, strands brushing her cheeks. It’s been a long day of travel. I know how much she detests sleeping in the tent, so I’m hoping she’ll be able to rest more comfortably tonight.
And perhaps she’ll even allow me to share the bed with her. My heart swells. Maybe she’ll even grant me another kiss. The mere memory of her lips upon mine makes my fangs extend.
Swallowing hard, I push these thoughts aside as we enter the inn.
Inside, the common room is thick with bodies and a cacophony of sound. Tankards slam against wood as laughter erupts from a crowded table. The air is heavy with ale and sweat and too many people in too small a space.
When I request a private room, the innkeeper offers a regretful shake of his head. “I’m sorry, but there’s not one left. Storm’s coming in from the west. Travelers have been pouring in since midday.” He jerks his chin toward a narrow stairway at the back. “There’s space in the loft, with several blankets on the floor, but you’ll have to share the room with the others.”
The thought makes my skin crawl, but I know how much Vivienne dislikes sleeping outdoors. Instead of answering him right away, I turn back to her. “What do you want to do?”
She stands very still, gaze sweeping the room with quiet calculation. Several men stare at her, their eyes lingering on her form. Subtly, she moves closer and presses into my side, instinctively seeking safety.
Fierce protectiveness surges through me, and I wrap my arm around her waist, tugging her even closer. A low growl vibrates deep in my chest as I glare back at the men ogling her. “They won’t touch you.”
“I know,” she whispers, but she doesn’t move away. “I’d rather camp.”
I’m surprised. “Are you certain? There’s a storm coming.”
Vivienne nods. “I prefer it to be just us.”
Just us.Pride settles in my chest. She feels safer with me.
I incline my head. “Very well.”
We leave without further negotiation.
It doesn’t take long to recall Vaelen and we make our way into the forest. The smell of impending rain hangs heavy in the air, as dark clouds begin to move in. If we hurry, we should be able to make camp before the storm arrives.
I glance down at her. “You surprised me.”
“How so?”
“You chose the forest. In a storm,” I murmur. “Over a roof and four walls. For someone who dislikes sleeping in the woods as much as you do, it seems… unusual.”
