He settles beside me, leaving space between us beneath the blankets.
I tell myself it is kindness and that he’s being honorable. But as the silence stretches, an unwelcome thought slips in.Perhaps, I was right. Maybe he simply changed his mind.
CHAPTER 30
AUREN
Vivienne’s been rather quiet today. Then again, we’ve been traveling for several hours, and part of me wonders if I pushed her too hard. We didn’t make quite as many stops to rest as we normally do, but I’m anxious to reach my kingdom. To cross the border and reunite with my guards so that she’ll be better protected.
I cannot stop thinking of what happened yesterday. I could have lost her. The mere thought has me tempted to travel through the night so that we can reach safety that much faster. But as I gaze at my lovely human bride, I remind myself that she’s not a soldier.
It’s not her fault she lived such a sheltered and pampered life. And while she complained about our journey almost constantly in the beginning, she endured. Not only that, but now, she actively participates in helping to set up and break down our camp every day. I’m truly impressed by not only her ability to adapt to a life so far removed from what she knows but also how eager she is to learn and by her strength of will.
She will make an excellent ruler.
I set to work assembling our tent, stretching the fabric taut, securing the poles, and adjusting the furs inside to make sure they’ll be warm enough tonight.
Vivienne is nearby, pulling food from our packs, sorting through our supplies.
Without warning, a flash of gold and thorn-covered vines appears in my mind, and I freeze as something dark and cold brushes against the fated bond.
Closing my eyes, I reach for it, trying to determine the shape of the disturbance, but it fades too quickly. I cannot tell if it’s merely an echo of Vivienne’s nightmares… or something more sinister.
When I glance at my wife, she doesn’t appear concerned in any way. Perhaps it’s nothing… a lingering effect of my fear at having nearly lost her.
Clenching my jaw, I push the thought aside and focus on the task at hand.
After a quick meal, she bathes in the nearby stream. I stand with my back turned and she insists Vaelen stands guard as well, since she’s now even more worried about hidden monsters in the woods.
I hate that she’s afraid, but I’m also glad she now understands the true dangers that exist in the seven realms. Her father believed sheltering her would protect her, but in doing so, he did her a disservice in preparing her for a life outside of his kingdom.
After she’s done, she goes back to the campfire with Vaelen while I remain behind to bathe. When I’m finished, I go into the tent to change for bed.
I go still as I hear her begin to sing outside. It’s soft at first, a quiet hum carried by the evening breeze. It’s beautiful andethereal. The kind of sound that belongs in temples or royal halls, not here, in the middle of the wilderness by a campfire.
The song tells the story of a noblewoman in love with a knight she believes will never return her affections. The melody is aching and yet wistful. It wraps around me, sinking into my bones as I exit the tent to move closer to her.
Vivienne sits by the fire, lost in the music, unaware that she has thoroughly captured my attention. The golden light flickers over her features, her lips forming the words with quiet reverence, her expression peaceful in a way I rarely see.
She looks radiant and I’m completely mesmerized by my lovely wife.
She stops abruptly when she notices me watching her. "Is everything alright?"
"I've never heard anything so beautiful.” The words leave my lips unfiltered.
Warmth rises in her cheeks before she looks away. "You’re just being kind. Surely Elves sing beautifully.”
It’s rare for her to show any sign of vulnerability, and I wonder why she does so now. Does she believe I speak false? The thought troubles me.
"Some do," I reply. "But none quite like you."
She huffs a soft laugh, rolling her eyes. "Sing something for me then."
I smirk. "You want me to serenade you, my dear wife?"
Vivienne snorts. "Yes."
I cross my arms, feigning deep contemplation. Then, with all the dramatic flair of a performer on stage, I clear my throat and begin to sing. Terribly.
