“It’s that-” She took in a full, painless breath. “That we lost three years. We’re different people. You have this whole life now that I don’t know anything about, that I’m not a part of, and-” Keira faltered, trying to force the final words past her lips. “And you gave me up, Caspian. You moved on, even if you don’t love her… Once you tied knots, she would have been the only one youcouldlove.”
Caspian’s black eyes fixed on her as he slowly put his arms on her shoulders. “I never wanted a life without you in it. I just didn’t think I had a choice.”
Keira looked back at him, trying to soak in the truth of his words.
Caspian sighed. “But, you’re right. It has been three years. There’s plenty I don’t know about you… like how you learned to fight like that, or when you got that tattoo on your stomach.”
Keira blushed red as he smirked down at her.
“It’s a nice bird. I like it.”
“It’s a harpy,” Keira argued.
He just smiled softly. “I have to go back, and I want you to come with me. I want to get to know you again, and to show you my life. I know that it’s… different.” He sighed. “It’s still daunting to me- But you will always have a place in my life.”
Keira took in the weight of his words. He was asking her to plunge into his strange new world, that of the Lord of Northall. What did she know about the nobility? But this was a part of him now, and he wanted to share it with her.
“I’d like that,” she said finally.
Caspian smiled genuinely, as if her answer had surprised him.
“But you need to get out of that engagement,” Keira said.
His brows raised.
“For her sake, Caspian,” Keira explained. “That girl deserves to be with someone who actually loves her.”
“You’re- You’re right. I’m a cursed fool. I never thought-” He rubbed his neck. “I will break it off, but it might take some time. Like I told you, these things are complicated. I don’t want to offend her family or make her look… unmarriable.”
Keira rolled her eyes. “You’ll figure it out, m’lord.”
Caspian coughed out a laugh. “You can’t call me that.”
“I can and I shall,” Keira said, picking up the torch with a sigh. “We need to find shelter for the night. This way,m’lord.”
Caspian
The little inn stood visible from the tree line. A trail of smoke rose invitingly from the chimney, promising a warm hearth within. Caspian could have collapsed with relief at the sight. They’d camped only briefly until sunrise, then they set down the path Keira had assured him was the fastest route to the nearest settlement. It had been a long and tiresome trek, the toll of which he now felt throughout his entire body. Fate’s teeth, what he wouldn’t give for a hot meal, a real bed. Curse him if the thought of a steaming bath didn’t make his knees buckle. It was becoming evident that he’d gotten spoiled these past couple of years in the keep. He hadn’t thought himself so removed from long days of marching only to spend the night on hard packed ground.
Keira came to his side and sighed with a similar sentiment before they began the final descent down the snowy hill.
The Fox and Hare was a comfortable stone inn. The massive fireplace heated the common room like an oven and eased the deep set chill in his bones. Furs hung from the walls. A bear skin was laid out on the floor before the fire. The inn was already populated with a few patrons sharing meals and conversation at the scattered tables.
An old woman with a wild mass of graying hair approached them as they stomped the winter from their boots. “It’s seven silvers for a room.”
Her eyes widened as Caspian lowered his hood. Her gaze flicked from his face down to the signet ring on his hand. “Of course there’ll be no charge for you, m’lord,” the woman quickly amended.
Caspian ignored her offer. “How much for two rooms, hot meals, and a bath?” He had more coin than any one man could possibly need. He’d certainly not be accepting favors for free.
“No charge at all, m’lord. I’ll see to it right away for you and your companion.”
She was about to turn, but stopped as Caspian reached for his purse. He took out two gold coins and held them out to the woman.
The conflict behind her eyes was clear as she looked them over, thinking to protest again. At last, she took them, and Caspian smiled.
“Bless your generosity, m’lord.” She shoved the coins into her pouch. “Take a seat by the fire and warm your bones. I’ll have your meals out soon as I’m able.”
“Thank you,” Caspian said.
