“I’ll be all right.” I cradle her cheek, tilting her face toward me. “I need to know that you’ll be.”
“I will,” she promises. “How long will you be gone?”
“It’s hard to say. A week? Maybe more.” A deep sigh escapes me as I rest my chin on her shoulder, leaning my head against hers. “But I won’t miss the Equinox Festival. Not when my wife has been tirelessly planning it.”
Mayah leans back into me, eyes fluttering closed.
My heart has never felt so full and empty at the same time.
“If they breach the Arbinji defenses, we won’t be safe here either,” I add quietly.
She freezes. “You think they’ll come for the palace?”
“If I were leading them—” A soft kiss pressed to her temple. “—I would.” With two fingers, I scoop some of the suds, rubbing the white foam into her collarbones. Even in the bath, she wears her necklace. “I convinced my brother to come.”
I don’t mention the vicious words he’d uttered about her. What he’d do without me here.
“We’ll keep him out of danger, but I said it would raise morale for the soldiers to see him. My father will remain here, though. Try to avoid him.”
She nods, and I press another kiss to her temple. “When I return, let’s visit Tundrayn.”
Surprise lights my wife’s eyes. “Really?”
“Yeah. I know you miss your father. And it’ll be nice to escape the palace for a while.”
“What about the Rebellion? Your father and brother?”
I shrug. “They’ll figure it out. Or they won’t. If it becomes too pressing, I’ll head to the border from Tundrayn. But at least I’ll know you’ll be safe in your home.”
A myriad of emotions pass through her gaze. “I’d like that,” she whispers. Her wet hand rises out from the water and tangles in my hair as she nuzzles my cheek. Contentment gathers in my chest. “But aren’t you worried? You wouldn’t stay in the palace for more than an hour last time.”
“You’ll protect me, right?” I chuckle. “And I’m hoping your father and people will warm up to me once they see their princess is safe and well cared for.” A deep, hopeful breath. “And happy. ThatImake her happy.”
My words are more a question than anything else. A desperate plea for reassurance.
Mayah shifts in my arms, the water splashing gently as she turns to study my face. Then she grabs me by the collar and seals her lips to mine in a deep, aching kiss.
I feel her answer—herlove—in her lips, tracing mine with reverence.
When we part for air, I don’t let go, our foreheads pressed together tightly.
“Tides protect you, Zev,” she whispers. “I’ll miss you.”
I wait for telltale pinpricks.
They never come.
Her eyes are open, vulnerable, and Skies be merciful, I think she’s fallen in love with me. I nearly voice the words bubbling inside me.
I love you, Mayah. I have for ages now. Perhaps since we met. My life is better because of you. My life is alifebecause of you.
You own me. I’d do anything for you. Name it.
Just … love me, too.
But I swallow them down. I don’t want her to dismiss my confession as an overly emotional farewell.
I’ll tell her of my undying love when I return.
