That calm acceptance of what was, with no trace of blame or self-pity, cracked her heart.
“Orval,” she whispered. “How old were these books of yours?”
“Oh, well…” Orval’s brow furrowed in thought. “Well,A Fine and Noble Landis fairly recent, within the last twenty years or so. I don’t recall the date ofRare Matriarchal Culturesbut it has a reputation as a fine translation.” He finally turned his head and looked at her. “Why? Is there a problem? My sources are primary and—”
Amari moved then, sliding to lie on top of him, pinning him to the bed. “It’s my turn to school you in history.”
“Amari,” Orval put his hands on her shoulders, as if to move her off.
She resisted, placing a finger over his lips. “In the time of what you call the Mage Wars, yes, it’s true that a woman would have multiple hearth fathers. At one point, my forefathers feared that our people would die out, or inbreed past saving, so great was the destruction.”
Orval stared at her.
“Now, how long ago was that?” Amari asked.
“Hundreds of years,” Orval whispered, and she could see understanding dawning in his eyes. “Customs change?” he asked hopefully.
“Customs change,” she said, cupping his cheek with one hand.
“I got the part about the bracelets right, though.”
“Yes, you did.”
“But no multiples?” She ached at the hope in his voice.
“I won’t say that it doesn’t happen,” Amari said. “There are multiples, but that is the exception, not the rule. People contract for marriage as they please.”
“Oh,” Orval said and swallowed hard.
“And I please,” Amari kissed his jaw. “To have one Hearth Father. My hearth is here,” she put her hand on his chest, felt his heart beating wildly under her palm.
“Oh.” Orval was wide-eyed, staring at her.
“So, my chosen Hearth Father.” Amari brushed her lips against his. “You of the tremendous heart and mind and whose body I desire, may I kiss you?”
The tears in his eyes caught her by surprise. “Are you sure, Amari? Please be sure. Because the last few months, with all the chaos it has brought, have been the best months of my life.” His breath was ragged. “I can’t imagine not having you at my side.”
“I am sure, so sure, beloved.” Amari teared up as well. “Unless you do not desire me, my body is not perfect and—”
“You are wonderful,” Orval scolded her. “And perfect and beautiful. But we could be killed tomorrow, the marcusi may come, the people of the Black Hills may kill us. Life is so uncertain, with no promises, no assurance beyond our next breath.”
“Yes,” Amari smiled through her tears. “And the babes might awaken at any moment. Our lives are fraught and fragile. But our hearts are strong and steadfast.”
Orval nodded, reaching up to wipe the tears from her cheek. “The only certainty is how we feel for each other. We will build on that.”
“Our hearts are one. My hearth is here, in the beating of your heart.” Amari said. “So, are we done now? Have I convinced you?”
“Yes,” Orval said. “Yes, a thousand times yes.”
“Good,” she said. “Because we have wasted enough time.” She shifted then, pressing her hips down on his hips, feeling his body respond as his eyes went even wider.
“Amari,” Orval gasped as she sat up, tossing back the bedding and pulling her night shift up and off. “Oh, skies above,” he gasped, looking at her with every bit of desire that she could ask for. “Amari, yes, please, but I don’t - I’ve read but I haven’t—”
She leaned in. “I know,” she whispered back. “And I claim the privilege. I want to ravish you.” She brought his hand to her breast. “But maybe we should go slow, for your first—”
Orval shifted his hips under her. “No, no, please feel free to—”
She leaned down and kissed him hard, pressing her lips to his and sliding her tongue into his mouth. Hot, warm, and so sweet.
