Milo had intended to fix the ward first thing, but since he had to put a barrier up anyway, why not tackle the other problem? “Okay, random thought, and tell me if I’m way off, but I can use the towers to anchor the barrier. Less prep on my part. I can renew the sigils while I’m at it. I’m already over there, it won’t take more than an hour per sigil, and that way the towers can also help us keep watch while I work on the ward.”
“I agree, that seems the smartest approach.”
“Great! We have a plan, then. I’ll start tomorrow morning. Barrier should be up by end of day, which will give us all some peace of mind, at least.”
Raina led the way back down the stairs of the battlement. “I’m glad you came up. Professionally speaking, we needed a mage of your caliber to redo the ward. The temp mages before you have been…lacking.”
A diplomatic way of putting it. “Yeah, I can’t argue there. Anyone less trained or skilled than me would have really struggled.”
Raina switched back to big sister mode, smile teasing once more. “Personally, though, I’m delighted to meet you. Rowan’s clearly attached to you already.”
“Oh, that goes both ways. I adore him to bits. Really hoping we work out in the long run.”
“So do I. We’re a family that teases, Milo, but don’t take any of it to heart. We tease to show we love each other.”
“I’m perfectly okay with teasing. Ruben was giving it to me all the way up here from Bearfell, really. I think Rowan was worried about it, but then he saw me dish it right back out, and now he enjoys the show.”
“I’m glad you can handle it. Well, let me show you where Rowan’s room is. Since that’ll apparently be your room too.”
Milo registered her arch look but, being a person fundamentally incapable of shutting up, proceeded to give herinformation she likely didn’t want to know. “Please understand that man isdeliciousto sleep next to, all warm and snuggly, and honestly, if I was a woman, I’d already be pregnant because godsdamn, I cannot keep my hands off him. Glad he feels the same way. He just told me outright I had a separate room to use if I wanted it, but he wanted me to share his room, and did I argue? Nope!”
Raina snorted a laugh, blue eyes sparkling. “I think I see why Rowan likes you.”
“I’m cheap entertainment, I know.”
“That’s probably part of it,” she agreed amenably. “Fortunately, his room is large and can accommodate the both of you.”
“Perfection.”
“I’ll also show you to the kitchens.”
“Is it because I ate everything at lunch?”
“That could be why,” she said, laughing at him. “Although I’m still trying to figure out where you put it. Anyway, this way.”
Milo followed her down the rest of the stairs and into a hallway he didn’t know, moving farther inside the stone building. He paid strict attention because he wanted to learn the layout of this place. The fortress was massive, but it was laid out in an organized way, so he didn’t think this would give him too much trouble.
Servants had brought all of Milo’s things to Rowan’s room. Raina deposited him there and moved on, as she had duties and couldn’t just dance attendance on him. Milo was fine with that. He would like a chance to unwind after several days on the road.
The room was lovely. A giant four-poster bed with thick curtains took up residence on one side of the room. The bay window there had a built-in reading bench, with bookshelves underneath crammed full; a silent testament that Rowan really did like to read.
The left side of the room held two more bookcases, also crammed full, an armoire, and a chest of drawers. The furniture was old, he could tell at a glance, and blackened with age. Arranged in front of the bookcases was a long couch, overstuffed and quite comfortable looking, that faced a small fireplace. No doubt meant for leisurely reading on those cold winter nights.
Every surface had deep, bold colors and soft fabrics. It fit with the man he was coming to know. Rowan was a very sensual man, even if it wasn’t readily apparent.
Milo wanted to unpack but wasn’t sure what Rowan was all right with him moving. He didn’t want to make assumptions and upset Rowan. Then he spied a piece of paper standing upright, held so by a partially open drawer, and it had his name in large letters at the top. Oh, what was this?
A love letter?!
Eh, probably not, but Milo could hope, couldn’t he? He fetched the paper out to read it.
Milo,
This chest of drawers is for your use. The trunk under the window is also for you. I had them bring it in. I’ve commissioned another bookcase be made, but that’ll take a week. Just leave your books in the trunk for now.
I’ll see you at dinner.
Rowan
