Page 74 of A Legacy of the Light

He dips his head and, if I didn’t know any better, I would say he’s blushing.

“Is the Prince of Elfayne blushing at a compliment from a simple human?” I ask, wanting to lighten the mood.

He ignores my jibe and asks, “How about that ride tomorrow? Seems like we both need it, and I want to see how you ride. See if you can keep up with me.”

I quirk my brow and wait for him to realize how that sounded. It takes him a minute but when he catches up, he tips his head back and laughs. Deep and loud.

When he’s gathered himself, he nudges me with his shoulder. “Who knew you had such a dirty mind, Elsie.”

“You read the books I do and tell me your mind wouldn’t be just as filthy,” I reply, the somber mood lifting with each teasing comment.

“Maybe I’ll try one, just to see.”

“I can give you some recommendations if you like.”

“Next time you’re in the library, pick me one out. The dirtier the better.”

“Challenge accepted.” I smile at him, wide and unrestrained, my heavy heart becoming lighter with our banter.

Tavish stares at me, smiling, and shakes his head before prompting me again. “So, tomorrow?”

“Yes, Tavish, I’ll show you just how good I can ride tomorrow.” My words have us laughing again, easing more of the sadness that we had both brought to this balcony.

Tavish walks with me back to our rooms. Pausing at my door, he doesn’t carry on like I thought he would. He leans in closer, dropping a soft kiss on my cheek. I notice how his lips feel on my skin. Soft, warm, and full. And definitely not like a friend.

“Goodnight, Elsie. And thank you.”

“For what?” I ask, embarrassingly breathless and feeling a tingling sensation in the pit of my stomach.

“For tonight and last night. You’ve comforted me twice now. It’s been a while since anyone has taken care of me like that.”

“You’re welcome. And I’m sorry for crying on you earlier.”

This man has seen more death than I could possibly imagine and here I am still dealing with something that happened a year and a half ago.

Tavish cups the cheek he just kissed. “You never have to apologize to me for your grief.” He strokes his thumb down my skin once before disappearing down the hall to his room.

The cut of his clothes clings to his back as he walks away from me, and I watch him for too long before remembering someone might catch me looking at him. I shake myself before going into my room, but the ghost of his words and his touch follow me.

While I shower, I consider how Tavish didn’t hesitate to comfort me on the balcony. How it felt to be in his arms. I haven’t opened up to anyone like that since the accident. Rach has guessed how I’m feeling, but has never pushed me to open up when she’s asked me about it.

Tavish is unravelling something in me that I can’t quite work out. I’m glad it was him comforting me tonight. Not because of who he is, but because he understands me in a way no one ever has.

◆◆◆

Needing the comfort of home, I slip into my Christmas pajamas after my shower and quickly eat the beef stew that has been sent for my dinner. I get a small fire going in the living room, and curl up with my book and a cup of chamomile tea. What I didn’t realize in the fantasy stories I love so much, is how exhausting it is to live one. I have a newfound respect for all the characters I read about that suddenly have a new world thrust upon them.

It’s not long before I start to lose the battle with my eyelids and go to bed. My lack of sleep last night, and the day’s events, have drained me to exhaustion.

As I clean my teeth, I remember I placed the Craobh in the tampon basket again when I changed.

When the chain slips over my head, that feeling of rightness rushes through me, as it does every time it comes into contact with my skin. I haven’t looked into it since my first day here. Despite it being an important relic to the Seelie realm, very little is written about the powers it possesses.

After half-assing my way through the exercises Reyne told me to do to avoid any soreness, I snuggle into the soft sheets and tumble into a deep sleep.

Shadow surrounds me. The sounds of fighting echo as soldiers clash with steel and magic. The well in my chest is empty. I have nothing to give but my determination to survive.

“You can run but you cannot hide from me, Màiri Darrow!” A voice calls from within the darkness, distorted to disguise whoever is hunting us. I raise the sword in front of me and prepare to fight.