I reach his side, leaning my head against his shoulder. “How did you know it was me?”
He kisses the top of my head before wrapping a solid arm around my waist. “Ye dinna think I ha’ every part of ye memorized by now?”
His words have my blood heating for an entirely different reason. Lachlan takes the pack from me and nods to the boat tied to the nearest cleat.
“We’re taking that one. I’m just waiting for the dockhand to grab longer oars.”
I nod, following him to the side of the dock.
“Is everything alright?” He asks, studyingmy face in the moonlight.
I shrug, averting my eyes and looking out at the sea.
He tugs on one of my braids hanging by my face. “Nae of that. What happened?”
Footsteps reverberate down the wooden planks of the dock, and I shake my head.
“I’ll tell you later.”
Lachlan’s eyes narrow. Clearly unhappy with my answer, but doesn’t push me on it.
A lanky teen with a kind face holds the oars out to Lachlan and flashes me a smile.
“Thanks,” Lachlan replies, grabbing the oars from the kid.
“Are you—you’re Queen Lena!”
“I am.” I chuckle. “And you are?”
“Titus!” He bows lowly before shooting straight up. “You killed the asphidra in the throne room, battled the demons in the capital, and restored magic across the realm, and—and you weren’t even born here! How?” His words come out in a rush as he bounces on his toes.
“Skilled teachers,” I answer. Smiling up at Lachlan. My dad’s face surfaces in the back of my mind and my heart squeezes painfully. “Very skilled teachers.”
“Do you think you’ll be able to stop the war?” Titus asks, looking between me and Lachlan.
I bite my lip, looking up at Lachlan for the most appropriate answer.
“That’s our plan, kid,” Lachlan replies. “Now get back to the boathouse before you get scolded by the skipper.” Lach ruffles the kid’s hair. But Titus throws pleading eyes at me.
“It was nice to meet you, Titus. But we better be off.”
“Alright,” he grumbles. “Safe travels!” He throws over his shoulder as he runs back down the dock.
“It seems word of your legendary skills has traveled across the realm,” Lachlan teases as he drops into the longboat and holds up a hand to assist me on board.
“Could be worse.” I take his hand, but he wraps an arm around me and pulls me to him instead.
“How so?” His brow furrows, and I have the sudden urge to trace it with my fingertip.
“Well, it could be scorned ex-lovers showing up to my room.”
Lachlan freezes before scoffing. “You fib.”
“I do not!” I splutter. “Neva showed up in a sheer dress, asking for you.”
Lachlan deadpans before bursting out into deep, rumbling laughter.
The sound of it rolls over me, dousing any irritation that had been lingering. Before long, I’m laughing too and he pulls flush against him. His scent seeps into me as I inhale deeply, reveling in the safety of his arms.
