Chapter 15
Robin ran out the door of the castle into the peacefully quiet courtyard, where gentle flakes of snow had just begun to fall. This was her home now.
The thought of it felt less oppressive than it had a few days prior. Even if it wasn’t perfect, she could see herself filling a needed role here. The king and his family were generous and kind and wanted to share their best with her.
She was a little ashamed of herself for having tricked them in the first place.
“Wren!” Ian called, stepping out of the castle to join her. “I mean, Lady Lockwood.”
“Robin.”
Ian stepped closer, his serious features lit by the bright glow of the courtyard torches. “Robin,” he repeated. “I’m ever so glad you are staying.”
She smiled lightly in response. “I am too.”
“I hope you’ll like everyone,” he continued, gesturing his head in the direction of the dining room. “They can be a little overwhelming, but everyone is so excited to see Lind go... I mean, I think they like you already.”
“Will there be any spiders in my bed?” she asked, teasing him a little.
“No!” he responded emphatically. “I’ll make sure of that.”
“Prince Ian, your—”
“Ian.”
“Your mother invited me to join your family for the gifting in the morn, but I think it might be too soon for that.”
Ian shook his head vigorously, reaching out his hands in an open invitation. “It’s not too soon. Like I said, they already like you. Especially Onric. He said you’re not bad for a girl. Which is about the nicest thing he’s ever said about anybody.”
Robin smiled, a little shyly. Suddenly she had more siblings than she knew what to do with.
Ian wiggled his fingertips, his hands still between them, palms facing upward. “Please join us tomorrow,” he whispered.
Robin lifted her own hands and held them over his, wiggling her fingers so they were barely brushing against his. She wanted to spend Silverfest morn with them, with him. “Are you going to give Meena a donkey ride?”
“Only if you are there to gift it with me.” Ian tilted his head forward, bringing his face close to hers. “How is Humphrey?”
“Much better,” Robin whispered, tilting her face back to peer up at him.
“Robin,” he whispered. The tenderness in his voice made her heart race.
“Yes?”
“Would you mind terribly if I kissed you?” he asked, his eyes dropping to her lips.
She shook her head. “I wouldn’t mind at all.” She let her hands fall into his, melting at the warmth when his fingers wrapped around hers.
“I’ve never kissed anyone before,” he said, nudging her nose with his.
“Neither have I,” she replied.
Gently, he placed his lips on hers for a long, sweet moment.
“I liked that,” she whispered.
He swallowed. “I did too.”
Overwhelmed, Robin placed her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around him in a firm hug.
