She felt a tingle of anticipation course through her body. “Thank you.” She turned toward the door, eager to see Finn.
“Ari!” Conrad called, and when she paused, he added, “Welcome home.”
She bobbed a nod and rushed outside. She knew this shop almost as well as her own home. She had been here enough when she was young. The only difference was now it seemed somehow smaller.
She crossed the sun-dappled yard and saw two horses tethered to the branch of a towering oak tree, their warm breath visible in the cold air. She continued to the sheltered stalls and saw him immediately, his broad shoulders bending as he scraped at hay with a shovel. Her heart beat faster—she couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face at the sight of him. “Excuse me, good sir,” she said in a low tone so he wouldn’t recognize her.
“Just a moment,” Finn replied in a voice that was deeper than she remembered. He pushed the pile of manure to the side and straightened.
His now towering frame filled Ari with a mix of nostalgia and awe. Thick ropes of muscles rippled across his wide shoulders as he swiped a hand across his brow. She felt her heart swell.
He turned, and his eyes caught hers. His gaze swept her from her toes to the top of her hair.
Her entire body tingled with delight. His dark hair cascaded to his shoulders in soft curls. He seemed different. His jaw was square and clean-shaven. His nose had a slight crook that hinted at a past fight with Kage. But his eyes—there was something familiar about his eyes that made her breath catch. She launched herself across the space between them and hugged him fiercely.
Startled, he stood stoically for a moment before he melted into her hug and embraced her. “Ari,” he whispered against her hair.
For a moment, they remained that way, and time faded. It felt as if no time had passed since she had left.
Then Finn stepped back, separating them. “You’ll get manure on you.”
Disappointment flooded through her, but she raised her eyebrow. “As if that hasn’t happened before.”
“Not when you’re dressed like that,” he said, signaling her entire body.
“This old thing?” she demanded, grabbing her velvet skirt and swooshing it about her feet. She stopped and grinned, staring at him.
He nodded.
Her smile wilted. “I missed you.”
Finn bowed his head.
Ari felt a chill run through her. She hadn’t expected this reaction—a lump of doubt formed in her throat. Maybe Finn hadn’t missed her as much as she missed him.
“When did you get home?” Finn asked.
“This morning. After I unpacked, I came right here.”
Finn looked around. “Where’s your guard?”
“Guard?” Ari echoed, shocked. “You sound like Father.”
“Ari,” Finn chastised. “You are a woman now and lady of the castle. You can’t leave without an escort for protection.”
“This is my village. This is my home. I don’t need protection here. Besides,” she smiled again, “you’re here to protect me.” He had always sworn he would.
Finn sighed. “Aye. I’m here. But I have chores.”
Ari’s eyes met his briefly. She didn’t offer to help him as they used to; something had changed. A wall that hadn’t been there before seemed to stand between them. Despite this, Ari clung to the hope that things could return to how they were. She refused to let him go. “Then you will come to the castle and dine with me tonight.” She turned away. “I’m sure you’ll be done with your chores by then.”
“Ari!” Finn called.
“Bring Conrad and your father. I look forward to hearing what has happened to you these years.” She hurried from the yard and mounted her horse. She couldn’t help casting a last look at him standing outside the stalls, staring at her. He was different. He was not the Finn she remembered. But she would find the Finn she had known. She was positive he was still there.
Finn trudged out of the last stall, hands caked with mud and sweat. He scrubbed them thoroughly in a wooden basin before returning to the smithy. As soon as he stepped through the doorway, Finn saw Conrad standing at the forge, his face glowing orange as he thrust a sword inside. Sparks flew up and wisped away in the air as Conrad turned with an amused grin.
“Did you have a nice visit?” Conrad asked.
