Page 57 of Drown Me Gently

By the time they returned the horse, Auren’s face was flushed with contentment.

“That was incredible.”

“There’s more to see. Would you like me to show you?” Ulric offered.

“Yes,” Auren said instantly. “All of it.”

So Ulric took him to the food stalls, guiding him with one hand on his back. He kept it to light, fleeting touches. He guided Auren to foods he would likely enjoy—shellfish grilled in lemon and herbs, and sweet cakes made with black currant syrup. They sat on a warm stone wall and ate with their fingers, and Auren made small, delighted sounds at every new bite.

“This one,” he said, holding up a dumpling. “This tastes like seafoam.”

Ulric chuckled. “You always did have a poetic palate.”

Auren popped the rest into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. “No, really. It’s light. A little salty. Like… the bubbles that cling to your lips after diving too fast.”

Ulric arched a brow. “Is that a compliment or a complaint?”

Auren grinned. “I haven’t decided yet.”

Ulric shook his head. “Remind me never to cook for you. I’m not sure my pride could survive the verdict.”

Auren stuck his tongue out at him.

“You better put that away, or I’ll put it to work.”

And Ulric couldn’t help but chuckle deep in his chest at how quickly Auren’s cheeks matched his hair.

They wandered on. Near the center of town stood a tavern, and Ulric was about to suggest they enter when he noticed the way Auren tensed. His steps slowed, and his lips pressed thin. Without a word, Ulric changed course. He led him instead to the open-air pavilion, where musicians and acrobats were setting up to perform under the stars.

It was a wise choice.

Auren’s delight returned in full force. He clapped quietly for jugglers. Laughed aloud at a child doing handstands. And when a group of dancers rode past on horses wearing jingling ribbons and embroidered blankets, Auren looked like he might cry from joy.

Ulric didn’t care if anyone stared. He was too busy watching Auren glow.

The performance concluded with a musical number, a love song that filled the twilight air with a poignant feeling. The lyrics were brazen, full of longing and heated devotion. The words were unapologetic, suggestive even. Ulric glanced over. Auren was blushing.

“You don’t hear words like that in the hymns of Atlantis,” Ulric commented.

“No. I suppose you don’t,” Auren said, then added, “But I like it.”

Ulric’s heart stuttered. He reached down, gently taking Auren’s hand.

“Would you like to go home?”Auren made a disconcerted face, and Ulric added, “I promise to bring you back as many times as you want. But let’s rest for today.”

Reassured, Auren nodded, his heavy lids betraying his weariness.

They walked through the cooling streets, hand in hand, and all Ulric could think about was the way Auren’s fingers fit in his.

He didn’t know how long he had. He didn’t know what the next day would bring.

But Auren was beside him, smiling, alive.

And for now, that was enough.

Even if his thoughts couldn’t stop circling back to the kiss. To how Auren had tasted. To how much more he wanted. How his body ached to press closer, to ask for more⁠—

But he wouldn’t.