Page 105 of Destiny of a King

Merek led them to the cottage he had promised them, a small stone dwelling tucked beneath the sprawling branches of an enormous tree. The thick limbs stretched over the roof as if protecting it, and even in winter tiny silver leaves clung stubbornly to them.

“The cottage will serve you well for the night,” Merek said. “Food will be brought shortly.”

Dravic nodded. “My men?”

“Being settled as we speak.”

Dravic looked to Seger.

“I’ll see to them, my king.”

“And the guards.”

Seger nodded. “Already being posted.”

“Good.”

Merek took his leave and Seger followed not long after making certain no surprise awaited in the cottage for the king.

Dravic was glad to see it sat a comfortable distance from the neighboring cottages. Privacy had become a rare luxury since entering Driochmor, and tonight he wanted it.

Adira stepped past him when he motioned for her to enter and immediately felt the warmth of the room. A fire burned steadily in a wide stone hearth, filling the cottage with enough heat to chase away the cold that had settled into her during the long ride. A small table with two chairs stood near the hearth, and beyond it a narrow bed covered with thick blankets occupied the far wall. A washstand, several pegs for their cloaks and a wooden chest completed the simple furnishings.

Adira smiled. There was something comforting about the smallness of the cottage after being surrounded all day by warriors, villagers, and things she did not understand.

Dravic entered behind her and closed the door.

The latch dropped into place.

Adira turned at the sound and froze.

She had heard it. Not clearly enough to know what had caused it, but there had been a distinct sharp sound behind her.

Her gaze went immediately to the door.

Dravic was removing his cloak and did not notice.

Adira stared at the latch. Had that been it?

Her heart began to beat faster. She wanted to touch it. Lift it and let it fall again so she could discover if the same sound returned.

But Dravic would wonder why.

She forced herself to turn away. One thing at a time. She needed to understand one thing at a time.

Dravic hung his cloak on a peg, then reached for hers. Adira turned her back to him and allowed him to remove it from her shoulders. His hands lingered there after the cloak was gone.

She looked back at him. He was staring at her. The look in his eyes sent warmth rushing through her that had nothing to do with the fire.

All day he had wanted this. A closed door with no guards hovering nearby. No villagers watching. No king who needed to measure every word and action… only Adira.

He hung her cloak beside his and took her hand.

His thumb moved slowly across her fingers. Then he lifted her hand and kissed the back of it.

Adira smiled softly.

Dravic’s gaze settled on her mouth.