Page 142 of Aryn

Later, we wander up to a high terrace, where the capital sprawls beneath us in a maze of rooftops and winding streets. We find a private courtyard garden filled with snow-dusted evergreen bushes and stone benches, but the sun is warm enough that we sit for a long while. I lean back against his chest as his arms wrap around me from behind, pressing lazy kisses along the side of my neck. I tilt my head to give him better access, and it hits me how much easier the happiness comes these days.

“You’re going to spoil me rotten,” I say, grinning out at the city.

“Good,” he murmurs, nipping my ear. “You deserve to be spoiled.”

I turn in his arms and kiss him properly. There’s no rush. No danger breathing down our necks. Just us, the taste of spices on his tongue, and the steady beat of his heart against mine.

“I could get used to this,” he says softly.

“Think a place like this is enough to appease a city boy like you?”

“I think I could find some trouble to get into here.”

“Oh, we’re finding trouble now, are we?”

“Always, darlin’,” he agrees as music drifts up from below. Both of us perk up at the sound, and Cato scans the streets for its source. “Remember the Khileon family telling us about the music festivals here?”

I nod. “Thulga said Mezie comes here with friends to attend.”

We follow the music, and it leads us down winding stairs into a large open square between buildings. Several bonfires crackle in iron pits, casting golden light and sparks into the night sky. Musicians playing strings, deep drums, and flutes stand on a low platform, and people laugh, drink ale or smoke thraeva while they dance around the fires.

Cato’s eyes light up. “This is perfect.”

We grab tankards of warm ale and wander closer. Before long, Cato chugs his and sets the empty glass down. He grabs my hand and pulls me against his chest. “Dance with me?”

“I’d be glad to, handsome.”

He pulls me into the sea of moving bodies and lively music. I fall into it, trying to remember the last time I felt so free. The ale makes Cato’s smile looser, and he dances with pure, charming enthusiasm. His steps are a little clumsy and his timing slightly off, and he nearly steps on my foot twice before I take control, guiding him with a hand on his waist.

He’s a little embarrassed as he laughs, then he ducks obediently as I spin him under my arm. “How are you this graceful?” he asks. “You look like you were born doing this.”

I lead him through another turn as the music shifts into something calmer. “Dancing is a lot like fighting.”

He shoots me a skeptical look. “You and I have very different fighting styles, it would seem.”

“So it would,” I agree with a laugh. “Dreven are graceful by nature. We can blame it on genetics.”

Cato huffs, though he’s clearly enjoying being guided. “Genetics? Is that what we’re going with?”

I fight a smile as I say, “It is.”

“Well, I’ll need to have a word with my family tree. Find out who gave me the genes that make me dance like a drunk ox.”

I chuckle and dip him just enough to make him grab my shoulders with a surprised laugh. “You’re doing fine. I like how eager you are. It’s charming.”

“Charming,” he repeats, rolling his eyes as he settles in close once more. “That’s one word for it.”

“You are charming, Cato. You’re a lot of things… you’re everything I’ve ever wanted.”

The teasing shifts into a soft smile as he presses a kiss to my lips. “Maybe I am charming, but you’re beautiful. I could watch you out here all night, moving like the music was written just for you.” He pulls me closer, cradling my head and kissing my temple. “And this fucking brain. I wish I had even half your smarts, darlin’.”

“Well, don’t stop there,” I tease softly against his neck, wrinkling my nose at the tickle of his beard. “What else do you love?”

He barks out a loud, surprised laugh. “Hey, now. Getting awfully greedy, aren’t we?”

I nuzzle into his jaw. “I’ll always be greedy with you.”

“Good,” he murmurs, guiding my mouth to his. “Be greedy. It’s about damn time you weren’t so selfless.”