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I grinned at her, and a small giggle escaped Zephy’s mouth as a smile overtook her face.
“Do you mean it?” she asked, dumbfounded.
“Of course. I wouldn’t have suggested it if I didn’t.”
“I know, but…” She stared at me, and I began to chuckle.
“Are you worried that I’m not in my right mind now after what happened?”
“The thought did cross my mind.”
I extended my hands toward her, and this time, she didn’t pull away, our noses inches from one another.
“I am thinking the clearest I ever have right now, Zephy. I want you here, at my side, always. Every morning and every night—and all the hours in between. Please, go get what you need, and I will have someone bring the rest of your things.”
She wrapped her arms around my neck and hugged me tightly, kissing my cheek in the process. “Yes, My King. I would love to move in here with you.”
* * *
Zephy provedto be a wonderful nursemaid. After a hearty meal of hot soup and fresh, homemade, buttered bread, I was feeling almost as good as I had been before the entire affair. We still waited on word of the source of the attack from the safety of my suites, but the guards produced no news, and Zephy and I remained cocooned in our little nest, knowing that no immediate danger lurked for the moment.
But as the afternoon came and went, Zephy grew antsier, and eventually, she left to gather her belongings, as we had discussed.
“I’m going to see if there is any word about what’s happening. Maywin said there was chaos earlier.”
“Don’t go looking for trouble,” I urged her firmly. “Just stay put. Aradia will come the moment she has news.”
“It’s been hours,” Zephy complained.
“Just bring your things, and if there isn’t any news by tonight, we’ll go together,” I promised.
Begrudgingly, Zephy agreed, and by late afternoon, she had the servants bring her trunks into my room. I helped her find closet space for her many dresses, pants, and blouses, her swords and potions lined in dressers with mine.
“You don’t take up much room,” I teased.
“Is that a complaint? I can be more demanding if you want.”
“No,” I reassured her. “I’ve never shared a room with anyone before.”
She turned and looked at me oddly, a question burning there, but she didn’t ask it.
She still has her suspicions about me,I realized. It was up to me to dispel any of her delusions over time.
“I’ll send out for dinner,” Zephy announced, closing the last of her trunks. “And then we’re going to look for Aradia.”
I nodded reluctantly. It was what we had agreed to, after all, but before she could turn for the door again, I gathered her in my arms.
“I’m glad you came here, Zephyrine from Carrottrove.”
She grinned, tilting her head back to meet my eyes. “I’m glad to be here, Alpha King Cade.”
“I’m not Alpha King yet, no matter what they call me,” I reminded her huskily. “But once we’re married…”
She dropped her eyes, her smile fading slightly, and I suddenly understood.
She’s been hearing that since she arrived.
My hand cocked to her chin, pinning her face up to meet my eyes again. “We are getting married,” I informed her, frankly. “I’m prepared to set a date.”
