Page 13 of Spar of Hearts

“I can endure it, for my wandering star,” he whispered. He wrapped his arms around her waist, then tilted his head to allow his lips to meet hers. They slipped between each other so effortlessly. Divine, her lips were like silk. The heat in his cheeks spread to his chest, warming it like the mulberry pie she favored. She could feast on him like it too, until he was nothing but crumbs on her plate.

“Mm…” She sighed contentedly as her tongue swept into his mouth, sharing a hint of wine between them—a covetous sensation he knew he was bound to chase forever.

“Come back to the inn with me,” he whispered breathlessly. “No windows. No lights. Just our desires in the darkness.”

“Shining stars, you know exactly what to say to a woman. Yes.” She gently bit his lower lip to punctuate her words. He groaned as much from delight as from the effort to keep his fangs at bay.

“It’s not far from here. Hm…” He stroked his chin. A cicada buzzed overhead.

The woman chuckled. “What?”

“I’m deciding if I should blindfold you. Anonymity and all.”

“Oh, cut it out!” She punched his shoulder. She was strong. Just like—

No. The Princess wanted nothing to do with him, and he wanted nothing to do with her. It did this masked beauty a disservice to compare the two.

“There is a back door to the inn.” He smiled devilishly. “Come. I have a mount behind the garden.”

Hand-in-hand, they weaved in and out of the perfectly-shaped topiaries and vining archways. The familiar huff of his stallion, Cyan, caught his ears. He quickly guided the woman toward the sound. He parted a curtain of flowering vines and beckoned her through to the luscious glen. Every tree trunk and twisting root was covered in lichen and moss, bringing a rich, earthy scent to the woods.

“Your carriage, My Lady.” She hesitated, but he hoisted her onto the horse’s back before she could speak, then leapt on behind her. “And no need for side saddle. We are far beyond such chasteness.”

“Th-thank you.” Her voice was softer than before. And was there a tiny waver to it?

The chorus of cicadas and crickets faded as they rode through the garden and out to the cobblestone streets of the city center. Nightlife was a unique aspect of Eteross; not just taverns and inns, but establishments open far beyond the normal merchant’s hours: bakers, apothecaries, tailors and the like. The streets were lit by an assortment of lanterns and mage lights. He reveled in the warmth of her back against his chest, and the tickle of her yellow-blonde hair on his skin. Unlike Anya’s tightly coiffed bun, this woman’s hair flowed freely down her back and shoulders, wavy and unrestrained—and she had a spirit to match.

How could he have ever fallen for a woman like the Princess? Anya was uptight. Unappreciative. And she clearly had no interest in proper communication. A relationship with her would have truly been exhausting.

He shook his head. He needed to stop wasting his thoughts on her. He shouldn’t trade this wonderful moment for unpleasant musings.

His arms enveloped the woman as they rode, gripping the reins in front of her. He leaned forward to peek at her face. Beneath the mask, her eyes were squeezed shut.

“Are you afraid of horses?”

“I-I’m not a fan of riding. I got trampled by a horse as a child. I still have the scar.” She shivered against him.

He tightened his hold around her, then pressed a soft kiss to her neck. Her fluttering pulse shoved against his lips. “You’re in good hands, and hooves, trust me.”

The multi-story, dark-trimmed facade of The Three Hares came into view as they turned the corner. It was the city’s largest inn, and his favorite to stay at. He steadied Cyan to a trot and directed the steed into the alley behind the building.

“Here we are, the finest establishment in Eteross.” Roderick dismounted, leading Cyan to the water trough and roping him to a post. He turned to help the woman dismount, but she hopped off with impressive height, sticking a barefoot landing.

“Impressive.” He clapped and gave an approving nod.

“That is only the beginning, I assure you.” Her voice was practically a purr as she leaned into his chest, looking up at him with harvest moon eyes. “Take me inside.”

“As you wish.” He scooped her into his arms. The woman yelped with surprise but quickly melted into his embrace. He fiddled the handle with an awkward hand, then shoved the door open with an elbow. He carried her up a flight of stairs into the dim, mahogany hallway of the lodging. He set her back on her feet, then fit the key into the brass lock.

“Close your eyes,” Roderick said before opening the door. “I need to make sure it’s dark.”

The woman put her clawed hands over her eyes. “Fine. But I can’t be liable for anything I break.”

Break me.

“Deal.”

He held her hand and led her through the room. He shoved a small mage light into the bedside table drawer, then extinguished a lantern. The room was windowless, like a solitary den. It was just how he preferred to sleep. The darkness, at least, not the solitude. Though tonight, he would share his den with her.