There is something about Asher today. A depth I have not seen before. Or perhaps, I am simply noticing a lack of wit. He seems more serious than usual.
"I don't believe the others know yet," says Asher. "That you're a Druid. If you wish, I could keep the secret a while longer."
"Yes," I say, suddenly feeling better and standing straighter. "That would be nice. Until I'm ready to tell them on my own."
"Very well. Now to important matters." He leans in, sniffing at my gown, then pulls back repulsed. "You must take a bath."
***
I only run into servants on my way to the bathhouse and none seem to notice Riku. He must be staying hidden, invisible. Dim light shines through the hallway windows. It must be very early. Explains the lack of people. When I enter the bath chamber, I am alone, in near darkness, the water a pale blue.
Well. I'm almost alone. There is Riku after all.
I slip off my gown and enter the water. It's warm, soothing to my aching joints. A slight steam hovers on its surface, the heat battling the cold air. I sigh and lean back against the bath walls, closing my eyes and letting my stress melt away.
"Hello, Princess."
I recognize his voice instantly. Deep and warm and gravelly.
Tavian Gray, tall, muscled and naked stands above me.
I think I… well… I think I forget how to think.
Then he smiles.
And my mind starts to wander. To things I could do to those muscles, those lips…
Then Tavian jumps in the pool, splashing me with water and breaking my wonderful dream.
I laugh and splash him back.
Before I can fully exact my revenge, he grabs my arms, pins them down, and presses his rock hard body against mine. His heart beats in time with my own. His breath tickles my skin. His scent is that of stone and wood and fire. I run a hand down his chest, studying every inch of his being, memorizing him as best I can. So I may never let go of this moment. So I can hold onto it forever.
"I missed you," I whisper, our lips close. Oh, so close…
"That is good." He places his mouth against my neck, kissing my skin gently over and over. "Otherwise, I would have stayed for nothing."
He recovered faster than me, somehow. I remember him by my bedside as I struggled to live. He seemed fine then. He seems fine now.
"What are you, Tavian Gray?" I ask, running my hand through his thick brown hair.
"You know who I am—"
I yank on his hair. Just hard enough.
He inhales deeply, grinning. "I am many things. Right now, foremost, I am your friend."
"Just a friend?" I ask, biting my lip.
"Well, maybe I am a special friend."
I touch his face with my hands, tracing his sharp cheek bones, his sturdy chin.
Then he takes my face into his palms and pulls me closer. Closer. Closer.
Until our lips touch.
Until I feel his taste on my tongue.
It seems forever, until we part.
"Mmm," I say, still remembering him on my lips.
He chuckles. "Mmm is right." Then he puts a hand on my chin, his fingers rough and strong. He tilts my face until our eyes meet. "I will remember this, my princess. I will remember this for all time."
There is something to his words. A sadness.
And I realize what they mean.
"You're leaving, aren't you?"
He doesn't look away then. I think a lesser man would. But he does not. "Yes. This is not my world. Not my place. I am a traveler. And soon, I must travel again."
I grab his hand, holding it tightly, so tightly I fear I hurt him, but I don't care. "I can go with you."
"You are a Druid," he says glancing over my shoulder. And I realize he can see Riku standing there. "Where you go, Fae will follow. They will seek your guidance, your leadership." He pauses, finally looking away, looking into the deep blue water. "I am no leader. I am no person to follow."
I shake my head, tears welling in my eyes. "Why? Why do you insist on being alone?"
"I…" He pauses. "Do you really wish to know?"
I nod, steeling myself for what is to come. "I do."
"Then stay with me tonight," he says, frowning. "The memories, they are worse than usual today. Stay with me, and you will see. Then you will understand."
I grip his hand even tighter. "I will stay with you. Show me."
***
We spend the day together, but it is not a happy affair. Not truly. Tavian seems lost, buried in his memories. While I eat ravenously, he barely touches his food. While I walk with a jump to my step, he lags behind. When I ask him what's wrong, "You will see," is all he says.
I try to find Fen, but Keeper Kal'Hallen informs me he and Dean are out searching for Ari. They should be back tomorrow.
I wish I could be out there, looking for my friend. But I am still too weak. Soon, though. I promise. Soon.
"She is very dear to you," Tavian remarks as we walk the gardens in fur cloaks.
"Yes," I say, thinking of Arianna. "She is like a sister. A sister I love."
He nods, not saying any more.
When night falls, he escorts me to a shack at the outskirts of the city—a place I thought abandoned. He seems to have made a home here. Thick rugs cover the floor and the fireplace is stocked with wood. He sets it burning, and we cuddle by the flames, warming each other.
I do not know how long we stay like this. Together. Holding each other.