Page 27 of Elven Oath

I found myself enjoying our conversation, despite how they’d often end with her frustrated or giving me that stubborn, defiant look she seems to have mastered.

She was fiery, that much was clear, and I respected that about her more than I wanted to admit.

By the time the sun began to dip lower in the sky, we’d covered a lot of ground. I could feel the weight of the journey in my bones, but I knew it was harder on her.

She hadn’t complained much, but I could see the fatigue in her eyes, the way her posture had slouched by the time we decided to stop for the night.

“We should be safe enough to start a fire,” I said, breaking the silence as I swung down from the horse.

She got down right after me, stretching out her stiff legs as soon as she hit the ground. “Finally,” she mutters, glancing around the clearing where we would make camp. “I’m beginning to think I’ll never feel warm again.”

I chuckle, watching her for a moment before turning to Falkor and Drago. They had already begun gathering wood for the fire.

“I’ll make sure we have something better than dried rations tonight,” I call out to them.

I turn back to Vevina to see her brushing leaves and dirt from her cloak, her gaze drifting toward the edge of the clearing. It was quieter now, with just the two of us left. The trees rustled in the evening breeze, and I could hear the faint sound of running water.

“We passed a stream not far back,” I say, stepping toward her. “You should take the chance to bathe while we have the time. I’ll take you.”

Her eyes narrow slightly as if she is assessing whether there is some hidden motive behind the offer. “I’ll go alone,” she replies, her chin tilting up defiantly.

I shake my head. “Not a chance. I’m not letting you wander off by yourself out here.”

“I can take care of myself,” she shoots back, folding her arms across her chest.

“I have no doubt,” I say, giving her a half-smile. “But we both know it’s not just wolves we’re worried about.”

Her expression softens slightly, but I can see that fire in her eyes still smoldering. After a long pause, she lets out a small sigh, clearly resigning herself to the fact that she wouldn’t win this argument.

“Fine,” she mutters, though her tone holds less bite than usual.

Grabbing my sword, I strap it across my back before motioning for her to follow. The stream wasn’t far, just a short walk from the camp, hidden behind a cluster of trees. The water flowed clear and steady, glistening in the fading light.

She hesitates as we reach the water’s edge, casting a glance at me. Her discomfort is obvious, and for a moment, I almost regret offering to bring her here. Almost.

“I’ll give you some privacy,” I say, turning my back to her before she can object. “But don’t take too long.”

I can hear the rustle of fabric behind me as she begins to undress and the soft splash of water as she steps into the stream. My gaze remains on the trees ahead, but my senses are sharp, on high alert for any sign of danger.

Despite the cold professionalism I try to maintain, I can’t help but be aware of her presence behind me. The sound of the water rippling around her, the quiet splashes as she moves, it all sends an odd tension through me.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. Now wasn’t the time for distractions.

“I still don’t understand why this is happening,” Vevina’s voice breaks through the silence, softer than before.

I turn my head slightly, enough to catch a glimpse of her out of the corner of my eye. She is half-submerged in the stream, her long hair wet and clinging to her skin.

My entire body grows hard from the sight that she makes. My skin remembering the feel of her softness around me on our wedding night.

“What do you mean?” I ask, my voice low.

“This... union,” she replies. “It doesn’t make sense to me. My father’s kept me in the dark about it, and I’m supposed to just accept it.”

I stay quiet for a moment, considering my words. “I wasn’t given much of a choice either,” I admit. “Our union is meant to bridge the divide between our people. But I know it feels... forced.”

She turns her head slightly, looking at me with those piercing blue eyes that seem to see through any façade. “Do you really believe that peace will come from this?”

I exhale, shaking my head slightly. “I don’t know. But I hope so.”

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