Page 41 of Warrior Princess
Avery nodded in understanding. “Fair enough. I can provide you with intelligence on Caelan's movements and his allies in Ellyndor. Plus, I have agents in place who can disrupt his operations from the inside.”
With his muscular arms folded tightly across his chest, Silas still looked unconvinced. “And how do we know you won't double-cross us? What guarantees do we have?”
“You have my word,” Avery replied firmly. “Plus, it's in my interest as well. Caelan's ambition threatens us all, including my own claim to any future power. I have as much to lose as you do if he succeeds.”
I stepped forward and placed a hand on Ronan's arm to signal my trust in Avery's proposal. “We might not have a better option. If Avery's information can give us an edge, we should take it. We need all the help we can get.”
Ronan looked at me, then back at Avery, and finally nodded. “Alright. We'll work together. But we proceed with caution. At the first sign of betrayal, the deal is off.”
Avery smiled, a spark of victory in her eyes. “Understood. Let’s start by getting your father the help he needs. The information about the midwife in Keldara might lead us to some answers about your mother’s mysterious firstborn.”
“Good.” I felt both anxious and hopeful. “We need to act quickly. Caelan won’t slow down his plans so we can catch up. We’re heading back to the Grasslands. Where are you headed?”
“Eldwain,” Avery answered. “I can’t be gone too long or others will get suspicious. Also, my father is ill. The healers say he could die any day now. I don’t want to be far from his bedside if I can help it.”
“Understandable. We’ll send word through the fabric shop.” I extended a hand to her and she clasped it.
“It’s good doing business with you, Princess Lyanna.”
I offered a grim smile. “Likewise, Princess Avery.”
19
We reached the Grasslands by nightfall, where Ronan and I parted ways with Silas and returned to Ronan’s home. Once inside, I kicked off my shoes and collapsed on the bed, completely exhausted from the day’s travel.
Ronan removed his boots and approached the bed with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “We really should take a bath,” he suggested, watching me sprawled across the comforter.
I groaned softly with my eyes half-closed. “Can't it wait until tomorrow morning?” The thought of moving seemed like far too much effort.
He chuckled and shook his head. “No, it can’t wait, Leila. Let’s get up. We’ll go together.”
My laughter echoed in the room as I sat up and eyed him skeptically. “In your tiny bathtub? We barely fit one at a time!”
Ronan’s smirk only grew. “I’m not talking about the bathtub here,” he clarified, then reached out a hand to help me up.
Curiosity piqued, I took his hand and let him pull me to my feet. “Oh? And where do you propose we go?”
“A little spot I know near the mountains.” He began gathering a few things—towels, a change of clothes, a bar of soap. “It’s a natural heated spring, secluded and peaceful. Perfect for a night like this.”
The corners of my mouth lifted. “Are you suggesting a moonlit soak?” Amusement tinted my voice.
“Yes, exactly.” His eyes twinkled with mischief. “It's peaceful, and I promise you, the view and the water are perfect. Plus, it’s a lot more spacious than my little tub.”
The idea was tempting, especially after the long, dust-filled ride through the Central Plains. The thought of warm water easing the tension from my muscles was too good to pass up. “Okay, you've convinced me. But only because I'm in need of a good soak.”
Ronan grinned and handed one of the towels to me. “That's the spirit! Let’s grab a lantern and head out.”
The night was cool and clear, with stars scattered across the sky like spilled glitter. We walked side by side in comfortable silence, the lantern casting a soft glow on the narrow path that wound through the fields and into a wooded area. As we approached the spring, I heard water gently bubbling over rocks, blending with the soft chirping of night crickets. The spring was nestled in a natural hollow, surrounded by rocks and overhanging trees that framed a perfect view of the starlit sky.
The steamy water looked inviting as it reflected the moonlight. Ronan set the lantern on a nearby rock and started to undress. Placing my towel beside the lantern, I quickly followed suit.
“Ready?” Ronan called out. He waded into the spring until the water reached his waist, then he extended a hand to me. “Come on; it's amazing!”
I took his hand without hesitation. Warm water enveloped me as I stepped into the spring, and my body instantly relaxedas the heat soothed my tired muscles. “This was a great idea,” I admitted, moving deeper into the water until it reached my shoulders.
Ronan grinned and pulled me closer. “I told you. This place is special.”
We soaked in silence for a while, allowing the tranquility of the night and the natural beauty of our surroundings to create a perfect moment of peace. It was these times, away from the chaos of politics and battles, that I cherished the most. Here, in Ronan’s arms, surrounded by nature, I could almost forget the complexities of our lives.
