Page 29 of The Ocean's Heart
He had no idea. “He fought also. We do what we must to protect our people.”
He was silent for several heartbeats, and when he spoke, his tone was warm and intimate. “You are an amazing woman. You’re not just beautiful, but you are intelligent and strong of body and mind, and I am so very honored to know you.”
A sob clawed at my throat, the armor that I’d spent years building cracking because how long had I wished for someone to say these words to me? How long had I yearned before I’d convinced myself they didn’t matter? I’d made do with the scraps my adopted father was able to throw my way. The soft smile or pat on the shoulder when the queen wasn’t watching. I’d thrived in Bryony’s need for me to protect her, finding myself useful in that, and when lying with a man, I’d accepted the sexual compliments, allowing those words to warm me, but this…Vaarin’s words…they unraveled a part of me that I’d thought dead long ago. I kept my head down, cheek pressed to his chest where his heart beat steady and sure against my cheek because in this moment, if I allowed him to look into my eyes, he would see…everything. He would see itall,and then…then I would be wholly undone.
So I allowed him to hold me for a little longer, long enough for me to rein in my emotions and lock them away before I extricated myself from the embrace.
“I think I’m tired. And hungry.”
He searched my face, looking for something that I could not, would not give him. “We can do something about both of those things,” he said finally. “Why don’t you wash up. There’s a pump in the room next door and a basin. I’ll start a fire and find us something to eat.”
I ducked into the small washroom that held a tiny hand basin and a small tub. Someone had lived here once. I made a note to ask Vaarin about it. My face looked back at me from a mirror that had lost some of its silver so that all I saw were my eyes, dark and haunted, and my mouth, lips dry and chapped. The water was icy, but I washed my hands and face before redoing my braid. The small latrine was a blessing after such a long trek, and by the time I rejoined Vaarin, I felt almost human.
The room was now lit by firelight, and Vaarin sat with his back braced on one of the sofas, long legs stretched out in front of him. He’d pulled a low table close to the hearth and placed a small offering of leathery meat and berries on it.
My stomach rumbled in anticipation of the meager meal. “When did you get the berries?”
“Just now,” he said. “There is a berry bush outside this hovel.” His gaze roved over my face, probably searching for signs of distress. I offered him a small smile to let him know I was fine. My emotional display, unusual for me, was probably something he’d expect from a woman of high breeding such as a true princess.
It was just as well I’d allowed myself to be vulnerable, even if only for a moment. “Do you know who lived here?”
“No. It was empty when we found it. I can’t help wondering what happened to the creature who owned it, or what this isle’s true story is.”
I joined him on the floor by the fire and tucked my legs beneath me. “Does no one know?”
“No one that I have met, and I have met many people.”
The flickering flames played in a dance of light and shadow across his face. He’d shucked off his overcoat and boots and rolled up his sleeves to expose strong forearms. I forced myself to look away from the feast of flesh and turned my attention to our supper.
I picked up a berry and popped it in my mouth. Flavor, sweet with a tart edge, exploded on my tongue. “Oh, thatisnice.”
“Yes, but do not eat too many. They can play havoc with your stomach.”
The shits…I got it. I ate a handful more, then turned to the leathery meat.
He watched but didn’t partake. “Aren’t you hungry?”
“No. I do not require the same kind of sustenance as you do, or as much of it. The sea sustains me, and I was able to replenish myself yesterday.”
“So…how long before you need to replenish again?”
“A day, maybe two. I will do so once we are on our ship and in safe waters.”
“Are any waters safe any longer?”
“The Meridian seas are heavily patrolled by the North Sea Guard. You will be safe there.”
“Guards like Meredith?”
“Yes, and others.”
Food consumed, I relaxed against the armchair behind me, unfurling my legs to stretch them out parallel to his. In one day and night I’d be on Merida Isle, and then the marriage would happen, and then… “How quickly will I be married to Prince Dylon?”
His expression clouded. “Eager, are we?”
“My people are starving, so yes, you could say I’m eager.”
He sighed. “As soon as we return, we will do the ceremony, and then…once the union has been consummated, Dylon will take you to the undersea realm to visit our people as is customary.”
