Page 24 of Alliance Bride
“It is. If this is to be my home now…” She looked down at the pages in front of her, then back to him. “I want to learn the routine of it. I want to do my part.”
Aevar met her gaze across the lamplight and gave a small nod.
Chapter Nine
Aevarwokeearly,ashe always did. The light through the narrow window was dimmer than yesterday, and the steady drum of rain pelted the roof. For a moment, he stayed still, listening to it, letting the soft grayness of morning wrap around him.
His thoughts turned to Eadlyn. Móthir had spoken well of her yesterday, of how she had worked without complaint, eager to help and willing to learn. Admirable traits and not what he had expected from a southern princess.
He swept his blankets aside. Best to get moving. He dressed and lit a lamp, its small flare of light chasing the gloom from the corners of the room. He had hoped the noise or brightness would rouse Eadlyn, but she only shifted once under the covers, sighed, and settled again.
Aevar glanced at her. And regretted it.
Her dark hair spilled across the pillow and over the blankets, a few fine strands resting across her face. It would be far too easyto reach out, brush that hair aside, and let his fingers trace the curve of her cheek…
No.
He clenched his jaw. This was not what he wanted.
He took a step closer, forcing himself to focus. “Eadlyn.”
She didn’t stir.
Frowning, he hesitated a moment before reaching out and resting his hand on her shoulder. Warmth seeped from her skin through the linen of her shift, soft and inviting beneath his touch. It ignited something in him he didn’t want to name.
He shook her gently. “Eadlyn.”
This time her eyes fluttered open, widening in momentary confusion. She stiffened under his touch, and he withdrew his hand at once, stepping back as if burned.
“It’s morning.”
With a yawn, she pushed the hair from her face and sat up, her expression soft and vulnerable from sleep. For one reckless moment, he let himself look—really look—at her. The way her hair now draped over her shoulders, the lamplight turning her skin to warm gold.
He tore his gaze away before the pull deepened. Having fulfilled his promise, he left the room, closing the door behind him to give her privacy. And to give himself the space he needed.
Eadlyn brushed through her hair, managing a simple braid despite how the morning chill stiffened her fingers. Outside, rain beatagainst the thatch. Though she had hoped for signs of spring, the morning felt no different from the last—cold, gray, and biting.
The hall was quieter today when she entered. The men sat together at the long table, voices low in conversation. Inga stood near the hearth, giving instructions to Alys, Nesta, and the cook. Ranvi and the children were absent for the moment.
Drawn to the fire, Eadlyn made her way over and held her hands toward the glowing embers.
“Good morning,” Inga said kindly.
Eadlyn echoed her and asked, “Is there anything I can help with?”
Inga shook her head. “The girls have everything well in hand.”
Before long, Ranvi entered, ushering in the children, who tumbled through the doorway like a gust of fresh wind, their bright laughter filling the hall. Breakfast was a lively, if brief, affair. Afterwards, the men slipped outside into the rain and mist, leaving the hall to settle into its pattern of chores and conversation.
Eadlyn busied herself where she could, but despite the heat of the fire, the chill stuck to her bones. By midmorning, she found herself once again at the hearth, teeth chattering no matter how she tried to hide it.
Ranvi appeared at her side, Alvir perched on her hip. “You’re not used to the mountain air.”
“No.” Eadlyn offered a thin smile.
Ranvi eyed her gown. “Come with me.”
Eadlyn followed her across the hall to a private chamber. While it resembled Aevar’s, it had a softer, more feminine touch. Woven hangings adorned the walls, and a cradle sat tucked into a corner where Ranvi now settled Alvir, handing him a pair ofwooden rings to play with. She then opened a large chest and pulled out various garments.
