A giddy laugh bubbles up from my chest, and I clap a hand over my mouth to stifle it. I don’t want anyone outside to hear me sounding like a lovesick fool.
But that’s exactly what I am, isn’t it?
The bed creaks as I roll to my back, staring up at the canvasceiling. Sunlight filters through the flap, casting a warm glow over everything, as if the world is celebrating with me.
He kissed me!
After all these summers of yearning, of stolen glances and daydreams, Cenric actually kissed me. Not just a quick peck, either. It was deep and passionate, like he’s been holding back as long as I have.
I close my eyes, reliving every moment. The way his hands cupped my face. How his lips moved against mine, coaxing them open. The taste of wine on his tongue as it danced with mine.
I curl onto my side, hugging my pillow close. I want to bottle this feeling, to keep it safe forever. This perfect moment where everything I’ve ever wanted has come true.
But reality creeps in like a chill wind. What happens now? Will Cenric act like nothing happened? Or worse, will he regret it?
I push those thoughts away, refusing to taint this moment. For now, I’ll bask in the afterglow of that kiss.
I stretch, savoring the warmth of my bed a moment longer, then swing my legs over the side. The cool morning air bites at my skin as I stand. With a quick tug, I yank off my nightdress and reach for my surcoat. It takes a few seconds to pull it on and lace up the sides.
An exhale escapes me as I step out of my tent. The camp is already alive with activity, warriors immersed in their morning routines. I scan the crowd for a glimpse of long black hair and piercing blue eyes.
But Cenric is nowhere to be seen.
Part of me longs to see him, to confirm that last night wasn’t a wine-induced fantasy. But another part is grateful for the reprieve, unsure how to act around him now.
Shaking off these thoughts, I walk to Morwen’s tent. The smell of herbs and cooking fires grows stronger as I approach.
“Good morning, Everly,” Morwen greets me as I duck inside. “I hope you slept well.”
“I did, thank you.”
Morwen tilts her head, studying me before returning to the pot she’s stirring. “We’re running low on firewood. Would you mind fetching some from the pile near the edge of camp?”
“Of course.” I’m grateful for the task. It will give me something to focus on besides my swirling thoughts.
A cool breeze nips at my skin as I make my way to the edge of the camp. Tiny snowflakes dance in the air as I reach the woodpile.
Bending down, I gather an armful of logs. My muscles strain under the weight as I walk back to Morwen’s tent, leaving a trail of footprints in the fresh snow.
“Here’s the first load,” I announce as I deposit the wood next to the cooking fire.
Morwen nods her thanks.
I turn and head out. The snow falls harder now, the flakes fat and wet. They cling to my eyelashes and melt against my cheeks as I make my way to the woodpile.
As I approach, I notice a warrior already there. It takes a moment to recognize Liam through the curtain of snow. He looks up as I near, a friendly smile spreading across his face.
“Morning, Everly. I thought you could use a hand with the firewood.”
“That’s very kind of you, Liam. Thank you.”
He gathers an armful of logs. “It’s no trouble. Besides, it’ll go faster with the two of us, and I’d rather not see you out here freezing longer than necessary.”
I smile at his thoughtfulness. “I certainly won’t turn down the help. Though, I hope I’m not keeping you from more important duties.”
Liam laughs, his breath visible in the cold air. “There’s nothing that matters more than making sure our camp stays warm and fed.”
Liam and I fall into an easy rhythm, carrying load after load of firewood. The snow continues to fall, blanketing the camp in white, but I barely notice the cold anymore.
