“You were a good student.” Lorcan studies the map again. “We’ll hit them here. Drive the remaining invaders into Oceanside, give them a choice between death or being banished from the island. As soon as Ephram can coordinate with sleeper units in Oceanside, we’ll strike. We leave in the morning.” Another sharp glance at me. “Get packed, Princess. We’re going to need a medic.”
I hate the way he says that word. Sneering. Ugly.
Tovian and I exchange glances.
Gods willing, this war will be over soon—and then we can find out whether Zosia is still alive.
#
“What’s this?”
Tovian takes the clothbound spearhead from me, not knowing what’s inside.
“It’s a betrothal gift. In my people’s tradition, we exchange weapons as gifts. Go on. Open it.”
He peels back layer after layer to reveal a gleaming silver trident spear. The handle collapses for transport. I show him the mechanism to lengthen it.
“With practice, it’s easy to get out during battle. Or, you can hold it like this and punch at enemies.” I demonstrate, sticking my fingers through the tines of the trident. Tovian twirls it. The spear is lightweight and covered in filigree. “This is some of our finest workmanship. It was mine when I was young. I had the length changed to suit a man of your height.”
“It’s beautiful, Sunshine.” He kisses my forehead. “I don’t have anything to offer you.”
“It’s okay,” I say in a rush.Please, Reila, have pity on your descendant. Don’t let my second attempt at betrothal become as much of a fiasco as the first one was.“You don’t have to give me anything. We’re already married by Ansi tradition. I just wanted to bring a part of my family to you.”
Because getting acceptance from my people is going so well.
And tomorrow, Tovian is off to Oceanside for their final push. Only once the country is safe again will he let me travel home.
I wonder if all men get this protective of the mothers of their children. Honestly, it’s a bit obnoxious. I’ve been making my way around Auralia, and the outside world, for years. That was how we met, for fuck’s sake. Now that I’m having his baby, Tovian insists on accompanying me everywhere.
He hangs the spear on a hook embedded in the stone. It looks out of place in this stone-walled room, with its filigree and gleaming shine.
Tovian rummages around in a basket. Sitting up, he tosses a bone-handled knife into the air and catches it by the obsidian tip. He held it out to me.
“I made this for my coming-of-age ceremony.” The sharp stone gleams even in the low light. “I’d be honored if you carried it, Sunshine.”
My throat closes. My vision swims. Although we’re already official under Ansi tradition, it doesn’t feel as binding as a Myseci ceremony would. I’m beyond gratified that despite their cool reception of his presence, he took the time to learn about the importance of this exchange. It’s akin to a proposal, except that both sides offer a gift.
“You have my blade and my protection, Tovian.” A formality. He repeats it to me. I sheathe the dagger and tuck it into my belt. “And my heart.”
He pulls me in for a lingering kiss. I’m so full of emotion. I can’t contain it all. Joy tinged with worry, hope dogged by fear that this is too good to last. I’m terrified that Lorcan will lead Tovian into an impossible battle and Tovian won’t come home to me.
“Promise me you’ll come back to me in one piece.”
“Pinkie swear.” Tovian hooks his little finger around mine. I can’t hold back my fond smile.
“Where did you learn about that?”
“From Lorcan.”
I feel my brow squinch.
“Who was he making promises to?”
Why hasn’t he gone to get Zosia?
I don’t say it out loud.
There’s the barest flicker of darkness in Tovian’s warm brown eyes. Something he isn’t telling me. About Lorcan. I don’t have the heart to try and drag truth out of him right now. I just want to bask in this feeling of contentedness with my almost-husband.
