Page 64 of Apples Dipped in Gold

She shifted, drawing her knees to her chest. She looked so small and so frail, but I knew she was strong and unshakable.

“I would wish that no harm would ever come to Mouse and Rooster again.”

“Mouse and Rooster?” I asked.

“Mouse is my cat, and Rooster is my stallion,” she said. “My brothers are terrible to them just as they are to me.”

It did not surprise me that she would think of others before herself.

“And what would you want for yourself?”

“I used to think that I wanted to be loved,” she said. “But now I think that maybe love cannot exist without pain, and I have had enough of that.”

“I don’t think that is true,” I said.

“If it isn’t, then why are you wishing it away?” she asked.

I had no answer, and after a few quiet seconds, I cleared my throat. “You should get some rest. I am sorry I cannot give you a more comfortable place to sleep.”

“It’s all right,” she replied. “I am used to the floor.”

She folded the blanket in half and lay down.

I wrapped the food and put it aside so I could roll up the cloth satchel.

“Here,” I said, sliding it under her head to use as a pillow.

“Thank you,” she said.

Our eyes met and held for a few quiet moments. I wanted to kiss her so badly, the desire tightened my whole body, but I knew after what had occurred between us at the river that I would never have the chance to touch her again.

“Get some sleep,” I said instead, returning to my place against the wall but I did not sleep.

* * *

The next morning, the rain continued to come down in icy sheets and I let Samara sleep.

“Are you sure, prince?” asked Fox. “Staying will set us back another day.”

“Do you want to venture out in this?” I asked. “As I recall, you could barely walk, your coat so weighed down with ice.”

“I have no desire,” said the fox as he circled his spot before laying down again.

It was a while before Samara rose and when she did, she sat up fast. I thought she might run, but her eyes darted around the small room until they found mine.

“Bad dream?” I asked.

She swallowed, shaking her head. “No, I…thought you left without me.”

I was taken aback by her admission.

“That sounds like a bad dream to me,” I said.

She frowned and then rubbed her eyes before speaking again.

“What time is it?”

“I believe it is well past noon,” I said.