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She lifted their hands slightly and studied his soft grip. “I’m happy with this. And with last night. That’s all I need for now.”

Rion leaned forward and kissed her, slow and deep. Butterflies soared through her stomach and she clenched his hand tighter. “I have a meeting to attend this morning.”

“Okay.”

“I’d like it if you came with me. If you feel up to it.”

“Of course, I just—” She averted her gaze.

“Tell me.”

“Won’t it look… odd?” His brow furrowed. “You fussing over a female, I mean. Won’t it make you look…” she trailed off.

The smile that spread across his face was infectious. “Are you worried about my reputation?”

“I just don’t want them to test you again.” Not after yesterday. It’d been enough bloodshed to last her a lifetime.

His smile vanished. “I’d rather not be aggressive toward you, but if it’d make you feel better, I can make a show of it.”

She let their hands fall to the bed but didn’t let go. “If it’s necessary, I don’t mind.”

He caught her gaze. “I won’t let anything happen to you.” She wanted to tell him it wasn’t herself she was concerned over, but after seeing him tear through dozens of warriors yesterday, she knew he’d shrug it off. Or maybe he wouldn’t.

Arianna glanced at the red marks on his bare shoulder. “I couldn’t do it last night, but will you let me heal those?”

Rion looked at his wounds. They were nothing really, but she hated seeing him injured almost as much as she hated the idea of him leaving on another mission.

He released a heavy sigh. “Maybe tomorrow.” One step at a time, Arianna reminded herself.

She nodded and Rion glanced at their joined hands again before pulling away. Arianna shivered in his absence. She waited until he’d disappeared into the bathroom to move.

Slowly, Arianna placed her feet on the ground. Her entire body protested her standing, but she did, stretching sore muscles and her stitched side. She lifted her shirt to inspect the wound. No redness or swelling. Good, she hoped to avoid infection.

When Rion exited, they both pulled on their shoes. Arianna tried to ignore the blood still staining them. She’d have to clean hers in the river later.

She followed Rion toward the door but paused upon seeing the state of the kitchen.

Arianna hadn’t had the mind to tend to it yesterday, nor the energy. The scent of her blood still lingered against the wooden planks and the herbs she’d hoped to use throughout the rest of winter lay scattered among the glass.

“We can always get more,” he assured her. She knew that. Zylah would give her whatever she wanted. Arianna wondered how worried her friend might be. She was sure rumors were buzzing around the camp after yesterday’s battle, but would Rion let her visit the slave quarters now? Would he ever let her out of his sight again?

Arianna joined him by the door, but Rion turned back to her. “Whatever I say or do out there, know it’s only because you asked.”

“I know.” He caressed her face again, lingering as if he didn’t want to leave. Arianna wondered if he would stay should she ask. But she didn’t.

A familiar male scent floated past her when Rion opened the door and Arianna knew the growl echoing from Rion’s throat had nothing to do with their façade.

Without touching him, Arianna stepped to Rion’s side. Eoghan knelt upon the stone path, head bowed, and wrists upturned. “I’m here to pledge my service and swear my loyalty to your family name and vow to protect your female with my life if you’ll allow it.”

His female?

Rion’s magic floated through the air. It caressed her skin and grazed against Eoghan’s. “She doesn’t need protection. She has me.”

Eoghan didn’t lift his head, nor react to the magic snaking its way around his body. “I’d like the chance to prove myself. The war is still at hand. When you are called to—” Rion growled and Eoghan’s mouth snapped shut.

Arianna lowered her voice. “It couldn’t hurt, right?”

Rion studied her, but the fury from last night was still fresh. He’d thought her dead, she reminded herself, and Eoghan had been a part of that. Rion turned his attention back to Eoghan. “Rest assured, Arianna is the only reason you’re still alive. Do not give me an excuse.”