Map of Ember and Moonlight

Chapter 25

Chapter 25

For the first time in a long time, Amory felt peaceful, even with everything going on with the queen and the coming rebellion, even with the knowledge he was going back to Dalcaine without knowing when or if he'd be able to come back to Escarral.

It was because of the woman riding ahead of him, her head thrown back so she could watch as the stars began to light up the sky as the sun set. He couldn't help but watch her, looking more carefree than she had in a while.

He and Lyv been riding for five days, covering more distance than Amory wished they had. Being over halfway to the port town, their next stop was going to be Kesyn Lake, which lay on the border between Ceron and Oria. He had tried to slow them several times, but Lyv just seemed to want to get as far away from the city as possible. The closer they got to reaching the port town, though, the less time they'd be able to spend alone together.

Nothing had happened between the two of them either, just as he told himself it couldn't. He couldn't bring himself to push past the boundaries of friendship that he clearly set for them, no matter how bad Lyv tempted him. Especially after that damn kiss they had the week before.

However, if they got to the port town early, they'd be able to spend a few days there before he had to leave her. He knew the fishermen were going to leave on their trip just a day or so before he was set to sail back to Dalcaine, so it would be just him and Lyv. Oh, the temptations were going to get him...and he wasn't completely upset about it.

And she wasn't even purposefully tempting him either. It was just her. He just wanted her.

Now, Amory was watching the last of the sunlight filter down through the leaves, lighting up the burgundy strands of her messy braid. All he wanted to do was undo the leather strap at the end and run his fingers through her hair, pull her close to kiss her, and then...

"Did you hear me?" Lyv asked then, turning around to look at him.

He closed his eyes, shaking his head before looking back at her...and the amused expression she was giving him. "What?"

"There's a small village along the southern border of Kesyn Lake. Do you want to stop there for the night, or...?"

He gave her a nod. "I could use a real bed after sleeping on the ground."

"Good," she grinned. "Because I was thinking the same thing. Don't know exactly how high class they will be, but it will be an improvement. A bedroll and furs can only be so comfortable, right?"

It didn't take much longer for them to reach the village. There were only a few buildings, seeming to be haphazardly thrown together. At least the inn looked sturdy and the room they'd gotten for the night had a hearth, a fire already blazing in it.

But only one bed.

Mother help him.

Lyv walked over to a chair in the corner, setting down her things, before cracking open the window.

Amory sighed. "Guess I will be on the bedroll again."

"You don't have to..."

"Lyv."

"Put up a pillow barrier between us if you must," she laughed. "Can you go get some food? I'm starved and I think I'm going to like not having to eat something we killed ourselves. And I could use a bath. You can get one after. You don't smell too good either."