“Let’s go home, darlin’,” I murmur against her mouth. “There is a messenger who has a missive from your sister and her husband.”
She spins around and walks over to Arion, touching the white hair on his neck in a gentle pet. “He says it’s Sybilla that he knows. He also said that he’s seen Liv. They’re both here and they’re healthy.”
“I’m glad, Birdie,” I mutter as I make my way toward them.
Arion bends his front legs while I climb onto his back. Reaching down, I wrap my hands around Birdie’s waist and haul her up onto the beast, then tug her against my front to keep her close. Inhaling a deep breath, I close my eyes as the horse’s wings extend and he leaps up into the air.
I’ve never ridden on a Pegasus before, I thought they were a myth and I’m sure that my soldiers didn’t even know they existed, myth or not. I can only imagine what it will be like when I return on his back.
This sister, she is well? I chance asking.
He doesn’t answer me immediately, but when he does, I can’t help but feel relief. She is well, but she is also kind and loved not just by her husband, but by her people.
He swoops down in the middle of the men’s camp and I can’t help but chuckle as I watch all of the men scatter around. Jumping off of him, I reach up and tug Birdie down, setting her feet flat on the hard ground.
“Sir?” a voice calls out.
Lifting my head, I notice that it’s Jeremiah. He is running toward me, his eyes wide. His gaze flicks to Birdie, then to me, and I can’t help but notice the sense of relief that crosses his features at the sight of her.
“We are well, Jeremiah,” I announce. “Florence?” I ask.
He looks from Arion to Birdie, then to me before he answers. “She rests. Is all well?” he asks me nervously.
“Arion will be resting here for as long as he needs. Make sure he is stabled beside Lonesable,” I instruct.
Jeremiah turns toward one of the men at his side and repeats my orders. I reach out to Lonesable and tell him that Arion will be residing next to him until further notice.
He snorts, but says that he will ensure his safety and comforts while he’s in residence. Lonesable is much like me, he likes his space, he prefers that space being quiet and being alone.
Turning toward the men, I know that I cannot leave them in suspense. “Arion is a guest, he hails from Bunafi and works for the king. He is the king’s trusted messenger and he will be treated with respect and kindness as I’m not in the mood to start a war with the King of Bunafi, now or ever. Not only that, tomorrow I marry Miss Birdie Collins, the King of Bunafi’s sister-in-law.”
I don’t wait for the men to ask any questions. In fact, I slide my hand around Birdie’s waist and we walk away from the crowd of surprised men, Jeremiah at our backs. Birdie is trembling beside me with each step that she takes.
Only when we’re inside, do I stop and turn toward her. Lifting my hands, I cup her cheeks and look into her eyes. I take in her beautiful gaze and dip my chin, touching my lips to hers in a hard kiss.
“You will marry me tomorrow, this has changed nothing.”
“Colt,” she breathes against my lips. “Honey.”
“Call me honey. I enjoy that, darlin’.”
She giggles, and it’s a sweet, sweet sound to my ears. I haven’t been in the presence of a woman’s giggle in years, and yet, this is different. Maybe it’s because I’m a different man now, but earning this sweet giggle from her after the weeks of uncertainty makes me feel victorious.
“Okay, honey,” she sighs.
I touch my lips to hers again, needing the taste of her. “Now, let us hear what this missive has to say. Then we must talk to Florence and find out what happened earlier. I must admit I’m a bit worried.”
“Worried?” she asks.
I snort. “Darlin’, you transported us to my lion’s den, a place I didn’t even know the location of. That is concerning.”
Her eyes widen. “It is, isn’t it? I feel like there is too much happening. Your gods are giving me too much. They really need to slow their roll. I can only deal with one gigantic thing at a time.”
My lips turn up in a wide smile. “I’m sorry to say this, darlin’, but the gods don’t really take requests.”
She lets out a heavy sigh, then moans, “I know.”
BIRDIE
Transportation and mind reading. It’s weird. I feel as though I’m supposed to know how to control these things, but I don’t. In fact, I didn’t even know that I could do them. I’m completely lost, confused, and terrified.
Sitting on the small sofa in Colt’s office, I wait for the missive to arrive. Colt is riffling through the paperwork on his desk. I’m not sure if he’s looking for something or just trying to keep his hands busy while we wait and wait.
Wringing my fingers in my lap, I watch as my hands move back and forth nervously. This missive is supposedly from Sybilla and her husband. Husband. I can’t believe that she’s married, though it shouldn’t surprise me at all. Sybilla has been here for months. I’ve only been here for weeks and my wedding is tomorrow.
The men in this world move really fucking fast.
There is a knock on the door and I lift my head, turning to look toward the door. Colt’s voice booms as he tells the person to come inside. Ernest leads the way, with a man who resembles a medieval knight walking in behind him. He is even wearing tights and chainmail with a sword at his side.
My lips part in awe. I don’t know why, but I
