Abashed, she stared at him with her mouth hanging open before hiding her head under the covers. Her muffled protests barely reached him. He definitely overheard the words ‘idiot’ and ‘revenge’ a few times. This reaction was becoming a favorite of his.
Pulling the fur to look at her while laughing with delight, he was immediately pushed back to the bed by a surprisingly strong Maeve. She pinned him down with a spellbinding kiss, and it was the most wonderful sensation in the world. He let go of all defenses. He belonged to her, and she could do whatever she pleased with him.
Maeve sealed his lips with one brief kiss before laying to rest on his chest. Hakken took a deep breath, relishing the moment.
“I love you,” she said.
It was astonishing how those three little words sent his pulse racing once more. He had felt it before, but hearing her say it out loud was amazing. I love you too. Those were the words he had to say. But as usual, he ruined it. “Maeve... I don’t want you on the battlefield.” She tensed and pushed herself seated, holding the fur to cover her body. Hakken pressed a hand against her cheek. “Please... let me deal with this. I will catch Dröm and bring him to you where you’re safe.”
She frowned. “Hakken—”
“I’m scared. I can’t have you getting hurt!”
“But this is the safest way for everyone!” She shook her head. “I might be protected, but you will have to risk—”
“I’ll do anything for you.”
“I don’t want you to do anything for me! I don’t want that kind of power! All I want is for you to love me and to be proud of me!” Maeve’s voice quivered, and she let down her head, looking tired and sad.
He was an idiot. He kept hurting her because of his fears. She needed more. She was right, and she needed him to understand it. Sighing, Hakken took her chin between his fingers, lifting gently until her eyes reached his. “I love you, little one. You are the bravest, most wonderful woman I’ve ever met.”
For a moment, she only stared at him, leaning forward as his words sank in. Maeve smiled once more, tears shining in her eyes. His heart fluttered, and he pulled her close. Gods, I love your smile. It’s like the sun warming my face. She fell into his arms, and they held in silence.
“Maeve, are you up for a short walk? There is something I want to show you before it gets dark.”
They got dressed, and he led her through the village. The tribe was preparing dinner for everyone, gathered around the fire, talking and laughing. Despite the lingering threat of war, a peaceful aura covered them.
As they dodged the knowing smiles and playful comments, they made their way to the outskirts, to a small clearing surrounded by reddening trees. Protected from the winds, a lovely meadow lay in front of them. Right in the middle, a sturdy, half-built hut stood. They stopped a few meters away, and Hakken turned to her. “What do you think?” he asked.
“It’s beautiful! It’s huge, though. Are they planning on a big family?”
“What? Who?”
“The owners of this hut. Do I know them?” Maeve was utterly lost.
Hakken couldn’t help to smile and wrapped her in his arms. “My Maeve... how can you be so bright and so oblivious at the same time?”
“Hey!” She poked him. “If you are going to keep pestering me, I’ll leave.”
“This is our home.” He smiled warmly at her. “I’m building this for us.” It was Maeve’s turn to gape. Her cute lips formed an O, and her eyes opened wide as she stared at him, speechless. She turned to the hut once more, this time taking a good look. Her mind seemed to have stopped. “Are you all right, beautiful?” Still no answer, so he fidgeted. “If you don’t like it, we still have the cave.”
“Hakken!” She jumped on him, wrapping her legs around his waist and kissing him with unexpected energy.
“I guess you like it.” The sound of her laugh sent him flying over the moon, and he held her tight as he led her to the hut.
Dinner would have to wait.
CHAPTER XXXXI
LIFE IS FUNNY
Maeve
Hakken’s smelly cave became her favorite place. Sleeping on the ground wasn’t nearly as comfortable, and during her stay in Astika’s fancy palace, she didn’t get much sleep. But Maeve felt at ease here. Anywhere else, the only thing on her mind was the danger growing closer.
This was her haven. Her heart found peace, even surrounded by the impending war. My kingdom for a nap! Shaking off the remains of sleep, Maeve rolled on the bed. The sun peeked from behind the tall trees, but as soon as a bit of clarity reached the cave, Hakken gave her a loving kiss and left to train the warriors.
Sleep, beautiful. He told her, but Maeve would not stay in bed while everyone else worked hard to prevent a slaughter. She had enjoyed a much-awaited peaceful day next to Hakken, and every time she remembered it, she couldn’t help to smile.
This was the life she fought for.
Maeve gobbled some fruit before dressing up and tidying the bed. Her little orchard hardly needed any work since Mynte had become a gardening enthusiast. I need to meet her and thank her. She thought.
While walking to the village center, Maeve turned to the sky. Clouds covered the horizon, letting the sunbeams break through the morning mist, showing the valley’s ethereal beauty. The crisp air filled her chest, mixed with the tang of burning wood and roasted meat.
Breakfast was being served for the tribes. The elves brought their food to share and sat among them. Her tribe members often stopped Maeve to greet her, marveled at her sudden fluency, and the news of the magical
