Page 38 of Heir of Draga

Adelina took it and nodded. “Show me everything.”

Varan took her through the hangar the long way, stopping to talk with warriors and engineers alike. They all thanked her for the once in a lifetime opportunity, but Adelina had a difficult time accepting their gratitude when she didn’t know what would befall them during the trip.

This could very well mean their death.

The dark thought made her pause and she felt the old nervousness pull at her, making her fingers tingle. Her anxiety rose up hard and fast, closing her airway as it clawed at her from the inside out. She tried to focus on keeping her breathing steady and the smile on her face.

But of course, Varan noticed. Pulling her aside he checked her face and neck with soft fingers. He frowned when he found it clammy. Taking her hand he placed it on his chest as he had once before. “Breathe with me, and tell me what’s wrong.”

“I can’t protect them all,” she whispered, breathing in when he did. “This was a massive mistake. We should turn around, or head to the border instead. I don’t think I can do this.”

“It’s not a mistake,” Varan reassured her, keeping his voice low and soothing. “This is the best thing we could do for our people.” He bent down so she had to look into his eyes and the green depths were so calm and sure Adelina nodded in agreement, feeling some of the panic ease.

“Do you trust me to be honest?” Varan asked.

Again she nodded, tugging her skirts just so. Varan had never been anything other than honest, even when she hadn’t wanted him to be.

“If I had thought for one second this wouldn’t work, that there wasn’t some small chance for success, I would have told you that you were out of your mind and declined the offer to come along.” Varan searched her eyes, her face, trying to see into her.

Adelina took a deep, cleansing breath and pulled her shoulders back. “You’re right. And regardless, there’s no going back now.”

It sounded like false bravado, but with Varan beside her Adelina knew she could accomplish anything. He eased her fears in ways she’d never experienced. They calmed under his touch and gave her back the control she needed. Her friend and husband anchored her to reality which she desperately needed on occasion.

Varan cocked his head to the side and took a step back, but he didn’t let go of her hand. The beating of his heart relaxed her. “You aren’t stuck in this situation. If you wanted to turn around, or simply chose to head straight to the front lines we could. You are the one in control. There is no one to tell you no, or that you must do something you don’t want to.”

Adelina closed the distance between them and ran her free hand up his arm, feeling the muscles. The scent of winterflowers surrounded her and she breathed it in, closing her eyes to center herself.

“What would I do without you?” she asked, opening her eyes to smile up at him. “It’s only been one day and already I have no clue how I lived without you.”

Varan’s expression was serious as he touched the line of her jaw, her cheek, and then traced her lips. “I don’t know how I ever thought I was happy or fulfilled before. You’ve been the piece that was missing in my life, Lina.”

She slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him softly. The taste of him was spice and desire; love and adoration. Varan was so in love with her and Adelina could hardly stand it. She loved him more than she ever thought possible. How had they fallen so hard and so fast?

Like shooting stars.

Adelina pulled back as she felt the heat and desire for him grow. She still had the tour to take, and needed to ensure Joslynn and Roxy were settled in. Nadyah was already in her quarters setting things up.

She would check in on her courtesan and change her outfit into something a little less flashy. Then they could finish looking over The Jasmine.

“Take me to my quarters and then you can show me the rest of Roxy’s masterpiece.” Adelina tapped Varan’s bottom lip and smiled at him. They had five days to themselves. Five whole days she could explore him and learn what else he liked.

“As you wish, my love. Nadyah will be happy to see you I’m sure,” he teased.

“Yes,” Adelina murmured. “I need to speak with her about future arrangements. It’s quite fortunate you aren’t the jealous type.” She elbowed him in the ribs as they took a lift up innumerable floors.

It only took a few minutes to reach her quarters on the top floor, but she hesitated outside the room. “Yours are attached?” she asked as they stood outside.

Had they managed to do what she asked? Would she feel comfortable and safe in this new place? How would they manage sharing walls? They hadn’t talked about it specifically, but Adelina knew Varan and Nadyah could never be shared together. Their convoluted past would complicate things, but Adelina wondered if perhaps Varan couldn’t watch at least once…

Adelina shook her head to disperse the tantalizing thought and placed her palm on the door, resolute and sure. It slid open when it recognized her DNA and golden seal.

“It’s unfortunate we did not have the time to get your royal seal,” she murmured.

Varan flashed his ring and grinned at her. “I’m not overly concerned when I’m wearing a ring you made for me.”

“It was a simple design,” she said, stepping into the sitting room. “I am pleased you are satisfied with it.”

Nadyah sat on the couch with her feet tucked underneath her and a book in her hands. Varan looked between the two of them and took the door that was meant to be his. Adelina waited until it slid closed behind him before speaking.

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