“Briar mentioned many villages and towns have Yule festivals.” I approached the tree. “I guess this is one of them?”
“Looks like it. The winter solstice is a special time for those of us with magic.” Rowan tipped his head to peer up at the large evergreen. “Not only on the actual day but in the days leading up to it as well.”
“Special how?”
“Abilities are enhanced for some people. Their spells are more powerful, as is their flow of mana. For others, it revitalizes the soul and gives clarity.”
“Has it given you clarity?” I looped my arm through his and patted his bicep. “Maybe showed you that kidnapping is wrong?”
Rowan’s eyes crinkled at the edges before he averted them from mine. “No clarity for me. My mind’s more clouded than ever.”
“Flit has an elixir for that.”
He snorted. “Flit tried to sell you a fake grimoire. His items are so worthless I wouldn’t even steal one of them.”
“It was fake? Really? How could you tell?”
“Because it had no magical energy,” he answered. “The elixirs seemed to be nothing more than a concoction of water and scented oils. Only effect they’ll have is make you sick.”
“Yikes. I had no idea.”
“You really are too trusting. I see why your men worry over you as much as they do.” He pulled from my hold. “Are you hungry?”
“I could eat.” I’d been stuffed after dinner, but some time had passed since then. Being whisked through the air on Rowan’s back and screaming for my life had burned some calories, making room for a snack or two.
Rowan jerked his head for me to follow and walked toward another cluster of food stalls.
Had he reached his limit for physical touch? Or was it my fault? Was I the cause of his clouded mind, and he wanted to put distance between us to allow him space to sort it out?
“You coming?” Rowan called from over his shoulder. “I know your legs are short and at war with the ground most days, but if you don’t pick up pace, I’ll have no choice but to carry you again. And by carry, I mean go on another rooftop adventure. Maybe jump from tree to tree this time too, finding the tallest trees in the whole forest.”
“You’re so mean to me.” I rushed to catch up to him. I’d been too lost in my head and hadn’t noticed my short shuffles forward. Turtles moved faster. “And our legs are about the same size, so hush.”
“Hush,” he repeated with a shake of his head. “If you were any cuter, it’d be criminal.”
“Says the actual criminal.”
Without looking at me, Rowan reached back and grabbed my wrist, pulling me along with him. Not holding my hand, but he was still touching me.
Relationships were hard work, and I’d had difficulties with all of my men. It had taken time to learn each other’s quirks and find our rhythm. Maddox’s stubbornness. Briar’s low self-image where he didn’t feel worthy of love. And Lake’s aversion to people derived from a life of isolation.
But Rowan seemed like he’d be the biggest challenge yet. Hot one moment and cold the next. Wanting affection, then throwing it as far away from him as possible.
“Fancy a pastry?” a woman asked as we reached her food stand. “I have pecan and cinnamon, as well as ones filled with chocolate and—”
“I detest sweets,” Rowan muttered before dragging me along.
I waved at her as we passed. “They look delicious!”
“They looked dry,” Rowan told me once we were out of her earshot. “Yours are much better.”
“Yeah?” I smiled. “How would you know? You haven’t even tried mine.”
He peered at me, then glanced away. “Let’s keep looking.”
“Are you craving something in particular?”
He shrugged. “I’ll know it when I see it.”
