Empire of Ashes

Chapter XVIII - Courtship from Afar

I didn't think Temris was awake as I wriggled in beside him, not until he draped an arm around me and pulled me even closer his body. Already, I found myself warming up. Just before drifting off again, he murmured, "Goodnight, little one."

I went to sleep smiling.

***

It was just before dawn when I woke. It wasn't light yet, but Temris was awake, too. We were tangled together under his wolf pelt cloak with scarcely room to move a muscle. I was sharing a den with the Wolf of Sierra, and I hadn't been devoured just yet.

"Is there a reason you're in my bed again?" Temris asked me. I hadn't even realised he was awake until he had given a lazy yawn and run a thumb down my forearm.

"I don't think this counts as a bed, and you don't seem all that bothered," I countered.

"Oh, I'm not. Just wondering." He stretched out and I felt muscles rippling underneath me. Damn him, he knew exactly what he was doing. I forced my face to go completely blank, hiding just how much such a simple movement could affect me when we were so close.

"I was cold," I explained grudgingly.

Temris nodded, accepting the excuse far too easily. "Well, there's little point you sleeping on the tent floor from now on."

"Why?"

He smirked. "If we're going to be the subject of scandalous rumours, we might as well thoroughly earn it."

Already laughing, I shoved him with some difficulty and squirmed my way back outside. A few muffled curses sounded behind me — I may have kicked Temris a few times in the attempt. The sun was creeping over the horizon, shedding an orange light on the world. Where it fell on the green leaves, the entire forest seemed to glow.

"Are you insinuating what I think you're insinuating?" I whispered. We were the only ones awake at this hour, and I was reluctant to rouse the entire camp just to yell at him. Fendur was nowhere nearby, to my surprise. I had half expected to see him sitting guard outside. Perhaps he had been ordered to sleep again.

Temris followed me and sat at the base of a tree, arms resting on his raised knees. He only deigned to answer my question once he had run a hand through his golden hair, still mussed up from the night. "Only if what you think I'm insinuating would appeal to you."

My eyes widened as I took his meaning. This time I threw one of my boots at him, having had the good sense to bring them from Melia's shelter. When spending time with Temris, you never knew when a heavy object might come in handy. He dodged my missile and rolled his eyes.

"You should probably creep back before Melia wakes up. Try to refrain from throwing things at her. She might not find your temper so endearing."

I threw the other shoe at him just to make a point. "I don't much like her, you know."

"Give her a chance. People are rarely at their best when they are frightened and alone. It sounds obvious, but you would be astonished how many people forget it," he said. "Go on."

"Stop trying to order me around," I snapped. Before he could open his mouth, I added as an afterthought, "And if you try pulling rank, I swear to the gods I'll take your head off."

Temris folded his arms, completely unimpressed. His sword belt lay within arm's reach, temptingly close. He hadn't even bothered to don it yet. "With your bare hands? Best of luck, little one."

"Perhaps if you let me carry a weapon..." I suggested. He had reminded me of my incessant need of something to defend myself.

"You could kill me easier! Brilliant idea, Lyra!" His voice dripped with sarcastic enthusiasm.