Tharon

THARON

T he Crossroads Inn emerged through the autumn haze, unchanged since our last visit. Late afternoon light painted its weathered stone walls gold. My beast stirred restlessly, remembering - Niam’s first true freedom, the gentle beginning of what we’d become.

Now she sat straight in the wagon beside Denna, her head bare to the cooling air, as regal as any queen.

“Last time we were here,” Denna said, her voice carrying a teasing note, “you two could barely look at each other without blushing.”

Niam’s laugh carried on the breeze. “I seem to remember you and Korrin being just as bad.”

“We were not.” But Korrin’s hand settled protectively over Denna’s growing belly, belying his gruff tone.

The innkeeper emerged as we drew up to the courtyard, his eyes widening slightly at the changes in us. No more the uncertain, angry prince and his fragile companion - we’d been tempered by fire and emerged stronger.

“Welcome back, my lord, my ladies.” He bowed, professional mask firmly in place. “Your usual rooms are prepared.”

I helped Niam down from the wagon, my hands lingering at her waist. Her scent wrapped around me and the beast purred at how naturally she leaned into my touch.

“Come on.” Denna linked arms with Niam. “Let’s get cleaned up while these two handle arrangements. I need to tell you about the Wanderer celebrations you’ll be missing.”

I watched them head inside, Niam’s bright hair catching the sunlight.

“They’ve both changed so much.” Korrin’s quiet observation drew my attention back.

“For the better.” I signaled the stable hands forward. “Though I notice you still hover as much as I do.”

He snorted, but didn’t deny it. We worked in companionable silence, directing the unloading of supplies and sorting what would travel with each group tomorrow. The familiar routine couldn’t quite distract me from acute awareness of Niam’s presence above - her soft laughter drifting down, the shifting notes in her scent as she washed away trail dust.

At that moment the innkeeper approached us. “Will you be taking dinner in the common room, my lord?”

“Private dining tonight, I think.” Our last evening together before the roads diverged.

The inn’s private dining room glowed with lamplight, shadows dancing on polished wood panels. Our small group settled around the table as serving girls brought platters heaped with roasted meats and autumn vegetables. The rich aroma of spices filled the air.

Niam sat close enough that her arm brushed mine with each movement, making the Valti stir restlessly. After days on the road, her nearness affected me more strongly than ever.

“Try this.” I loaded her plate with tender cuts of herb-crusted venison. “The kitchens here do amazing things with mountain herbs.”

Her small sound of pleasure as she tasted the meat made my fingers tighten on my fork. Across the table, Denna’s knowing smile told me I wasn’t being subtle.

“So,” Denna said, accepting a cup of wine from Korrin, “have you thought about what you’ll wear for the presentation to court?”

Niam’s shoulders tensed slightly. “I hadn’t considered...”

“Don’t worry.” Denna’s eyes danced. “I’m already having something made. The Wanderers’ best seamstresses are working on it. It should be in Lita’s hands before you arrive.”

“You don’t have to-”

“Of course I do. What kind of friend would I be if I let you face Zashi’s nobles in traveling clothes?” She gestured with her fork. “Besides, you should see what they’re creating. All silver and moonlight, with crystal beading that catches every ray of light.”

I watched Niam’s face as Denna described the gown. My mate deserved every luxury, every beautiful thing. But more than that, she deserved to feel as remarkable as she truly was.

“The trade arrangements are settled,” Korrin said, his practical tone cutting through the women’s discussion of fabrics. “The Wandering Nation will have representatives in Zashi by midwinter.”

“Good.” I reached for more wine. “The sooner we establish regular contact between all our peoples, the better.”

“It won’t be easy.” Niam’s quiet words drew everyone’s attention. “Generations of separation and fear don’t disappear overnight.”

“No,” I agreed, covering her hand with mine. “But worth doing anyway.”

Her fingers intertwined with mine, warm and sure. Such a simple gesture, but it sent heat racing through my blood. The beast rumbled approval at her easy acceptance of my touch.

Conversation flowed easily as we shared the meal. Denna described Wanderer customs we’d encounter at the midwinter gathering. Korrin and I discussed patrol routes between our territories. Through it all, I remained acutely aware of Niam - every brush of her arm against mine, every soft laugh, every heated glance from beneath her lashes.

When she shifted in her chair, pressing closer to my side, the beast's control slipped slightly. A growl rumbled from deep within me.

Denna’s eyebrows rose. She exchanged a look with Korrin, then pushed back from the table. “We should rest. Early start tomorrow.”

“Of course.” Niam stood to embrace her friend. “Safe travels. And thank you, for everything.”

The women held each other tight, whispering promises to visit soon. Korrin clasped my arm in the warrior’s grip, his expression understanding. They knew what this parting meant - the end of one chapter, the beginning of another.

As the door closed behind them, Niam turned to me. Lamplight caught the elegant line of her throat as she tilted her head. “Shall we go up?”

My voice came out rougher than intended. “Yes.”

The stairs had never felt longer. Niam climbed ahead of me, her movements deliberately slow. Each step drew my gaze to the graceful curve of her neck, the subtle sway of her hips. The beast’s hunger built with every heartbeat.

Our room waited exactly as I remembered - wide windows letting in starlight, a copper tub steaming in the corner, the bed piled with fresh furs. But this time there was no uncertainty between us, no need to hold back.

I closed the door, the latch clicking with quiet finality. When I turned, Niam stood in the center of the room, her eyes holding mine. Moonlight painted silver across her skin as she reached for the laces of her traveling dress.

“Let me.” I crossed to her, my hands replacing hers on the delicate ties.

Her breath caught as my fingers brushed her throat. “You’re still wearing too many clothes.”

A laugh rumbled through my chest at her boldness. “Demanding mate.”

“Yes.” She turned in my arms, rising on her toes to press her lips to my jaw. “I am.”

The last threads of my control snapped. I cradled her face between my hands, claiming her mouth with a hunger I’d been holding back all day. She met my intensity with her own, fingers tangling in my hair as she pulled me closer.

“Mine,” I growled against her throat.

“Yours.” Her hands worked at the fastenings of my shirt. “Always yours.”

Her skin glowed like moonlight under my hands. Each touch drew new sounds from her lips, each kiss marked her as mine. The beast purred as she pressed closer, all hesitation gone. This was my mate, my queen, giving herself to me with complete trust.

“Beautiful,” I murmured against her collarbone. “Perfect.”

She arched into my touch, my name a prayer on her lips. Gone was the uncertainty of our first time - now she moved with confidence, showing me exactly what she wanted. The beast reveled in her demands, in her pleasure.

“Please,” she gasped, nails scoring my shoulders. “...”