Chapter 54

With my fingers tight under his armpits, I raise Eirik from the floor just enough for Ursha to tug his pants down. The second I let go, he darts as fast as his two short legs manage toward the hot pool.

This little boy is fast. And he adores coming to the bathhouse.

His feet are about to touch the water when Ursha scoops him up.

"You're too bold for someone who barely walks," Ursha says, humor in her voice, "let alone swim."

Ursha dips into the water with Eirik perched on her hip. I glance at her scar-covered back before she takes a seat. She makes even scars look badass.

The steam from the water curls around us as I follow her in. Thorn is already waiting for us inside, in his usual spot, in the very middle of the pool. I've come to notice he does this. Wherever he goes, he wants to be seen. He wants everyone to know where he is, so they can go to him at any time.

It's the kind of thing that Thorn developed through years of being a prince and then a king. Things I might have to learn.

The only one who mentioned anything about me becoming queen was Ursha, so I'm trying not to think about it. Even if Thorn and I do stay together, maybe I don't need to rule.

Pushing those thoughts away, I sink into the warm water next to Thorn. I hum in delight. Nothing compares to this. I got used to the naked part by the second time I came. No one gives a damn. It's impossible not to relax.

Eirik kicks water in my face. I laugh and lower my eyebrows in a mock glare at him. He laughs from the perch on Ursha's knees and tries to jump in the water. Ursha grabs him and holds his upper body above the surface.

I can't believe I ever thought she could be the traitor. She cares too much about Eirik. No way she would have done it.

"Ursha," I say, her gaze finding mine. "I owe you an apology." We've been on a truce since the attack, but I want to settle things. "I thought you were the traitor. Now I see you never would have done it, but I wanted to apologize either way."

Thorn's gaze is a physical thing. I can feel his stare on the side of my face. When I look up, his eyes are full of pride.

My heart grows two sizes. I don't think I've ever had anyone look at me like that.

Ursha shrugs. "I kind of get it."

That gives me pause. I cock my head, my bun tilting. "You do?"

"Yeah. I've been no ray of sunshine. I had no reason to trust you and suddenly you're taking care of the last living part of my best friend." Her face grows gentle when she looks at Eirik. "Guess I went a bit overboard trying to protect him. I didn't see you wanted to do the same."

She shoots me an almost half-smile. Like a quarter smile? It's pretty good for me.

"I agree," Thorn grunts. "Ursha's always been an ass?—"

"Hey!" Ursha shoots him a glare that would wilt flowers. "You're one to talk!"

"—but a loyal one." Thorn finishes, unfazed. His smile disappears. "Unlike Zog."

"Should have just killed them both," Ursha mutters, flicking water at a giggling Eirik.

"I'm discussing terms with the Wolfbone Clan's new chief." Thorn's voice rumbles deep. I wish I could take this pain from him. I've been betrayed, too, and I wouldn't want that to happen to anyone. "They want to kill Shagrat. Apparently, there was an inner struggle brewing over there. We might exile both and ally the two clans. There are options."

The subject hangs above our heads for another moment. Then Eirik laughs, that childish laugh without a care in the world.

It reminds us of what we're fighting for.

Sinking deeper into the water, I sigh as the tension seeps from my body. Ursha entertains Eirik with exaggerated faces. I stifle a laugh as his cackles fill the cavernous space. Orcs amble by, offering gruff nods that I return with ease. It's nice to feel seen.

Thorn's growl slices through the relaxed atmosphere. I jerk in surprise, snapping my attention up at him. His glare fastens somewhere over my head. I glance behind me to find two orcs hurrying off.

I can't help the laughter bubbling out of me. Your boyfriend growling out of jealousy should be a no-no, but I adore it.

"Ta, Ta!" Eirik babbles, kicking the water.

Thorn picks him up from Ursha's arms. "Come here. Let's swim around the pool." Thorn holds Eirik with a hand spread on the baby's stomach, holding him up while he gets used to the water.

As soon as he's off earshot, Ursha releases a huge sigh. "Thorn in love is both annoying and unheard of," Ursha says with a smirk. "Surprised he hasn't mated you yet."

"Mm." My cheeks go hot, but I pretend it's because of the water. "Actually, he did."

"Married, Violet. I mean mated for life." She rolls her eyes, amusement lacing her tone.

"Oh." I laugh, embarrassed. "I don't know. We haven't talked about it. And I bet those things take a while, right?"

She scoffs. "Brace yourself. It's definitely coming." If smirks had sound, Ursha's would be deafening.

"I think it's too soon," I tell her with a shrug. "Too sudden. Besides, I don't think you orcs would want me as a queen or something."

Ursha arches an eyebrow and her smirk becomes a genuine smile. "You would be surprised."