Chapter Seventeen

L éhiona awoke to the scent of cloves—she was in her own bed, with a warm hand wrapped around her own. She opened her eyes to see Aldith’s worried features hovering over her. She took a deep breath.

“What happened?” She rasped.

“You fainted, dearest,” Aldith answered gently, stroking Léhiona’s hand with her thumb.

“Oh, I’m so sorry; I think I’m feeling better though, we really should get to the party.”

“No, no, you’re going to rest. Besides, the garden party ended an hour ago. It was lovely, and you were missed, but everything went well. I’ll call for some tea,” Aldith said, patting her hand as she shifted off the side of the bed where she’d been sitting.

“I’m so glad Sylvain was with me, Aldith. I don’t know what would have happened without him,” she said, moving slowly to a sitting position.

“Yes, it was very lucky he was there with you.”

“He wants me to go see the healers about my exhaustion. I suppose this proves his point,” Léhiona said begrudgingly.

“If it will make you feel better, you should speak with them—though I’m sure you’re just tired from all the celebration preparations. You’ve been running yourself ragged to get everything planned,” Aldith said from the other side of the room.

“That’s what I told Sylvain! I’m sure you’re right,” she answered.

Aldith returned with a tray that one of the palace staff had brought; a pot of tea and a bowl of clear broth. Both wafted steamy tendrils into the air. She sat the tray on the nightstand, and Léhiona found herself feeling grateful that her wife was her one comfort in this impossible situation that was her life. She had been so frightened when her father had told her of the arranged marriage when she was a girl, but being married to Aldith had been better than she ever could have hoped.

Back in Beitar, her family had been of noble blood, but her marriage elevated their status with the king. She knew bearing this burden had meant a better life for her family. It was difficult, but Aldith’s love, and the family she made for herself here, made it bearable.

Léhiona sipped the broth while Aldith sat with her and had a cup of tea. When she finished and set the bowl aside, Aldith leaned over her and kissed her, cupping her cheek gently with one hand.

“You should get some sleep, dearest. We have a long few weeks ahead of us,” Aldith said with a small smile.

“Promise you’ll come to bed soon, too?”

“I promise,” Aldith said and kissed Léhiona’s hand before departing, leaving her alone with her thoughts.