Page 40 of Awariye

When he finished, his last words ringing through the hall, the beautiful song dissolved into silence, no one willing to make any other sound. Yet Awariye was not dissuaded by the lack of applause or cheer, clearly knowing he had added sanctity and reverence to this moment.

He stepped to the table, took his cup, and lifted it high. "To King Ulbrecht and his men!"

We repeated the toast on a shout and drank. Lest the silence return, Awariye then grinned and called, "Let the celebrations begin!"

* * *

The men all but charged out of the castle, eager to see their wives, and while Ulbrecht scooped Wren into his arms and Evelyn hugged Sören, I made my way down to my lover.

Awariye beamed at my approach, then didn't seem to know what to do once I got close because of my right arm bandaged against my body in a sling. He instead cupped my face in his hands, tears spilling over as he kissed me, his lips so sweet.

"Willkommen zurück," he said, welcoming me back.

I hummed and kissed him again, not wanting to close my eyes and miss any bit of him. With my free arm, I wrapped around his back and pulled him to me. Awariye laughed in surprise and hugged me where he could without jostling the bandages. He felt different, somehow, but I set that aside and relished in the feel of him and the fragrant scent of his hair.

"Did you help with the lanterns?" I asked.

Awariye nodded, pulling back just enough to look me in the eyes. "Something happened. I feel strange, and Wren claims he can see the trees breathe."

That...sounded like magic for sure. "Are you sick?"

He shook his head, and I exhaled in relief. "Not bad-strange, just different. I think part of the power that came through was etheric and ended up coagulating in the chapel. We really can't afford to do this somewhere that isn't an absorbent forest. There were parts where I thought Wren wasn't thinking clearly; the whole night was one surprise after another."

I nodded, knowing we would talk about it over the coming days. Awariye and Wren's spiritual training was a welcome distraction.

He sobered. "Mindi and Ralf told us that you'll be sleeping out in the tent for a couple of nights?"

I nodded, pleased at his puppy eyes that so clearly wanted me. "Then I can come home."

His expression turned piqued. "That guest bedroom better be ours from now on."

I grinned. "We'll just stay until Sigrid kicks us out."

Awariye barked a laugh and swatted at me playfully. Then he kissed me again, love so apparent in his gentle touch. "Ich liebe dich, Igor. I'm so glad you're home safe."

"I love you too, Awariye," I promised.

CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE

IGOR

Two days later

"Gute Nacht," said Sören with a smile and a nod as he turned off toward his rooms with Evelyn and the kids.

"Night, Sören," said Ulbrecht, and I wished him the same as well.

"What do you want to guess our partners are in the same place?" said Ulbrecht softly once it was just the two of us continuing down the hallway.

I chuckled. "Almost a guarantee."

"Indeed."

He slowed in front of Awariye's and my room, so I knocked softly and carefully opened it. The guard dog roused and stuck her nose in the crack, then realized it was us and let us through. Once inside, I patted her on the head and told her she was a good dog.

Ulbrecht lit one of the candles and lifted the shade enough to see. There was only one lump on the bed, but that could mean our lovers were fused.

Ulbrecht set the shaded candle on the nightstand and leaned over with an indulgent smile. "Well, Igor, should we leave them be, or should I try to figure out which one is Wren?"