Kingdom of Ash

I said, you work too hard.”
“You said I should rest more.”
“Because you work too hard.” He jerked
his chin toward the bath as he pulled off the
boot and helped her rise. “I’ll go find some
food.”
“I already ate—”
“You should eat more.”
Giving her privacy without the
awkwardness of her needing to ask for it.
That’s what he was trying to do.
Barefoot before him, Elide peered into his
granite-hewn face. Shrugged out of her cloak,
then jacket. Lorcan’s throat bobbed.
She knew he could hear her heart as it
began racing. Could likely scent every
emotion on her. But she said, “I need help.
Getting into the bath.”
“Do you, now.” His voice was near-
guttural.