The Burning of Sana Lightbourne

Chapter 20

Sana never thought she would enjoy such a wonderful day with Rhyel, and she'd never bought so many things in her life. Fabric, sewing needles, thread, and a few leather journals that Rhyel encouraged her to get so she could write letters to Uma even if she could never send them.

He was adamant that she felt like she could talk to someone she trusted about things she didn't want to tell him or Zena, and she found that to be quite endearing of him.

And thoughtful...and caring...

A smile tugged at her lips as she held onto Rhyel's arm while they walked back to the carriage from Ye Ol Warriors Tavern with Zena's boisterous father, Zekiel. He was such a joyous man who told endless tales of his many scars that marred his brown skin. He treated them to a hearty meal in his establishment that seemed to be the place everyone gathered on an evening to enjoy music and plenty of bitter beer and sweet mead.

Something else Sana had never tried nor imbibed in, but she found that she quite enjoyed the honeyed taste of the smooth liqueur.

"Are you alright, Sana?" Rhyel said, looking down at her and her heart skipped a quick beat at the warmth in his eyes and the smile that graced his lips.

Goodness, when he looked at her like that it made her feel like she was the most important person in his world. That his desire to get to know her was more than the duty placed on him because she was chosen by Sune.

Of course, that wasn't it. If he hadn't been forced to go on that quest and forced to pledge his loyalty to her, he'd never want to get to know her or spend time with her like this.

But it was nice all the same.

"Mm-hm," she said, grinning as she waved her hand over the quiet cobblestone street. "I feel wonderful, and I thank you both for a lovely evening."

"You're welcome." Zekiel chuckled, shaking his head of graying black locs. "But I think that might be all that mead you enjoyed, my Lady."

"Well, it was delicious," she said, patting his arm as she looked up into his warm brown eyes. "And I'm...I'm so glad to have met you Sir Zekiel. You and Jezel have raised such a lovely daughter and I'm so honored she's my friend."

"You're welcome for that too," Zekiel said, looking over her head at Rhyel. "You had better keep your promise and treat Lady Sana as you're meant to. She's made quite the impression on the people today."

"I intend to," Rhyel said, pulling Sana close to his side and his musky scent of the forest sent a tingle down her spine. She liked being close to him.

"Good," Zekiel said, taking Sana's hand as they neared the carriage where their coachman was waiting for them. "It was so lovely to finally meet you, my Lady."

"You as well, Zekiel. I hope to see you again."

"I'm sure you will," he said, smiling. "And you best tell me if Lord Rhyel gives you any trouble. He's like a son to me and I promise you, I'll set him straight."

Sana laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, no. I-I don't think I'll need to do that."

"I know I'm old now and I'm not the grand warrior I used to be, but if you're ever in need," he said, bowing and pressing his forehead against her hand. "I'll be at your service, my Lady."

"Thank you, Zekiel. I'll keep that in mind."

"You do that," Zekiel said, raising his head before he clasped his hand on Rhyel's shoulder. "You two have a safe journey home and give my love to Zena and Cori when you see them."

"I will," Rhyel said, letting go of Sana to give Zekiel a hug. "You should come to the castle some time. I'd like to talk to you about a few things."

"I'm sure you do," Zekiel said, patting his back. "I'll pay you a visit in a few days."