Inhaling deeply, I focused on not throwing up for what felt like forever.
“Ryllae.” Daegal’s gruff voice broke through the fog of my concentration. “I see the shore.”
Cool relief ran through me. “Thank the gods.”
Inhaling deeply, I squeezed my fists before opening my eyes. The shore was more of a collection of large stones than anything, but if the rickety dock nearby was any indication, this was the end of the river. It was dark, as was the norm for this dreadful mountain, but at least we would get out of the boat.
“Thank Kydona,” I whispered, pressing my hand against my mouth to keep from throwing up.
Daegal rowed next to the wooden landing, maneuvering the boat with the skill of someone who had spent significant time on water. He grabbed the wood, holding the small vessel steady before extending the other hand to me.
“Come on, Princess,” he said. “Let’s get you on dry land.”
That was the best offer I had ever heard in my entire life. My entire body shook as I placed my hand in his, but I managed not to throw up as I inched my way out of the rowboat. That was a success, in my opinion. The moment I touched the wood, the sudden urge to cry and kiss the ground filled me.
A mangled prayer of thanks left my lips as I moaned, gripping the dock with both hands as my stomach settled. I never wanted to go into another boat in my entire life.
Daegal handed me a jug of water, waiting patiently as I swished the liquid around in my mouth, spitting it out until the bitter taste of bile was finally gone. Then he passed me his pack and his sword before swinging out with ease.
Together, we dragged the rowboat onto the rocks. My muscles strained, and I was fairly certain he did most of the lifting, but it felt good to help. He didn’t make me feel like my efforts were futile, even when I almost dropped the boat on his foot.
When the vessel was well lodged on the rocks and Daegal was sure it wasn’t going anywhere, he stepped in my direction. “Come here, Princess.”
Opening his arms, he looked at me with so much affection that I warmed from head to toe. Stepping into the embrace, I pressed my cheek against his chest as he drew me into him. His natural warmth flooded through me, and I shivered as tension left my body. He rubbed circles on my back, murmuring sweet nothings as I took slow, deep breaths.
When the seasickness was gone, and I felt certain I would not be sick, I looked around. This area of the tunnel wasn’t as dark, thanks to dozens of tiny cracks in the rocky ceiling that let in slivers of moonlight. Though they were small, the sheer number of them provided adequate lighting. The air was fresher, and a breeze blew past.
We were close to getting out of the mountain. I could feel it in my bones.
“I think you’re right, Ryllae,” he said.
I looked up at him in surprise. I hadn’t realized I’d spoken out loud.
“You did.” He chuckled, brushing his lips over the top of my head. “But I must admit, I don’t mind being in this mountain with you.”
“No?” I asked. “You don’t find it creepy?”
He laughed. “Oh, it’s creepy, and quite frankly, horrible. But as long as we’re together, I’ll always be happy.”
When he talked like that, nothing else mattered. I loved the way he spoke to me, the way he calmed me. Even the way he held me. A contented sigh escaped me as I hugged him back. Our hearts beat in unison as we stood near the river, the lapping water against the rocky shore now a pleasant backdrop to this… moment.
Whatever this was.
After a time, Daegal cleared his throat. “How are you feeling, Ryllae?” he murmured. “Would you like to try to eat something?”
I shook my head quickly. “Gods, no. Eating is the last thing I want to be doing.” Though my stomach was settled now that we were off the river, my appetite was long gone. “Besides, I thought all we had left was a stale loaf of bread.”
He chewed on his lip. “That’s true.”
“I’ll pass. I’m just happy being with you.” Though I hadn’t meant to say the last part out loud, every single word was true. Being with Daegal grounded me. I felt sane around him, more like me than I ever had before. Despite the spiders that weren’t really spiders, the magical coma, and the seasickness, I would do all of this again if it meant I would be by his side.
I said as much, and Daegal’s lips twitched. “You’d do all of it again?”
“For you, yes,” I replied honestly.
Our gazes met, and at that moment, everything else disappeared. My heart raced in my chest, my breath quickened, and my palms grew slick as I stared into the depth of his eyes.
My Fortune Elf sucked in a breath, his hand moving from my back to cup my cheek.