~ ERIK ~
After David and Zara left, Emory and I waited until it got dark, then slipped out to the servants' stables where I kept horses for us both, along with bags in case we ever needed to flee.
As she effortlessly mounted her mare and found her stirrups, her red hair swirling over her chest because it had been pushed forward by the hood of her cloak, I couldn't help staring for a moment.
Emory was the most capable and confident woman I had ever met. She moved with the grace and efficiency of someone who had lived a life in the shadows, but with the boldness and brightness of a woman of the court. Even now, three years later, she was an enigma to me at times. Still learning to trust others, still finding her place and learning that she didn't have to maneuver to keep it.
And also still learning that not everything was a trap.
But she loved me. And I loved her. And that was a joy.
