Kaylin woke to the feeling of someone lightly plucking at her fingers like they were trying to pry her fist open. She cracked her eyes open and froze at the sight of Lord Nightshade, fieflord and warrior, sitting up with his head and upper body bent at an awkward angle toward where she lay on her side, while looking mildly put out over his hair being wildly tangled in her grasp. She breathed out a sleepy laugh and released her hold on his hair.
Once his hair was free he lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm.
"My apologies for waking you, Kaylin."
"I'm sorry I had a death grip on your hair..." she quietly replied as butterflies staged a riot in her stomach at the sweet gesture. She shivered in the chill of the room when the blankets were dislodged as Nightshade laid down on his back. Still half asleep, she curled up against the warmth of his side. He pulled the blankets up and wrapped an arm around her. She rested her face on his chest and looked up at him, blinking slowly as she fought falling back to sleep.
"Nightshade?"
"Yes?"
"I want steamed milk," Kaylin said, stifling a yawn. Her eyes fluttered closed as he gently stroked her hair.
"If we return to Elantra, I will provide you with all the steamed milk you desire," he replied.
"Maybe there's goats or cows somewhere in this world."
"Perhaps," Nightshade chuckled, the vibration of it tickled Kaylin's cheek. She sighed contentedly, wrapping her arm across his torso and hugging him.
"Good night Nightshade."
Nightshade kissed the top of Kaylin's head and pulled the blankets higher.
Sleep, Kaylin, and I will keep watch.