Chapter 13: The Clearing of Shadows
The wind whistled through Aeryn's hair as he raced alongside Eirik. They broke through the tree line, entering the forest of towering birches, their pale bark reflecting the dappled sunlight. Dark shadows mingled with patches of warm light as they jogged on horseback through the winding path. The only sound was the steady rhythm of their horses' hooves on the forest floor, and Aeryn glanced at the trees rushing past him. He remembered how this very forest had once terrified him, riding an uneasy Marsa while Eirik reassured him. Back then, Eirik had noticed Aeryn's discomfort and, halfway through their ride, declared they should turn back.
Now, Aeryn felt at ease. He caught Eirik's glances back, noting the curiosity in his eyes. The forest no longer frightened Aeryn; instead, it fascinated him. Eirik smiled, seeing his husband's interest. It warmed him to know Aeryn was starting to love the forest as much as he did. This place had been Eirik's escape ever since he was a boy growing up on the estate, and sharing it with Aeryn felt deeply special.
Slowing to a trot, Eirik drew his horse beside Aeryn's. The surroundings changed as they entered a lush clearing. A creek babbled to their left, and trees bearing bright, ripe fruit lined the path. It was spring, and the birdsong filled the air. Aeryn noticed a flash of green and red among the branches.
"A marco," Eirik pointed out, nodding to where the bird had disappeared. "They come here to breed in the spring. Not the sweetest of singers, but a beauty to behold."
Aeryn smiled and nodded. "We don't have many birds like that back home," he said, thinking of his homeland's harsh, arid landscape.
Eirik shrugged. "It rains a lot here. Storms like the one last night are common." He remembered how Aeryn had trembled at the sound of thunder. "Don't worry, my prince. I'll be there to hold you through all of them."
Aeryn blushed, looking at Eirik shyly through his lashes. "And I'll be here to hold you when those pigeons come around."
Eirik raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. "Pigeons, you say? How gallant of you! I shall be forever in your debt for saving me from those vicious creatures!"
Aeryn laughed, a sound that made Eirik's chest tighten. His laughter lit up his face, making him look even younger than his 19 years. The sunlight danced through the trees, casting golden highlights on Aeryn's dark hair, and Eirik's heart skipped a beat.
A sudden movement caught Aeryn's eye. "Wow," he whispered, staring ahead.
Eirik followed his gaze and saw a deer emerging cautiously from the bushes to drink from the creek. The deer seemed unaware of the two riders or simply didn't care.
"Is that a deer?" Aeryn asked in wonder.
"You've never seen one before?"
Aeryn shook his head. "I've seen a mountain elk once. They're much larger with heavier antlers. One of the cooks told me deer were smaller and more delicate."
Eirik smiled. "They are. They're gentle creatures."
The deer looked up, flicking its ears before disappearing back into the underbrush. Aeryn watched it go, still captivated. "This forest is beautiful," he said softly. "I can't believe I was ever afraid of it."
"Most people fear what they don't understand," Eirik said, his voice low and knowing.
Aeryn turned toward him, his gaze thoughtful. "I'm not afraid now, not with you here."
Eirik's heart swelled. For so long, he had seen fear in the eyes of those who met him. They knew him as a warlord, a conqueror, feared for his might and power. He had seen that same fear in Aeryn's eyes the first time they met, before their wedding. He had even sensed it during their first nights together. But lately, something had changed. Aeryn no longer looked at him with fear, and Eirik realized how much he loved that. Aeryn was like this forest, like that deer—something to be cherished and protected.
With a full heart, Eirik urged his horse forward, breaking into a trot as they ascended a small hill. "Come, we're not far now."
