The couple eventually reached the far end of the field and settled beneath an elm tree.
The forest stood quiet around them, sunlight filtering gently through the leaves. The scene felt almost like a painted canvas—serene, untouched.
Kyren broke the silence first.
"You must have been lonely while I was gone. I have no intention to confine you to the tent," he said quietly. "It was for your safety. You were the only woman in the camp."
Anna blinked, then shook her head.
"Oh, no! I didn't mean that at all. I wasn't lonely."
She lifted both hands in mild protest, not expecting him to connect her earlier words to that period.
"I kept guards posted because I knew what you had gone through," he continued. "You were still recovering."
She looked at him. Understanding dawned on her of his action.
"I promised you safety," he added. "And I intend to keep that promise."
His fingers remained entwined with hers, and he had yet to release her hand.
"You already make me feel safe," Anna replied softly. "I'm not afraid here."
Kyren's lips etched a smile.
"I'm glad. But I worry every time you step outside the tent."
"Why?" she asked, puzzled.
The commander cleared his throat before speaking.
"When men are shut away together for months, it's manageable," he said evenly. "But when a woman is present… it changes the atmosphere."
"But no one has ever behaved improperly. They hardly come and talk to me."
"That's because I forbade them from approaching you," he admitted.
There was a brief pause.
Jealousy had sprouted in him the day he saw her tending Noah's wounds.
Fortunately, his moral sense stirred his conscience and prevented him from acting on his feelings, as he knew how loyal his men were.
"You allowed Ayden near," she said lightly. "...and Rafe, too."
"You were unwell and needed their care. Of course I would."
She smiled.
"If not for Ayden, I might have drowned in my thoughts while you were away. He helped me adjust."
Kyren nodded.
"That's why I allowed you to mingle afterwards. I saw the change in you."
He studied her carefully and added, "Besides, I can't confine you forever. You're my wife, not a prisoner."
A feeling of gratitude filled her chest. She believed that whatever he chose for her was truly in her own best interest.
"Rafe and Ayden praised your language skills," he continued. "Especially Old Ro'an. You've been helping them with translations."
"I only shared what I knew."
"It isn't easy to master that language. Your talent is exceptional," he said. "If you wish, I could recommend you as a tutor for the royal members. They are required to learn it."
"No!"
The word burst out sharper than she intended. She withdrew her hand abruptly, her expression shuttering.
Kyren stiffened.
"Why? What's wrong?"
"I… I don't like them," she said, eyes turning distant.
"Who? The royal members?" he asked, curious.
She nodded. Memories resurfaced, recalling the cold corridors and even colder glances.
Her father's indifference... Her stepmother's scorn... Ronan's treachery... None of them had treated her kindly, except her brother, Ryan.
"They mistreat people," she said, voice tightening. "They look down on others. If you are of no use to them, you are discarded."
Kyren looked at her again, convinced something must have happened to provoke her remarks. However, now wasn't the moment to press for an explanation.
"Perhaps that was Ardel," he said gently. "It is not the same in Cassian."
"I don't want anything to do with royalty," she insisted. "I'm happy at where I am now."
For a brief moment, he hesitated. He had intended to tell her about who he truly was. But her fierce reaction stopped him. Her disdain for royalty appeared to run deep for whatever reason.
If he revealed everything now, would the way she looked at him change? Would distance grow between them where warmth had only just started to bloom?
No. He could not risk that.
They had only just begun to draw close—not merely as husband and wife in name, but in heart and body. He would not have her turn cold towards him.
Not now.
And so, he would have to tread on this carefully.
"As you know, I serve His Majesty," he said instead.
Anna immediately turned to him.
"I meant no disrespect. I'm sure your king is just."
"Then don't judge all rulers alike," he said. "Power requires sternness. But it does not require cruelty."
She nodded slowly.
"But, I won't force you into anything," he added. "If you don't want to, so be it."
Relief softened her shoulders.
"Anna," he continued after a moment, "I will soon send a report to His Majesty informing him of our marriage."
She blinked.
"You must report it?"
"Yes. Even without a ceremony, our marriage stands valid under the law. A knight must make such a declaration."
She lowered her gaze.
"I hope you understand why we cannot hold a wedding celebration now."
He had expected tears, regret, and complaints from her, as no woman would want a marriage without a proper ceremony.
Although they married in haste, she would have preferred one for herself. He was prepared for her reactions. However—
"I understand," she said quietly. "We are at the frontier. Your duty comes first."
Kyren frowned.
"You don't mind?"
"No."
He turned his figure, facing her fully.
"Are you content with marrying only a knight? I might have the rank, but it's just for duty's sake."
"I do, and I'm grateful you chose me," she replied. "Status does not matter. You sheltered me when I had nothing and respected me. That's enough."
He searched her face.
"So you would not mind if I held no noble blood or a title within the society?"
"I care about you. Not your title or bloodline."
Something settled inside him at that answer.
"You make it easy to breathe, Anna."
He drew her closer into his arms, his gaze deepening as it lingered over her features.
Her emerald eyes… The soft curve of her lips… The warmth of her skin.
He kissed her—not hurried, but firm. Claiming.
She yielded instinctively, and his restraint began to thin.
"You know…" he murmured, "…this is a secluded place."
She hesitated, knowing what it meant.
"It's open ground," she whispered. "Someone might see."
"I would know if anyone approached," he replied. "And if they dared to look, I'd blind them."
His hand drifted lower, getting bolder.
"Kyren, no."
He lifted his head slightly.
"No?" His tone was almost surprised.
"We were together last night," she said.
"And I held back. You knew I did… and I'm not done yet."
Heat colored her cheeks.
"Not now… please!"
"Then, when?" he asked back, seemingly impatient.
This was dangerous! If she didn't give a good answer, he might end up pouncing on her right away.
"Tonight," she negotiated. "I will not resist you. I promise!"
He studied her for a long moment, blue eyes darkening with thought before he finally relented.
"…Fine."
Relief washed over her at once.
"But only because you asked so sweetly," he added, lowering his voice. "And when I begin, I won't stop until I've had my fill."
Her cheeks burned as he pinched her lightly.
He laughed at her flustered expression and, at last, withdrew his wandering hands. The mischief faded from his features, replaced by his usual composed ease.
"Tomorrow night," he said, as though nothing improper had nearly happened, "you'll dine with my knights. It's time you're formally introduced to them."
Anna tried to keep herself calm by smiling. Inwardly, she was grateful for the change of topic.
Meeting the knights properly did not seem like a bad idea. Perhaps she could form more friendships within the camp.
Kyren watched the quiet curve of her smile.
Something unfamiliar stirred in him—something protective, almost possessive.
Somehow, he wished that smile to be protected, to be guarded and perhaps, selfishly, reserved for him.
For the first time, the thought did not feel like duty. It felt personal.