Elara turned to Bernard, leaving the decision to him.
Bernard smiled. "We'll be there."
A short distance away, the king and Brandon stood beside one of the convoy vehicles, deep in conversation. Across the garden, High Luna Alexandra and Emma laughed over something only they seemed to find amusing. Maelis gathered the used plates with the maids, and before long, the garden grew quiet again.
The following moonrise,Bernard sat on the edge of the bed and gently brushed a few loose strands of hair away from Elara's face.
"Silverheart," he said softly. "Time to wake up."
She let out a sleepy murmur, turned onto her side, and pulled the blanket up a little higher.
"Five more minutes."
A smile tugged at Bernard's lips as he looked down at her. "You said that five minutes ago."
"I know." She didn't bother opening her eyes. A faint smile crossed her face. "I'm saying it again."
A quiet laugh escaped him as he brushed his thumb across the back of her hand.
