She didn't slow. She ran straight through the mud and slush and launched herself at my horse. I was already swinging down, boots hitting the ground hard enough to jar my teeth.
I caught her mid-air, arms locking around her tiny body, and the force of it drove me back a step. She smelled like milk and woodsmoke and the lavender soap the women used in the baths. Her arms clamped around my neck so tight I could barely breathe, but I didn't care.
"You came back," she said into my hair, the words muffled and fierce. "You said you would and you did."
"Yes my love, I would never break my promise to you." I replied.
I dropped to my knees right there in the bailey, mud soaking through my cloak, and held her like I could press her into my bones. The kings were off their horses in the next heartbeat.
Darius knelt beside us and wrapped his arms around both of us.
Kane came in from the other side, one scarred hand cupping the back of Lila's head.
