I grimaced but nodded, eager to drop the subject. “She left, and I’d prefer to leave it at that.”

Clover eyes flashed with protectiveness. “Then she’s a fool, and I’m glad you don’t take after her.” She nudged my side, trying to lighten the mood. “From what I’ve heard, you’re a far better parent than she could ever hope to be. What’s the youngest girl’s name again? The one you’re making the teddy bear for?”

Grateful for the distraction, I let the past slip away. “Daedra. If I don’t sleep tonight, I might work on that.”

It would beat staring at the fire and brooding over what I couldn’t change.

Clover smiled, shaking her head. “Let’s not give up on sleep just yet.” Her hand rose to run through her hair, but she grimaced at the tangles. “Ugh, this happens everytime I go without a bath for several days. Blasted tangles are awful.”

I didn’t stop to think. “I could braid it for you?”

She paused, surprised. Heat crept up my neck at her stare. Coughing, I added, “Only if you want me to, of course. I’m just used to doing it for Daedra and Beatrice. They like the crown braid.”

Before I could babble more, she smiled and nodded. “I’d appreciate that, actually.”

She turned, giving me easier access. Her hair hung in waves down her back, a mess of golden tangles. I hesitated only a second before starting to finger comb through the knots, working from the bottom up.

Clover leaned into me, and I shifted to give her support. As I finished detangling, her head dipped from the corner of my eyes. I started the braid, humming softly. “Are you falling asleep over there?”

She jumped slightly, giving a small shake of her head. “Of course not, Darling, and it’s impolite to point it out even if I was.”

I laughed under my breath, but let it slide. When I finished the braid, I nudged her gently. “What do you think?”

She yawned, covering it with her hand, and traced over my handiwork. A smile stretched her lips, and she nodded. “Perfect, though I wish I had a mirror. I’ve always liked this style but never managed to do it myself.”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

I fished out the mirror from my pack and handed it over. “Here, the mayor gave me it to keep an eye on my progress.”

She muttered her thanks and inspected the braid from different angles. After a moment, she handed it back and beamed. “Just as good as I thought it would look. Thank you.” An idea sparked in her eyes, and she straightened. “I might know how to help you sleep.”

Curious, I raised a brow. “Alright, I’m all ears.”

To my surprise, she moved my pack aside and slid behind me. Her palm stroked up my back until it rested in the hair at the nape of my neck, fingers digging into my scalp. Contentment washed over me, and I almost slumped against her.

She chuckled softly. “So you like having your hair played with. I’ll remember that.”

Words escaped me as she massaged with firm, but gentle pressure, the headache melting away. My eyes slid shut when she removed my hair tie and continued upward. Time blurred, and when talented fingers rubbed the last of the tension away, exhaustion nearly swallowed me whole.

“Careful, don’t wanna crush you,” I muttered, barely conscious. She chuckled and eased back, never stopping her soothing motions.

The soft sound of something being dragged across stone came from behind me and she hummed, tugging at my shirt. “Thanks for the warning. Now lay back. I think we’ll both sleep better this way.”

She guided me back onto something soft. It took longer than it should have to realize it was her bedroll and I muttered a half-hearted protest through a yawn.

“This isn’t proper.”

Her laugh vibrated through me as she settled against my front. One arm was still tangled into my hair and the other slid to pillow her head. “Frederick, I appreciate that you’re trying to defend my long dead honor, but I’ve imagined bedding you in enough detail that I would say that ship has sailed, crashed and sunk to the bottom of the ocean.”

Through the exhaustion, I managed a sleepy hum. “Good to know I’m not the only one. Felt like a lecher after the dreams I had.”

Heat flashed through my face as the words registered, growing outward until it brushed my ears and neck. Spirits above and below, why did I say that?!

Through my almost closed eyelids, Clover's eyebrow arched, a spark of interest in her gaze. “Oh? Remind me to ask you about those dreams tomorrow. As for propriety…it can sit on a mace. I couldn't care less what society deems normal. I like being in your arms, and if you’re willing, I’ll spend many more nights here. Now hush. We need sleep for tomorrow.”

Embarrassment faded at her lighthearted response, and I hummed in agreement, muffling a yawn into the bedroll. “As my lady says then.” The words were heavily slurred from sleep and Clover nestled closer, her head fitting into the gap of my shoulder and neck.

“And don’t you forget it.”

Sleep came easily, and this time, no images or screams followed. Just the steady breath against my throat and the rhythmic rise and fall of Clover pressed to my front.