It wasn't because I was scared or afraid—mentally, I was well rested—but physically I was exhausted. My body ached for him as it always did after dream sex. It made it difficult to get out of bed most mornings. But if dream sex was a way for us to be carefree, then I didn't care. I knew he was in the same boat once he fully woke up. Perhaps I could…

Maria… he grumbled as he was slowly starting to wake. As much as I love to see your body in my mind, I need to get ready… though you paint a pretty good picture of yourself. I could tell my thoughts were provoking what I hoped.

Should I be mean and stop?

Feeling panic through the bond, he responded, Don’t you dare. He repeated my own words. I laughed and flashed him different images through the bond, allowing him to finish outside of our dream escape physically. Thank you, Maria… he said. I could tell he was relieved. I love you, you know.

I know. I love you. I responded to him. Are we still training with Quinn tonight?

If she's up for it. He cleaned himself up and got dressed. I don't know how she's going to take the news about Jasper, he said. We both knew Jasper and Quinn were close. They were kind of like brother and sister, as Quinn looked out for him, and he looked out for her.

I hope she'll be okay, I told him.

I hope so, too. Are you going to get dressed?

I sighed. I suppose I should. Breakfast sounds good right now, I said as I pulled the covers completely off and walked to my wardrobe. Dress, skirt, or pants? I asked him.

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Pants. I pulled out deep blue pants and slipped them on over my undergarments.

Tank, short sleeve, or long sleeve?

Short sleeve. It's the first day of summer, after all, he reminded me. The season would only last two short months. I pulled out a brilliant orange-colored top that fit just right.

Up or down? I asked him how I should wear my hair.

Down, always. I couldn't help but smile as Théo always loved my hair down. He loved the way the hair flowed and bounced against my back.

I sat at my vanity and brushed my hair thoroughly. After a bit of time had passed, Théo asked through the bond, Are you coming for breakfast? Roland has made a new desert.

Be right down. I stood up, slipped on my black boots, grabbed my bag, and left my room, locking it behind me.

I was almost to the stairs when a familiar voice stopped me, "I heard of your attack yesterday." Marcel said as he approached me. "Are you okay?"

"Like you care…" I grumbled, crossing my arms.

"I do care." He reached out and touched my shoulder. "You are going to be my wife after all."

I flinched a bit as he said wife. That never gets easier, I said through the bond.

What are you… oh. Théo responded as he saw and sensed what I was referencing.

I turned and faced Marcel, who was stepping back. "Thanks for caring. I guess."

"I want you to come with me to Summer Crest today. As it is the first day of summer, festivities are in full swing."

Interesting… Théo said through the bond Go. I'll give the Elite group a message. I'll be there.

What if that is what he wants?

He sighed, Of course. I'm still sending some of the Elite with you—ones like Quinn and Brienne.

"Okay, I'll go. But here's the deal: Théoden chooses what guards come with. And I will have to come back tonight."

"Deal." Marcel said, "We leave at first sunlight."

I managed to walk the rest of the way to the kitchen without any further incident. The thought of going to Summer Crest weighed heavily on my mind and made me feel uneasy. I just hoped that one of the guards that could come with me would be Théoden.