Hope Sundered

Lark Prentice hurried down the stairs and dashed through the streets as fast as his aching legs could carry him. The battle was won, the enemy was routed, and the siege was over! And he’d played a crucial role, sinking his arrow into General Zordecai’s neck. At long last he’d hit his mark!

He couldn’t wait to tell Tanni.

His heart raced from more than just his frantic pace across the city, and he knew it. She was the only person he wanted to see right now. Giddiness lifted his feet from the ground, propelling him toward his destination as if he’d been shot from his own bow.

All around him Wyndham was coming to life. Wary citizens were beginning to emerge from hiding, while others had already begun celebrating. Many were heading toward the gates, curious to see the aftermath and eager to learn the fate of their brave loved ones who’d volunteered to join the fray.

Those who recognized Lark tried to congratulate him as he passed by. He smiled and nodded, but he wouldn’t be distracted from his goal. He was in love. There was no more doubt, no more guilt, no more fear. Most of all, there were no more Azrahterans, which meant they could be together now.

He burst into the common room of the Merchant’s Inn, drenched from rain and smelling of sweat. He didn’t care. Neither would she; it was one of the many things he loved about her. He scanned the room and spotted her right away. How could anyone miss such a radiant smile, framed by curtains of golden hair?

Her eyes met his, and they brightened with recognition. She placed her serving tray on the nearest table and took a tentative step in his direction. “Lark! Is it true? Is it over?” All eyes were fixed upon him. Everyone’s collective breath was held in the tension between hope and confirmation.

He strode across the room to stand before her. “It’s true,” he answered, loud enough for those around to hear. “The Azrahterans have been routed. The siege is over!”

The room erupted in a victorious cheer as he scooped her up in his arms and kissed her. Her surprise turned to joy, and she returned the kiss with equal fervor while wrapping her arms around his neck.

His first kiss had been with Keila; a secret moment, exciting but awkward, fueled more by curiosity than romance. This was different. This was unapologetic passion for all to see, melded with contentment. Her embrace was the safest place in the world.

When their lips finally parted, she stared into his eyes. “Is this real?” she asked, trembling. “Us, I mean. After all, you’re Lark Prentice, Defender of Wyndham, and I’m just a barmaid. You could have any—”

He “I want you,” he said with a smile, and silenced her with his lips.