The morning light filtered softly through the gauzy curtains of the Lord’s chamber, casting warm golden stripes across the wide bed. River stirred, slowly waking to the comforting pressure of Heiko’s strong arms wrapped around her. His scent—deep, earthy, familiar—enveloped her in safety, even as her mind drifted back to the intensity of the previous night’s passion.
“Good morning,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, a hint of embarrassment creeping into her tone as the vivid memories returned.
Heiko let out a laugh—a rich, boyish sound, sudden and carefree. It caught her off guard, as it always did. For a moment she froze, studying his face. That laugh—it didn’t match the hardened warrior, the commanding Lord, the haunted man burdened by royal blood. It was young, reckless even… a
