ELRETH
She was Queen. She was supposed to be out there training to cross the traverse, finding answers to avoid a warn, and generally getting shit done.
But she didn't have to train now.
The Protectors were celebrating.
The people hadn't yet understood the full gravity of what was coming, and part of her didn't want to make sure they did.
So when Aaryn pulled her up from the dining table and towards the bathing pools, instead of telling him that she needed to work, she just… followed.
They grabbed towels and soap and barely spoke as they stepped down into the hot pool. Bu they didn't stop touching. Her hand on his shoulder, his at her waist. Without speaking about it, she started to wash his back, then he grinned and started to wash her front.
She held up her hair while he washed her neck, then rinsed it, then kissed it.