Early in the afternoon, well before the birthday feast in Maxen’s honor, she requested he take a walk with her down to the lower level of the castle. Outside, the rain fell in cold, heavy sheets, making it a poor day for riding or a simple walk by the river. At the moment, the dungeons stood empty and the former slaves lived in quarters above ground, so other than a few guards and knights patrolling the bowels of the castle, Audra and Maxen would have a few moments to speak privately.
They made their way down the steep, dank stairwell and into a private corridor. Audra peered around, then stood on tiptoe and kissed Maxen’s whiskery cheek, allowing her lips to linger.
“I like that look on you, unshaven.” She rubbed her fingers along his short stubble and he …show more content…
“You silly man, that’s not the gift! The gift is inside.”
Pink blossomed on his cheeks. “Oh. Well, I love the box. Let’s see what’s inside.”
Audra vibrated with anticipation, as she hoped he loved his gift. It had been quite the event, stealing off to the market with Vaughan to select the perfect present for Maxen. And she knew the gift would draw no special attention, as it was considered proper for the queen to present her guard, the kingdom’s First Knight, with a special birthday offering.
He held the gift in his hand and stared at it, a thick silver necklace holding a silver disc pendant. The pendant was inlaid with a deep red gem shaped into a sword. The whole pendant was small, no larger than two thumbnails put together, and Maxen closed his eyes and clutched it in his fist.
“Thank you. This is truly something.”
Audra pried open his fingers. “First take a look at the back. See those two tiny connected hearts? I had the silversmith add those specially. Don’t worry, I fibbed and told him it’s a secret symbol of knightly bonds and sacrifice. But it’s so you know my heart is yours even when we cannot be