Ayesha stretched lazily before slipping out of the bed inside the cozy cottage, well built above the waterfalls. The air was cool, the sound of rushing water filling the quiet space.
She and Alaric had just shared an intimate moment, and though she was still bare, she couldn't be bothered to get dressed. Instead, she wrapped the blanket around her body and stepped outside.
Alaric stood by the fire pit, wearing only his trousers as he busied himself with their meal.
"Is this your secret hideout away from the royal estate?" she asked, settling into the rough wooden chair at the makeshift table.
"Yes," he replied, turning the skewers as the scent of spices filled the air. "Sometimes I come here when I want to hunt. I like the sound of the river and the view from up here. It's peaceful."
He was roasting both fish and meat, and from the pot beside him, it seemed he was making soup as well.
