"Morning," Elinor said from behind, wrapping her arms around his stomach. She'd apologized last night for her behavior, admitting to a nasty bout of jealousy.
Meanwhile, Bastian had tried to reassure her he no longer had any interest in Tressa. Not like that. He hoped he’d proven it to her last night.
"Good morning," Bastian said. "Are you ready for the trek back to Hutton's Bridge?"
There were too many children to ride on Connor’s back. He'd be exhausted by the end of the day, and he was their only protection. Instead they were going to walk. Horses would pull carts carrying their supplies and any young children who were having trouble walking.
"I'm ready," Elinor said. "Once we get everyone settled in, what are we going to do?"
"Come back here," Bastian said. "I hate to leave Farah again, but someone has to be eyes and ears outside the fog. If danger is headed their way, I want to be ready."
Elinor walked to the wardrobe. She chose a light brown dress and slipped it over her head, shimmying it down her body. "I hope it's okay if I come with you."
"I hoped you would," Bastian said. He pulled on his pants and a shirt. "Now let's find some food to break our fast. Then we'll gather up the children and head out."
They made their way to the kitchen. When he took the throne, Bastian had kept the cooks on, promising to pay them the same Stacia had. In return, Bastian and Elinor didn't require any special attention. They ate with the cooks in the expansive kitchen, taking their food with anyone who worked in the castle. Bastian wasn't comfortable with being their leader, and he certainly wasn't going to ask them to treat him like a king.
"The bread is piping hot," Lily, one of the cooks, said when Bastian and Elinor sat at the table. "We were up half the night baking extra loaves for you to take to the village."
"Thank you so much, Lily," Bastian said. He tore a chunk off the bread. Steam rose, dancing in the air. "I know the children will appreciate it."
"Actually, there was something I wanted to ask you." Lily continued chopping apple slices without looking up at Bastian. "I'd like to go with you. Out there, behind the fog, the healers and Hazel will have enough to do keeping the children occupied. Mayhap I can be their cook. Jude here," she pointed at the quiet young woman next to her, "is more than qualified to continue cooking for you and Elinor."
Bastian scratched his chin. "Are you sure? I don't know how long it'll take until it's safe to get rid of the fog. You could be stuck in there for a very long time."
"It's okay." Lily shrugged. "I've got nothing here. I'm happy to help."
"That's wonderful," Elinor said. "In some ways I envy you. To get away from the threat of war and constant upheaval."
"Someday," Bastian said, setting his hand on Elinor's and squeezing it.
Elinor smiled at him. "Yes, someday."
A loud whoop preceded the children. They ran into the kitchen, searching for food.
A boy stuck his hand in a bowl of chunks of bread and Lily slapped his hand with a wooden spoon. "Mind your manners," she said. But a smile played at the corner of her mouth.
Yes, she would enjoy going with the children. Bastian felt better about telling her she could join them. The children of Hutton's Bridge needed all the caring adults they could find.
Elinor reached out for Hazel, and they smiled at each other. The two had become quick friends.
"Where is Connor?" Elinor asked Hazel.
She frowned. "He's outside in the courtyard with Fotia and Vatra. His other children need him, too." She glanced over at her two boys.
Elinor laid her hand on Hazel's arm. "Vatra and Fotia are helpless still."
"Maybe once Connor understands I'm willing to make our family one, dragons included, then he'll trust me again. I've been asking to spend time with Fotia and Vatra, but as of yet he hasn't allowed it."
Elinor laughed. "Vatra bites. That's probably why."
Hazel's eyes danced. "Then that explains the marks on his hands. When I asked, he refused to tell me where they came from. I just have to show him I'm not afraid."
"If he thinks he's protecting you, then that's a good sign. Men like to protect women," Elinor said, winking at Bastian.
"All right, that's enough." Bastian grabbed Elinor's elbow and tugged her toward the door. "Enough twittering for now. We have to be on our way soon." He turned to Hazel. "Make sure the children are well fed."
Hazel saluted Bastian. "Yes, sir." Then she laughed. "I'm sorry. I'm not used to you being so commanding. You've always been the strong, but silent man."