Chapter 10 - The Dawn at the Port
Six months later.
The estate above the harbor no longer smelled of cold polish and old grief.
The high oak walls of the long gallery had been restored with warm cedar and pale pine that let in the smell of blooming jasmine from the terraced gardens below. The dark velvet drapes had been removed, replaced with thin white linen that danced in the warm summer breeze blowing off the water.
In the center of the lawn, a ten-year-old boy was running with a wooden sword, his dark hair flying in the wind as he chased a massive, six-legged shape through the rosebushes.
"Faster, Vuk! He's escaping to the north tower!" Luka yelled, his cheeks bright red, his chest broad and healthy as he let out a clear, ringing laugh.
The dog let out a sharp, happy bark, his scarred tail wagging like a whip as he bounded over a stone bench, effortlessly keeping pace with the boy. The white seam of scar on the animal's jaw was still there, but his golden eyes were bright, clear, and completely free of fear.
On the high stone patio above, Vesna sat in a low wicker armchair, a tray of cold lemonade and sweet pastries on the table beside her. She wore a simple gown of pale yellow cotton, her dark hair pinned back with a gold comb that Saurin had bought her from a northern merchant three weeks ago.
Her hand rested softly against her waist, where her dress was just beginning to show the gentle, curved swell of new life.
Saurin walked out onto the terrace behind her.
He wore no heavy velvet coats or wool cloaks today—just a soft linen shirt open at the throat and dark trousers. He walked up behind her chair, leaning down to rest his chin on her shoulder, his big, warm hand covering hers where it rested on her stomach.
"He's going to ruin those boots before noon," Saurin murmured into her neck, watching Luka roll through the grass with the dog.
"They are just boots, Saurin," Vesna smiled, leaning her head back against his chest. "Leather can be replaced. Laughs cannot."
Saurin smiled—a real, open smile that transformed his hard, scarred face into something breathtakingly handsome. He kissed the soft skin behind her ear, his thumb gently rubbing the fabric over their unborn child.
"The harbor master sent the morning reports," Saurin said softly. "The northern trade routes are clear. The new hospital in the Dovat Quarter opens on Tuesday."
"And the name?" Vesna asked, turning her head to look up at him.
"The Radu Vosa Memorial Clinic," Saurin said, his gray eyes turning soft as he looked out over the sparkling blue water of the harbor. "Just as you wished."
Vesna reached up, her fingers gently tracing the hard line of his jawline, pulling his head down until his lips met hers in a quiet, sweet kiss that smelled of morning sea air and honey.
May you like
Below them, Luka shouted with glee as Vuk managed to steal his wooden sword, trotting proudly toward the patio with his head held high, looking up at the man and woman standing together in the sun.
The house above the harbor had finally stopped being a prison. It had become a home.
