He slipped into sleep, and she lay there for a little longer, watching his face before sleep claimed her too. That set the tone for the next week — spending idle time together simply relaxing. It was hard for Summer at first; she was so used to days being filled from sunup to sundown and after.
It grew easier after the two of them spent some time with the Prince and Princess, as well. The Hale siblings, at least, seemed to understand her unwillingness to be entirely idle, and Cora accepted her as a lady-in-waiting. It meant she had other protectors besides Isaac, should anything happen, and small though meaningful duties to occupy some of her time, and constituted a sort of official sanction of her relationship with Isaac.
It shut Rafael up as well.
By the end of the week, their lives had settled into an easy rhythm. Summer would rise in the morning to attend Cora while Isaac practised with the other knights. After the noon meal, they might go walking together, or riding, or Isaac might come and read to the ladies while they spun and sewed. One glorious afternoon was given over to an outing for the entire court, ostensibly to gather late berries.
Isaac and Summer snuck off that day with a blanket.
Isaac had never felt so relaxed and content, and he knew that he had Derek’s influence to thank for the impromptu vacation. It allowed him ample time and opportunity to learn everything he could about his beloved, quickly memorising her quirks and preferences, determined to make her as happy as he was able, to never break his mental promise to protect, love, and cherish her.
He was thankful that Cora intervened on occasion, however, allowing him time to continue his other duties, to train with Derek and to visit the locals, many of whom seemed eager to congratulate him on his victory.
And on this perfect afternoon, he rode on Buttons with Summer nestled in his arms, his lips on her neck as he smiled against her skin. The warm sun was beating down on their backs, the wind whipping through his hair as he tightened his hold around Summer’s waist.
She leaned back against him and laughed a little. “You’re planning something, aren’t you?” Summer asked, tipping her head back enough to look at him over her shoulder. They had split off from the rest of the party a few minutes before, and Derek had only raised an eyebrow as he watched them go.