75. The House of Em. *

He kept to his words and we only stopped a short time to feed and let the horses rest.

" Dad can we ride them? "

" Maybe later.. they have to sleep too princess. Tonight we gonna keep riding slowly while you and mom sleeps. " - he was resting his head on hers answering her questions.

" You're not going to sleep? "

" No..if I sleep the horses sleep.The horses sleep then the bears come.."

She was munching on some grapes. " But, they just want the honey.."

" Well actually..." - he decided against explaining what the bears actually came for. " They sure do love their honey princess..Lylly? What's the matter? "

I shook my head and looked somewhere else and stopped scanning his face. Even my daughter making funny eyes at me.

" Nothing, I'm just worried about you. Will you be okay ? Riding for so long. "

He nodded gently and rested his head back on Anna's.

I sighed ..because I couldn't do anything. I guess.. I could drive but..he would never let me be up and alone at night.

Fine once we arrived he will sleep at Carlos house. I was also in a limbo figuring him out.

Night fallen like an ambush and the road was quiet and dark. We passed the camp we always used and just like last time, it was empty as well.

Anna was long asleep but, I stayed awake felt drowsy and kept closing my eyes my head felt heavy.

" My love I'm okay. Please just go to sleep. " - he caught me half asleep and had enough. " You'll see morning arrives and I'm here smirking like I always do."

I climbed closer and let his lips reach back for mine. I allowed some time to pass. I missed him, even this close. I wanted to keep him company but, I was exhausted as well.

" Don't push it Zephyr. Wake me, if you want to sleep. " - I was hesitant letting him go.

" I will..now go. Let me watch over you two. Sleep well love."

I laid down and pulled the comfortable blanket around me and Anna and watched his back, listening to the sound the horses made and night life, I was sleeping before I knew it.

---

I woke with the sun shining on me and the slowly moving sound of must been bone tired horses.

Anna steady breathing synchronized well with the songbirds.

I looked at the driving seat.. there he was just as he said.

He noticed my movements and turned with a smile. His eyes had some slight fatigue in them but he looked ready like always.

I climbed up next to him and pulled myself closer.

" How were your dreams my bride..? " - his voice was a little hoarse from not using it.

" Lonely..but peaceful. Thank you for looking after us."

He just put his arm around me and even tired let me rest on him.

I closed my eyes and enjoyed the sounds of nature. For second I thought this is must be like those travel performers almost everyday.

Living on the road with their families.

" Look at that.. "

I opened my eyes, and in the far there it was.

I saw the walls of the city. Finally he can sleep. I kissed him gently.

" I wake Anna and make some food for you."

" ..sure. Sounds like the perfect adventure my love. Yum.." - he gave me a playful smile.

" Jerk..I can't ruin bread and butter. "

" Of course not..but just in case why not just let me spread ..hahaha. Yes..okay you do it. "

I bit his neck lightly and kissed it until my teeth marks disappeared. We were about twenty minutes out maybe.

Anna wanted to drive instead of food.

So I ended up feeding some buttery bread and an apple to him. We arrived at the end of the slowly moving line. Soon it was our turn.

" Business? Names?"

" Shopping. Zephyr Astoria and his family. "

The sleepy guard needed a second to take a better look and notice some blue under that hat. The name, the hair..3..2..1.

" My Lord! Welcome back. Of course.." - he bowed politely towards him and pointed to the gate. " Please go on in and enjoy your stay. My Lady Astoria.. "

He let us through seeing me and Anna he bowed towards us, and then we galloped through without paying anything.

I looked at my ring..my greatest treasure. Soon that name will be mine. Closer everyday.

It took us another fifteen minute, to get to a large gate with two guards protecting the entrance. They wore different colours than the city's colourful ones.

White and gold made them stand out all the same as the rainbow idiots but, also gave an intimidating presence to them.

My Zephyr finally took off that ridiculous hat and, I saw his hair pushed down the edges arching up like a trees canopy.

It made us bursts out in laughter. He smiled and played with his hair, but gave up soon.

" Master Zephyr ! Welcome back.." - the guards gave him a warm smile then noticed our floating heads peeking out. " My lady.. Ohh and this little one must be your daughter, master! Hello hello..Welcome once again. Lord Em is waiting for you with the Lady Yelena."

" Thanks boys. "

We rode through and saw an incredibly large home. All made of stone. There were servants and luxury, I never saw before everywhere. The house banners were the same colours as the guards white plain with gold lining all around its edges.

I looked at the exhausted face of his and couldn't believe he turned this luxury down for our village where he worked more, than some actual slaves.

We got off and took off some of our bags with the clothes we brought.

Some young boy looked a little younger than Lucian took our wagon and we saw Carlos walking towards us with a young black haired women slightly older than him. Maybe even mom age? It was hard to tell...

Before they could reach us Ciren came running and jumped on Zephyr the same way she did on her brother, the first time I saw her.

Anna narrowed her eyes but, did nothing showing exceptional restraint.

" Big brother, you came. You stay for a little yes? "

" Master Ciren. Thank you for this warm welcome. And yes we will stay for tonight. " - he looked just as happy as the little girl.

Carlos and his wife arrived smiling warmly at us.

" Zeph, Lylly, little princess Ilianna..you're here. Ciren don't be rude and say hello to everyone.."

She didn't seemd like someone ready get down and just waived to us politely enjoying the view.

Carlos sighed but, the women next to him cleared her throat to gain his attention.

" Yes..right. Zep, lady Lylly..this my wife ."

She bowed politely and spoken softly and full of grace.

" I've been wanting to meet the person, my Carlos told me so much about. Yelena Anola Em, at your service."

" Nice to meet you, my name is Zephyr this is my fiancee Lylly and our daughter Ilianna. Thank you for having us."

Carlos was ready to go almost skipping.

" Come settle in Zeph. I let the chef go mad, with inspiration."

He looked at him annoyed ..Ciren smiling into his shoulder still clinging to him.

He nodded with worried expression.

" Can't wait.."

He looked at me and I figured his chefs might have caused some bad memories for him.