WINTER
A week passed and in that time Valtor was rarely at the castle. Which was a blessing because whenever he was away, the pull I felt toward him dulled and at least it didn’t torment me so much. I had abandoned whatever hope I might have carried for this bond after Loran’s explanation that day.
I remember Loran also said Valtor already had a mate, and a Rogue who had once claimed a mate would never take another.
“If you’re bored here you can always wander around, just make sure not too far from the castle,” Loran suggested as we were dining together. “There’s an apple grove not far from here and a hot spring with a waterfall."
“I’ve seen the waterfall before, I’m allowed to go there?”
“Of course. The maids often bathe there after their work, it’s free for anyone to enjoy.”
The th
