Richard’s POV
The sky is still purple when I nudge Emma awake with my nose against her neck.
“Up, little mate,” I rumble. “Training yard. Five minutes.”
She groans, burrowing deeper into the pillow. “It’s cold. And dark. And you’re warm.”
I nip her ear. “You’re the one who wanted to learn to protect yourself. Lesson one starts now.”
Three minutes later, she’s stumbling after me in leggings and one of my hoodies that hangs to her thighs, hair in a messy bun, eyes squinting against the lanterns. The yard is empty except for frost on the mats and the faint scent of pine from last night’s patrols.
I stop in the corner, crook a finger. “Come here.”
She pads over, shivering. I pull her against my chest, warming her for a second, then spin her so her back is to me, arms locking around
