On the thyme-scented, bird-hatching morning in early spring the next day, Amarisa came to my chamber. She looked relieved to see me again.
"I thought Mother Jayara would not let you return," she said as she held me. "I heard from the palace maids that she took you to our sacred temple. I thought she was going to ask the gods to take you away from me."
I laughed and stroked her hair then kissed her bare shoulder.
"You worried over nothing," I said. "We were just talking about the war."
"And that was all?" she said. "Did she say something about telling my parents of us?"
"No, our secret is safe with her," I told the princess then pulled away to look at her. "She knew of our special bond and is not against it. You can stop worrying now."
"Good lord, I'm so relieved," she said. I smiled back.