235 The Drums Still Beat 

~ TARKYN ~

He'd fallen back asleep, then woken sheepish and befuddled.

He couldn't remember a single day of his career that he'd stayed in bed and gone back to sleep when he knew there were tasks waiting for him. And yet, he was drugged.

Even when he woke and realized the sun was growing bright outside, still he held Harth for a good deal longer, kissing her and murmuring all of the things he'd like to do to her.

She laughed and touched his face and gave him such a wicked smile, he almost made good on his word.

But he was late.

Or at least… remiss.

He needed to check the Tree City, be certain there'd been no violence overnight, no conflicts. And then hurry to the neutral ground where many had stayed and mingled the night before.

Peace reigned—for now—but it was tenuous. Tarkyn needed to see Zev, to see if the male had bristled or softened overnight since their chat.

And he needed to check in with Elreth as well.