IRER 33

Chapter 33

Sharing a Bed

As night deepened, they boarded the ship under the sailor’s guidance.

Aidan’s horse, Black Ice, stamped its hooves nervously as it looked down at the dark, rippling water beneath. But once Aidan calmed it, the horse returned to its usual composed and gallant demeanor.

The vessel seemed to be a ferry that traveled back and forth across the sea inlet, running north to south.

There were other passengers besides Aidan and Brody. Judging by their solemn robes, most appeared to be priests or pilgrims.

“These days, the numbers have dropped considerably,” said a seasoned sailor guiding them inside the ship. “Ever since the North and the Empire split apart. The North seems to be showing a moderate attitude toward the central region it’s occupied, but no one knows what could happen. So, everyone’s waiting and watching.”

Aidan and Brody nodded at his explanation.

The sailor led them to one of the cabins arranged in a row, about half a floor down from the deck.

“You’ll be staying here,” he said.

To avoid drawing attention, they’d decided to continue pretending to be a married couple for the time being. As a result, the sailor didn’t suspect anything and gave them one room to share.

The ferry, only on a two-night, three-day route, had accommodations that were compact and efficient. A narrow bunk bed, a fold-out table, a washbasin with a water bucket, and a small window on the wall made up the humble space.

“As long as you’re careful with fire, there aren’t any restrictions. You’re free to roam. I’ve told the kitchen, so you’ll be served whatever meals you requested at any time… Hmm, what else. Ah, do mind the noise. Sometimes when newlyweds are aboard, we get complaints from the neighboring rooms…”

‘Newlyweds…’

Newlyweds and noise. Aidan flushed at the implication, while Brody furrowed her brow.

Had the sailor even glanced at them with a suggestive smile, they’d have been more annoyed. But—

“Well, that should be it, then,” the sailor said matter-of-factly and left the room.

The awkwardness remained with the two of them.

“Hmm, hm-hmm.”
Aidan cleared his throat unnecessarily and helped Brody settle onto the bed.

As the bed creaked beneath her, the damp scent of wood wafted up. Aidan carefully avoided bumping his head on the low ceiling as he moved to the upper bunk, which looked uncomfortably small for his large frame.

Even one person his size seemed to fill the entire room.

After unpacking, Aidan arranged the bedding so Brody could rest comfortably.

Soon, a horn blew and the ship gave a gentle lurch.

“We must be departing.”

Aidan narrowed his eyes and looked out the small window. The scenery slowly began to shift.

“Wow, can I go take a look outside?”

“You must be tired. Why not rest?”

“But this is my first time on a ship. I want to see.”

Aidan didn’t insist. He silently nodded and helped Brody to her feet.

They headed up to the deck.

At the front side of the ship, a few people had gathered to watch the departure. Aidan and Brody found an open spot.

The ship moved forward, the wind sweeping across the deck.

The breeze was cold but not harsh, carrying the salty moisture of the sea. It tousled Brody’s hair.

Aidan pulled her robe tightly around her and stood behind her, arms resting on the railing, gently enclosing her.

They’d spent nearly every day together recently, but the scent of Brody—blended with the sea breeze—felt fresh and enticing to Aidan.

Rather than the vast ocean, he focused on the feel of her hair brushing against his cheek and cherished the moment.

The darkening landscape revealed faint outlines under the starlight.

Low, thick ridges stretched like resting dinosaurs, and lights flickered in the distance from the port.

Black masses of water rose sluggishly, crashing against the ship and breaking into white foam.

Though this was a calm and small sea surrounded by bays, the ship still felt like a speck floating in a massive basin.

Its steady movement gave Brody an unexpected sense of relief—her heart felt strangely unburdened.

But the view soon grew repetitive.

As waves and starlight became familiar, Brody let out a small yawn.

“Shall we head back?”

“Yes.”

Naturally, Brody raised her arms, and Aidan smiled inwardly as he lifted her into his arms.

Some passengers glanced at them, surprised by the affectionate gesture, but it was just the reaction to a lovey-dovey couple—nothing more.

The ship rocked, but it was much better than being on horseback.

Brody was pleased to finally be lying somewhere enclosed by walls and a roof.

But her mood quickly shifted when Aidan began squeezing himself into the lower bunk.

“You’re sleeping there?”

“Hmm, maybe that is a bit cramped…”

Scratching his neck, Aidan began laying out a sleeping bag on the floor.

“You’re sleeping there?”

That surprised Brody even more.

“Is the upper bunk uncomfortable? If you help me up, I’ll sleep quietly up there.”

“No, it’s not that. In case of an emergency, I don’t want to be out of reach.”

He seemed concerned about a spell being cast on her.

Brody tilted her head.
“But… we’re on a ship. Could someone still track us?”

“Accidents happen in an instant. I don’t want to have regrets over another mistake.”

“…”

He wanted to eliminate even the slightest chance of danger.

But still, sleeping on the floor? That made Brody feel uneasy.

“It’s fine. I’ve slept outdoors plenty. This is nothing.”

He said that blandly and turned off the cabin light.

A deep bluish darkness filled the room.

Then came the sound of waves—rhythmic, melodic, and strangely soothing in the silence. Along with the ship’s gentle sway, it felt like a lullaby.

Brody blinked in the darkness, unable to sleep despite her fatigue.

Eventually, she opened her mouth.

“Your Highness, are you asleep?”

“…Not yet.”

His low voice vibrated through the cabin, strangely comforting.

Brody sighed softly and said,
“Would you… like to come up here?”

“…No. Don’t worry about me.”

Just as she expected. She didn’t hesitate to say the next line.

“It’s just that… it’s cold.”

“You’re cold?”

“…”

Without a second thought, Aidan sat up.

He reacted before he even realized it.

Trying not to embarrass him, Brody scooted closer to the wall with an awkward smile.

Aidan, slightly flustered by his own impulsiveness, slowly climbed into the bed.

The bed was clearly too narrow for both of them.

Eventually, Brody ended up half-lying on top of Aidan.

Her face rested against his chest and shoulder. She could hear his calm breathing, feel his strong pulse.

She was surprised by how familiar it felt.

Then it hit her—over the past few weeks, they’d barely been apart.

And not just as travel companions. Aidan’s solid presence had always been right beside her.

His warmth was familiar. It wrapped around her body comfortably.

She began to question herself.

Was what she felt really just discomfort at him sleeping on the floor?

Wasn’t it more like… a sense of emptiness from a bed without his warmth?

Brody sensed danger.

Three years from now, she was supposed to stand on her own.

But if she got too used to this…

Was it because she was feeling better physically? Or because she was finally relaxed?

That night came to mind.

The passionate night in the South she’d spent with Aidan.

She’d forgotten it in the chaos of fleeing ever since, but now realized they’d been inseparably close the entire time.

“…”

Mmm… mm… Now that she thought of it, she could feel Aidan’s body again—its warmth, its tenderness… and his heartbeat, pounding so fiercely.

Suddenly flustered by the heat rising inside her, Brody squirmed, trying to find a more restful position.

Aidan asked,
“Can’t sleep?”

“…A little.”

Truthfully, he’d also been awake, aware of her restlessness.

The desire he’d suppressed for so long—ever since worrying over her health—was stirring again.

Strangely, Brody’s heartbeat seemed to be racing too.

‘Just a little… Just a little closer—would that be too much?’

It was foolish, but he felt elated.

Whatever the reason—cold or concern—she had invited him.

‘That’s a good sign… isn’t it?’

She had said to protect her for three years. But didn’t that mean she needed him?

If the issue wasn’t resolved, it might take longer than three years.

It might be cowardly, but right now, Aidan held the key. And if there was one thing he wouldn’t give up—it was her.

If they kept living like a couple… she might one day choose him over her freedom.

Aidan gently stroked her cheek.

Brody looked up at him with a puzzled expression.

Then he raised her gently, their faces close—his breath brushed against her skin.

“May I kiss you?”

“…”

He didn’t wait long. Catching her moment of hesitation, Aidan pressed his lips to hers.

Brody’s thoughts blanked from the sudden intensity.

It was too tempting.

Hadn’t she already felt how devoted and kind and strong Aidan had been?

And the same man, who’d been so restrained when she was unwell, now kissed her with desperate hunger whenever a small opening appeared.

What woman wouldn’t waver at that?

A dangerous thought crept in…

Maybe… Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to just give in. To become his wife.

“Mm…”

Brody moaned softly, breath entwined with his.

Embarrassed by her own sound, she pulled away with a flushed face.

“Th-the sailor said we should be careful with the noise. Something about… newlyweds and the neighbors…”

“I’ll be quiet.”

“…!”

No, I’m the one who can’t stay quiet!

This couldn’t go on. Brody felt she wouldn’t be able to stop herself.

Grabbing the last bit of cold reason, she forced herself to snap back.

“Brody, please…”

But Aidan clasped her hand, intertwining their fingers, and gently kissed the back of it, letting his warmth spread.

He wanted to hold her. After all the times she’d nearly died, he’d longed to embrace her and feel she was truly alive.

To breathe her in, feel her heartbeat merge with his—that was how he confirmed she was truly there.

The moment he let go of reason, the desire he’d suppressed surged uncontrollably.

Starting with the back of her hand, Aidan pressed kisses up her arm.

Then, as she began to moan again, he silenced her lips with his own.