It didn't take long for word to reach Rick. By the time he appeared at the far end of the corridor, he was walking quickly, and his face lit with genuine surprise.
"Rhiannon!" he called out.
She turned toward him, and before she could say a word, he swept her up in a tight hug, lifting her clean off the floor. She laughed breathlessly, the sound muffled against his shoulder.
"Put me down, you giant," she teased, but there was affection in her voice.
Rick set her down but kept his hands on her shoulders, looking her over like he was checking for injuries. "You have no idea how good it is to see you. What brought this on? You didn't tell me you were coming, no warning, no heads-up, nothing."
She gave him the same faint smile she'd given Alia earlier. "I wanted to surprise you."
He grinned widely. "Well, you did. In the best way." He looked over at Alia, almost giddy. "We're hosting a feast tomorrow. A proper welcome home. It's been… what? Months since I've seen her?"