He held her tightly, protectively, and warmly. "You have never failed us, my wife," he whispered near her ear. "You've always done your best."
Roxanna stayed silent in his warm embrace. She rested her head against his chest, letting his arms hold her as if he would never let go.
Behind her, Luan stood close. Every now and then, he gently patted the back of her head, trying to calm her down in his own way.
"We will find a way to save Calen," Luan assured her. He then spoke in a very low voice. "I can also kidnap the leader of this tribe if you want to."
Roxanna's eyes widened. She turned her head so fast it almost hurt. "What did you just say?" she asked, nearly shouting, but she managed to keep her voice down.
Luan blinked rapidly, then turned his face away because he had just been caught suggesting something risky.
"I mean—" he said awkwardly, "I can try to convince the leader of this tribe, if you want."
