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“Uh, I don’t really have much use for a dress that fancy in the woods,” I said in shock.
Chuckling, he shook his head. “Ah, but I have a feeling that you’re going to be invited to many events in the future that will require a dress just like this.”
“What?” Why would I be invited to events that required formal attire?
“I also got you shoes and a few extra items that drew my attention,” he said and tilted the other bag so I could see the shoe boxes and a few jewelry boxes.
“While I appreciate the gesture, I’m not really sure I can, or should, accept all this.” Sure, he was a prince, but why was he giving me all of this?
He turned, leaned his butt against the table, and rested his hands against the table. “What are you going to do once we fix the hybrid bigotry issue here?” he asked and tilted his head slightly. “With no more patients to treat, what are you going to do with your time?”
I hadn’t really thought about that. If they truly rooted out the problem here, there wouldn’t be injured hybrids dropped off at my doorstep anymore. I wouldn’t have much to do.
“Um, well, I, uh … don’t know. I guess I’ll have to take up a new hobby, like knitting?”
He laughed and shook his head. “No, I think you would quickly grow too bored for that. You are like me.”
“Like you?” I asked. “Your Highness, that’s an incredibly high compliment that I cannot accept.”
He straightened and took a step closer to me. “You are, Ember. You are caring, powerful, and want to change the world for the better. You just haven’t had the platform or ability to do much of that, but you still tried with what you could.” Reaching forward, he twirled his finger around some of my still wet hair. “When I felt your magic with that man’s, the one who possessed you, I lost the control I pride myself on. I’m not certain what it is, but I think there’s a connection between us. One I would like to explore while also moving us closer to our shared goal.”
As much as I wanted to deny it, when he was near me, I did feel a pull, much like I did with Riddick. And what idiot wouldn’t want to explore a relationship with a prince?
“How do we do that?” I asked breathlessly.
“I’d like you to join my operation to rescue hybrids, destroy those trying to kill us, and spread stories of hope to hybrids still in hiding.”
It was exactly what I wanted to do, but there was also a painful part of me that I was worried about. “I don’t know what will happen if I face my parents.”
He nodded, scowling. “I understand that and with Riddick and I at your back, we will ensure you have whatever support you need should that day come to pass.”
“You’re serious?” I realized. “You really want me to join you.”
He smiled and it was brilliant, like the sunlight on your face after the rainy season. “Yes, I am very serious. I want to pursue what could be between us while simultaneously continuing my ultimate goal of racial equality.”
Whoa.
“What about the other hybrids … Triston, Percival?—”
He smiled wider. “I’ve already offered all of them the option to join our campaign.”
“What did they say?” I asked.
He tapped the tip of my nose. “That’s confidential at the moment. I need your response first, beautiful. What do you say? Interested in dating a prince? And yes, I am open to discussing a relationship like my parents have. It works very well for them and it is obvious you have feelings for a few of the others.”
My eyes nearly bulged out of my head. What was even my life right now?
“What if things don’t work out between us?” I asked. One always needed a backup plan after all.
His smile turned into a smirk, but he quickly smoothed it out into a serious expression. “If things don’t work out, I’d still want your help on my quest. I’d still want you as part of our team.”
Why was I hesitating? Oh, right, because I was scared, terrified of change. Of stepping outside of my current comfort zone.
However, the recent events with the Council had shown me that even in your safe haven, others could come and force you out of that comfort zone. Part of me wondered if this was truly happening or if I was dreaming, but a quick pinch confirmed I was awake.
“I accept your proposal,” I said.
His eyes and smile lit up until I felt like I should shield my eyes from the brilliance. Leaning forward, he pressed his lips to mine in a light, chaste kiss that still made me breathless. “Wonderful! We’re going to meet downstairs for dinner in ten minutes. I understand you were hesitant to accept my gifts, but now that you have, would you do me the honor of wearing this?” He took out one of the jewelry boxes and opened it, showing me a cute silver link bracelet with a small, puffed heart charm. Removing it from the box, he clipped it to my wrist.
