As much as I want to wake Alex and make him come with me, I decide against it. He’s been suffering enough with my nightly shenanigans. He could use the rest.
I throw on a light tunic and lace up my shoes before making my way to the gardens to work off some of the pent-up energy from sleeping next to my tempting wife.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
RAELYN
The sun is calling to me. Bright light fills our wing, and I’m delighted at the idea of a stroll in the gardens. After days of overcast weather, it’s about time the sun shows itself.
As I struggle to fight the tangles in my hair, I regret telling Sera to take the morning off. Oh well, I’ll manage.
Unbidden, my thoughts drift to Kian and his secret.Heis the one protecting and trying to help his people. Anger at being left in the dark by another man in my life threatens to overwhelm the pride I also feel for him. As dangerous as it is, proven by the injuries and multitude of scars, he’s making a difference.Heshould be next in line for the throne. With his father and brother doing nothing, he’s the only hope our kingdom has.
Though . . . that would mean I’d be queen. I shudder. No. I have no desire for that, but unfortunately, I’m stuck with him until death parts us, and I only have myself to blame for that one.
Am I willing to forgive the lies? The secrets? I really want to . . . but my heart aches painfully at the betrayal. One step at atime. One day at a time. Our agreement never said I had to love him . . . but then why does it hurt so much?
I dress and grab a pastry from the table before heading out. The tonic has fully left my system, and my morning walks have given me a fresh take on life. I’ve never felt this strong or healthy, and it makes me angry all over again that my father kept this from me out of some misguided notion of protection. What else did he do?
I come alive the minute I step into the sunlight, its warmth caressing me from my head to my toes. While it’s only been a few days, when I look down at my skin, it’s no longer pale; there are freckles dotting my arms, and I know there are some on my cheeks and nose.
My eyes close, and I tilt my head toward the sun as I take a few steps on the path, until I collide with a solid figure.
“Oh, shit!” a male voice exclaims.
My eyes fly open, and I step back, trying to right myself, only to be steadied by the tall man in front of me. “Thank you,” I breathe.
“Gods, you shouldn’t be thanking me,” the man jokes. “I’m the one who nearly took you out!”
“Well, to be fair, I was walking with my eyes closed.” I crinkle my nose and frown.
The man laughs, and it’s almost familiar. I take in his tall, lanky stature and friendly smile. His blue eyes shine with mirth as he brushes a dark curl away from his face. “As much as I appreciate you taking some of the blame, it was I who walked into you.”
I smile and tilt my head. “Have we met?” I ask. “I almost feel as if I should know you.”
“My father has business with yours; I’ve probably seen you around your manor. Regardless, Lord Havordshire, at your service, but my friends call me Dylan.”
“My friends call me Raelyn,” I reply with a smile.
His eyes light up, and he holds out an arm. “Would you like to stroll with me, Raelyn?”
I pause. Is this appropriate? I’m a married woman. What would happen if I were seen walking with a man who wasn’t my husband?
He notes my hesitation, and his eyes immediately fall on the extravagant ring on my right finger and the faint bonding mark on my arm. “My apologies, lady. I didn’t realize you were bound. Who’s the lucky lord?”
“Prince Kian, actually,” I say with a blush.
“Princess!” Dylan’s brows arch up in surprise, and he gives a stiff bow. “Once again, I am so sorry.”
I force a laugh, looking around the garden. “I’m afraid I’m not used to this yet . . . Please don’t get all formal on me now.”
Dylan’s shoulders relax, and he runs a hand through his hair. “I do apologize. I feel as if I’ve entirely mucked up this encounter. I just got back to court after an extended absence. The prince’s bonding was one of the first things I heard about, but I hadn’t heard your name. Please forgive me for being so forward.”
I wrap my arms around myself, a slight prickle of unease telling me to be cautious. “I’m fairly new here at court too.” I offer him a shy smile. “I hardly ever left my manor, and being here is a bit overwhelming.”
Dylan nods. “I believe that. I’m surprised the prince isn’t out here escorting you around the gardens himself.”
I shrug. “He’s very busy.”
