I finally peeked up at him. His face and expression were completely open as I met those pale eyes. “I asked to come with you,” he said. “I begged the queen to be allowed to join this mission. And yes, I would have stepped aside if you didn’t... want me around, but the reason I’m here, Sparrow—it’s not because of the Fateless, or the Deathless queen, or the Loom of Maederyss.”
One arm rose, his palm gently pressing against my cheek. “It’s because I met a thief in Kovass, and my world completelychanged,” he murmured. “I know the Fateless is important. I know finding the Loom of Maederyss and stopping the Deathless King has to come first. I will do everything in my power to make sure you reach the World Scar. And if I’m still alive, I will be at your side when you face the Deathless King. But I’m not here for the Fateless.” His thumb stroked my cheek, sending shivers racing through my entire body. “I’m here for Sparrow.Sheis the one I want to protect.”
My vision blurred. And for just a moment, everything I was afraid of, all my fears and worries and distrust, dissolved in the quiet intensity of his gaze. Leaning forward, I kissed him, hearing his quiet intake of breath as our lips met. Once more, Raithe had saved my life. Without hesitation, he had put himself between me and the things that wanted to kill us. Past grudges and worries that he hadn’t been entirely truthful seemed trivial now. He was still the servant of a Deathless queen, and the day when he might have to make a terrible choice still loomed, but right now, at this moment, it didn’t seem to matter. Not when compared to theotherconcern, hovering over my head like a black cloud.
I will protect him. I will not let his fate come for him.
Raithe’s hand slid into my hair, gentle fingers cradling my head. He didn’t press forward, didn’t pull me to him, keeping his body very still against the rock. Letting me decide how far we would go. But his kisses were earnest, almost fervent, and I could taste the relief on his lips. I could feel it inside me, as well, pulsing through my body, easing the terrible weight that had been crushing my heart. I couldn’t forget what he was, but for this momentat least, this wasn’t a kahjai or an assassin or the servant of a Deathless queen. This was just Raithe.
He let out a soft sigh as we drew back slightly, our foreheads still pressed together. His eyes were closed, and I could feel his heart racing beneath my palm. “Are we all right, Sparrow?” he murmured, his voice just a breath between us. His eyes opened, pale blue and solemn, gazing into mine. “Am I forgiven?”
I blinked moisture from my eyes and nodded, and he relaxed. One hand rose and pressed to my cheek once more. “No more secrets,” he said, holding my gaze. “I promise, Sparrow. Anything you want to know, just ask. I won’t keep anything from you, ever again.”
I shook my head. “I know your people have their secrets, Raithe,” I whispered. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
“I’m not.” He brushed a strand of hair from my eyes. “Ask me something,” he said, a gentle challenge. “Anything you want.”
My heart stuttered. There were so many things I wanted answers to. About the queen, the kahjai code, the fate hanging over his head. Did Raithe know he was fated to die? Why had he kissed me that first night in Damassi if the kahjai code forbade attachments? And if the queen forced him to choose between obeying her and hurting us, what would he ultimately decide?
All these thoughts rushed through my head in a heartbeat. But when I opened my mouth, the question that came out was something else entirely.
“Who was that kahjai from the tavern in Irrikah?”
Raithe blinked. For a moment, he looked surprised before an amused smile crossed his lips. “Of all the questions you could ask,” he chuckled, as my cheeks flamed. I started to pull away, but his fingertips brushed my face, stopping me. “Kynessa is a fellow kahjai, Sparrow,” he said softly. “I’m assuming you meanther, and not Branyl, who was also at the tavern that night. When I became kahjai and joined the Order, Kynessa took me under her wing and mentored me because I had no one else. She’s always been sort of an older sister. If a little overprotective.”
“Oh,” I breathed. “Then, you and Kynessa...?”
He shook his head. “There’s only one person I’ve ever been interested in,” he murmured, running his fingers through my hair. “I want to try again, with no secrets this time. You know what I am and who I serve. I hope...” His brow furrowed, and he dropped his gaze. “I hope you can look past the Deathless queen’s assassin and just see the iylvahn who is crazy for you.”
My throat was tight. I swallowed hard to find my voice. “I’m sorry too, Raithe,” I whispered, feeling his solemn gaze on me. “I should have trusted you more than I did. I hope you can be patient with me while I figure this whole thing out.”
“I’ve waited for you my whole life.” Raithe’s voice was so soft I barely caught it. “I can be patient awhile longer. Although...” He hesitated, and for a moment, the skilled, deadly queen’s assassin seemed almost shy. “Does ‘figuring it out’ mean that you’re not going to kiss me again?”
I almost laughed, feeling the weight in my chest ease. For this single moment in time, everything was back to normal.Back to the easy way things had been between us. “Do you want it to?” I asked.
“Not really, no.”
“What do you want, then, Raithe?” I leaned back. “Tell me. Let’s hear it.”
He raised a brow, one corner of his mouth curling up. “You’re going to make a wounded man beg?” he asked, though his tone was teasing, too.
“You said you would be honest with me.”
“I did.” He sighed, though the faint smile remained. “Kiss me, then, Fateless,” he whispered. “Before I lose any more of my dignity.”
I smiled, leaned down, and pressed my lips to his, letting him draw me close. There were no more questions, and this time, the kiss lasted for several long moments, while my heart threatened to beat its way out of my chest.
A thump outside caused us both to still.
Drawing back from each other, we listened as heavy footsteps came up the path. I held my breath and saw Raithe’s hand drift to his sword hilt, as we waited to see if the sudden arrival was a statue... or something else.
“Wait, there’s Ratuk,” came Halek’s familiar voice, and I slumped in relief. “Sparrow?” he called, voice rising in volume. “Raithe? Are you here?”
“Fatechaser, shush,” hissed Kysa’s voice. “Do you want to attract more statues?”
“Oh, right! Sorry.”
I rose and went outside. The imposing bulk of Rhyne wascoming up the path, Kysa and Halek perched on his back. Halek spotted me and leaped off the rock beetle. I threw my arms around him as he embraced me in a fierce hug and spun us in a circle.
