Hearing his words, knowing his destiny—it shattered me.
He pulled me closer to him, his breath caressing my skin. It ignited something deep within me that I struggled to control.
“Aelira?”
“I just didn’t expect...” I breathed through the uncertainty. “In Bailoc there are only arrangements and future promises. They were all made for me. No one ever asked me what I wanted.”
“What do you want?”
A soft, but twitching, smile spread over his lips. When he asked me, I knew it still wasn’t my choice.
Fate—the stars—whoever was responsible, led me here.My heart was already his. Even if I wanted to take it back, I couldn’t.
“You can tell me. I want to know what you want.”
“To be with you,” I said.
It was too late to choose anything else.
My heart would break now if I walked away or later when the king and queen decided I couldn’t be with him any longer. I pressed my lips into his, to steal a moment I couldn’t keep.
Chapter 17
“Is Pyrran gone?” Cora handed us crystal glasses filled with wine.
“He couldn’t have left soon enough,” Lioran muttered through a strained jaw.
“Thank the stars I don’t have any brothers.” Fyn chuckled before gulping down more of his wine.
“What happened?” Cora nestled into the cushions in the corner of her cabin. Her hand patted the cushion beside her.
Lioran massaged his temples. His eyes darted to mine, seeking my approval before he began. We had already discussed it, agreed to tell them both—I nodded, feeling the weight of our decision settle.
“Pyrran found us in the woods earlier…alone together.” Lioran shifted his weight. I gripped the stem of the goblet.
“Finally.” Fyn jolted his wineglass down on the table. The crimson liquid splashed to the brim. Cora shot him a glare that could have shattered the glass.
“Finally?” Lioran’s laugh echoed.
“You both tried to deny it for far too long. I even tried todelicately bring it up, but neither of you wanted to admit it. Pyrran observing it is obviously most unfortunate.”
“That was you delicately bringing it up?” I bit my lip.
“I thought you were only prodding me.” Lioran glared at Fyn.
Fyn shrugged as he gave me a knowing look. “It turns out she’s just as stubborn as you are.”
“Pyrran won’t just let this go,” Cora interrupted.
Lioran shifted slightly in his seat. He slid his hand over mine. “He won’t. We will have to face what’s coming together.”
The warmth of his touch ran through me. I thought he would tell them about Thalen, but Lioran only brought the cup to his lips.
“I’ll get us more wine.” Cora stood, clutching her glass.
I rose to follow her. Fyn and Lioran’s words faded as we entered the kitchen.
“Are you upset?” I asked. She reached an unsteady hand for the wine bottle to refill her own glass and then hesitated before pouring more liquid into mine. “I know you and Lioran once…” My voice trailed off as I struggled to say more.
