Lioran understood me, exactly as I was. He didn’t need for me to be different. My father said Lioran was unworthy, but looking at him, seeing his devotion, it couldn’t be true.
He ran his hands along my back. I stilled with his touch.
My heart burrowed further inside of me. I knew it fully then. I was in love with him, a hopeless love that tethered me to this moment—one that I would never forget.
“It’s not fair.” A long exhale escaped me.
“I know, I can imagine how heavily this is weighing on you.”
“It isn’t the only thing,” I said softly.
He drew in a breath that held a moment too long. His body stiffened with it.
For a moment I couldn’t speak. I was so afraid to tell him what I felt. If I said it, I couldn’t pretend it didn’t exist anymore. He sat there patiently waiting for me to speak.
He deserved to hear exactly how I felt. “My heart, it’s yours. I never expected to fall in love with you.”
“You… love me?” he asked as if he didn’t believe it—as if he wasn’t sure if he should have even asked it. It was the first time I had ever seen his confidence waver.
“Entirely. I love you, Lioran,” I whispered.
He kissed me fiercely. When he drew back from the kiss, he replied, “I wasn’t sure if that was even possible.”
I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t even stop to think how little time it took Lioran to arrive. “Lioran…”
“Yes, Aelira?”
“How did you get here so quickly?”
“I heard you.” He took hold of my hand and brushed his lips against my palm. “My chambers are next to yours.”
“Next to?”
“Your chambers are for the Lady of Lythira, the Guardian’s bonded wife.” I took in the room's opulence again, every carved detail etched into the furniture. The sprawling layout of the room—the windows overlooked the Heart—the ivy that crept in across the stone arches of the high ceilings.
My mouth opened, ready to protest, but I cleared my throat instead. “This is what you wanted Fyn to do? You were so concerned when you were barely holding on.”
“I wanted to make sure you were safe and comfortable. Having you next to me ensured both.”
The tears flowed faster as I took in his words—this space was never meant for me. “I can’t stay here. It’s for your wife. I am not your wife.”
“It doesn’t matter. I want you here.”
His arm wrapped around my waist, and he lowered me onto the bed. My body settled under his as our lips grazed. The kiss traveled through me until I felt myself pulling him closer.
He pulled back. As he sat beside me his gaze swept over me, slowly taking me in. “If I don’t stop now. I won’t be able to resist you.”
A gnawing ache stirred within me. I needed him next to me.
He lifted my palm to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss. I resisted pulling him closer.
Chapter 18
Lioran was called away to council. The castle halls twisted and turned, leading me to the garden. Perfumed air wafted on the midday breeze. I savored every sweet scent. Each time a flower grew from my magic, I remembered its fragrance like it was a part of me.
Dew drops decorated a row of pink roses. Their petals spread wide, revealing a perfect shape. My fingertips traced the edge of the bloom, craving its silky touch.
It shriveled.
