He was telling the truth. I knew it then, but the damage had already been done. I sobbed. With a heavy exhale he paused. His glare faded as he wrapped his arms around me.
“I’m sorry,” he said before I could utter the apology I owed him. “I never thought you would question my love for you—that anyone else could get to you.” His breathing was rapid. “Why would you tell him about your magic? What else have you shared with him?”
“I thought you had. He knew so much about me from the day I met him.” My fingers ran through my hair. “If you didn’t tell him, who did?”
“I never thought anyone would love me for who I am. My father told me to hold my tongue. He condemned me for every pointed word I uttered. I spent all my years being the disappointment he tried to hide.”
His eyes softened as they met mine.
“My father and brother both feared that I would be so unlikable that Thalen would refuse to marry me. My brother told me to…” I couldn’t utter the words.
“To what?” His voice dropped.
I shook my head. “To tempt him…so he wouldn’t refuse me.” Agan’s words caught in my mouth. The memory of it sickened me.
“What?” His chest heaved as he stepped back from me. “Why would he do that?”
“My worth has only ever been measured by what I could offer Bailoc. Because…” The realization hit me again. “Maybe King Ardyn felt like it was what he was owed for having to deal with me.”
His lips opened and pressed closed again, as if he wanted to ask if I did. But he only shook his head.
“I wouldneveruse you for my own gain.” The tenderness of his voice trailed over me. “I feel the storm trying to settle in you. I’ve felt it all day. It took everything for me not to walk out of council and check on you. When I saw Fyn there with his hand on the hilt of his sword, I nearly lost it.” His piercing gaze met mine.
He leaned over me, his hand bracing himself against the door. My heart raced as his body towered over mine.
I sobbed as I pulled him closer until our lips met again. He reached for me; his hands settled on my waist—as if they were returning to where they belonged.
It felt familiar.
It felt safe.
“I am yours. Please. I need you to know that. To feel that.”
“And I am yours,” I whispered.
One storm settled, and another began.
I was falling deeper and faster than before.
Chapter 19
Irubbed my eyes, and the room sharpened into focus. Juniper tidied my chambers, setting a quiver down beside a bow in the corner of the room.
“Juniper?” I stretched my arms over my head. “Where did that come from?”
“A gift from his highness. He said you needed one.”
I told him I loved archery when he was in a sleepy haze in the infirmary—I didn’t even think he heard me.
The floorboards creaked with each step I took. The golden-hued longbow etched with leaves settled easily into my hands. He hadn’t just heard me; he welcomed a side of me that few understood.
“It’s beautiful.” My fingertips trailed the leaves.
“Where did you learn to hunt, my lady?” Juniper poured tea into a glass mug. The hot liquid formed droplets on the outside.
“An old friend.” I still remembered my lessons. Cael insisted that I learn to protect myself as things grew more hostile in the kingdom. King Ardyn never approved, but hedidn’t care enough to intervene, either. “I am not much of a hunter, but I enjoy target practice. It relaxes me. The prince is very thoughtful.”
“Yes, indeed.” She lifted a riding tunic from the dresser drawers, a perfect pale green, with a flowing split hem skirt, and matching pants. “It may be the perfect day to try it.”
