She tugged at the twisted carpet in her hand. “A little. Do you really think I can do this?”
“I have no doubt.”
“I won’t go back to being a decoration in my father’s house.”
“Good.”
Though Miya told Lance about running away from the palace and everything that happened with the captain, there was so much he still didn't know. He didn't ask or pressure her, but he was always ready to listen, and it felt like he knew without actually knowing. “No one will understand why I didn't come home.”
“They don't get to judge you for that.”
“They will. If I didn't judge myself, it wouldn't bother me.”
“I don't judge you.” He leaned against his knees. “One day you won't either.”
Miya smiled because she believed him, even though she never told him why she didn't come back. He trusted her reasons without having to hear the justifications. That was the kind of support that would help her navigate this new world.
“You'll never ask me, will you?” Miya held his eyes. “You're too kind.”
“No, I'm never going to ask you, and you never have to tell me unless you want to.”
Her chest ached at his sincerity. “If I ever tell anyone, it'll be you.”
Lance gave a sad smile. “What you did is heroic. You saved me, and somehow you saved yourself when you had nothing. You do not deserve any judgment or blame, not from yourself or anyone else.”
“But I do judge myself. Look at all this.” She looked around the room. “I should have lived a completely different life. And still, I just want to run. It's scary coming back. How can I hide from myself when the whole world sees what I am?”
Lance reached for her, fingers just grazing her arm when he lowered his hand. “I can’t make it better, can I?”
“You already have, but you can’t take it away. I have to walk through this.” Back when the captain held them captive, she had no idea if they’d escape. Watching him hurt Lance tore her heart to pieces. She ached thinking about his injuries. “I’m so sorry you got hurt, and that I didn’t tell you anything.”
“You don’t have anything to apologize for.”
“I could apologize for being such a bitch to you.”
He wore that grin of his. “Oh, but I like that.”
“Stop flirting. It's cheesy.”
“Which, you like.”
A groan. She pushed herself to her feet and walked to her closet to get dressed.
“Miya.”
She turned.
He gazed at her, standing now, his smile soft. “I love you. You know that, don’t you?”
Her heart stopped at how casually he said it.
“Don’t respond,” Lance said. “Just know.”
His words twisted and turned in her mind, stirring the panic, but also a warmth in her chest. That someone so good could love her. Rounding the couch, she neared him once more. “I know.” She met his eyes. “I need time to figure myself out.”
Lance shrugged. “I don’t need anything more. I’m okay.”
“No,” she said. “I want you to know. You matter to me, so much. I didn't know my heart was capable of that anymore. It's terrifying and wonderful.”
