Page 189 of Dancing for the Minotaur

“You didn’t,” she whispered.

“I did,” he said gravely. “I was afraid I was being foolish but these last few days together, planning our ‘fake’ Joining taught me to hope.”

Terra’s eyes went wide as Taurex opened the box.

The diamond was enormous.

It wasn’t gaudy though, despite its size, but it was still breathtaking—a brilliant oval stone set vertically in a delicate platinum band, surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds so fine they seemed to create a ring of light around the center. Tiny diamonds continued halfway down either side of the band, and beneath the main stone was a subtle golden setting that made the white diamond shine even brighter

Terra stared at it.

“Oh my God,” she whispered.

Taurex looked suddenly uncertain.

“I hope I selected one you like. If you don’t care for this one, we can return it and choose another.”

“No!” Terra exclaimed. “No—don’t return it. It’s perfect.”

Relief spread across his face.

“In that case…”

He took the ring from its box and looked up at her.

“Terra, will you make me the happiest male in the known universe and consent to be my bride?”

Terra’s entire world blurred through tears that were suddenly pouring down her face..

“Yes. Oh my God, yes!” Her voice nearly broke and she laughed and wiped at her face.

Taurex smiled, looking both relieved and overjoyed.

“You will not regret this, lovely one,” he murmured. “I intend to devote the rest of my life to making you happy and keeping you safe.”

He reached for her left hand and very carefully slid the ring onto her finger. To Terra’s joy, it fit perfectly.

Married for real—they were getting married for real! She could hardly believe it—how could she hold so much happiness inside without exploding?

She stared at the diamond glittering on her finger and began crying even harder.

Taurex rose immediately, his expression changing to alarm.

“Lovely one?” he asked hoarsely. “Are you well? Have I said or done something to distress you?”

Terra laughed through her tears.

“I…I…” She tried to talk but she was still crying too hard.

Taurex cupped her wet cheek gently and looked into her eyes.

“Are you all right?” he asked, looking genuinely worried.

She nodded.

“Y-y-yes,” she finally got out.

“But you are crying.” He looked bewildered.