Page 20 of Tale of the Heart Queen

He’d tried to make Meora go away, but that damn Torch wanted the baby, and now he would become a father and partner, responsible for two people he had no interest in protecting.

“You don’t have to go through with this,” Rachel said.

She lounged in the corner, looking like every fantasy he’d ever had. Round curves and lush lips made for sin. Violet eyes and hair so dark it drank the light. She wasn’t just beautiful. She was clever and cunning. He could talk with her for hours about nothing and everything, her mind as challenging as a riddle that held him utterly captive.

“You know I do,” Rion said, tugging on the cuffs of his jacket. “I’ll lose my position as Primary and lose my crown.”

Rachel remained silent, and he looked over. He saw the hurt and disappointment in her eyes, but if she really loved him, she’d never ask him to choose. He did love her, but how could he possibly be expected to give up what he’d been coveting for over five hundred years?

If he walked away now, Meora would remain here, raising the child until it was old enough to take the throne and Rion’s legacy would become a memory. It was another option. One he would never take.

“Okay,” she said, and he didn’t miss the shine in her eyes as she turned her gaze to the window, staring out at the snowy landscape.

For a moment, he considered leaving with her. What would it be like to give up everything and hand over power to a child he’d never met? Live with Rachel somewhere deep in the mountains where they might have children of their own. They could lead a simple and quiet life without these burdens.

But the idyllic picture with the woman he loved, body and soul, wasn’t enough. He was choosing his crown over his heart. That was what he’d always done and what he would do now. Though he’d considered his options, weighing each side with careful scrutiny, he’d always known on which side he’d fall.

Rion crossed the room and dropped to a knee, sliding his hands up Rachel’s thighs, feeling the warmth of her skin through the thin fabric of her dress.

“Don’t be angry with me,” he said, and she turned to look at him with a sharp gaze. What he saw in her eyes was a turbulent mix of so many things, most of which he could guess.

“I had to fall in love with a future king,” she said softly, almost wistfully, already speaking of him in the past.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “You know that I can’t control who the Torch chooses.”

She shook her head. The problem was that she didn’t understand this need to rule and wear that crown. She hadn’t been born into the weight and expectations of royalty. “I know that, Rion. But you are making this choice. You are choosing yourself over me.”

The words hurt, as they were meant to, but not enough to alter his course. Walking away from that crown would ultimately hurt more. He knew himself well enough to understand that. It was true. He was choosing himself.

“I’m sorry you feel that way,” he replied, and she closed her eyes as she inhaled a deep breath. He considered asking if she’d be interested in one last kiss for old times’ sake, but he had a hunch he knew the answer.

A knock came at the door, followed by a muffled “Your Highness, they’re ready for you.”

Their time was at an end, anyway. They both looked over and then back at each other.

“I guess this is it then,” he said.

“I guess,” she replied.

“What will you do?”

“Before it’s over, I will be gone.”

“Where?” He couldn’t help wondering.

“You would ask me that?” she demanded with an arch of her brow.

“You’ll be provided for,” he said. “You have an open line of credit for whatever you need. Just write to my accountants.”

She nodded. “Yes, Rion. You’re buying me off. I understand perfectly.”

“Rachel . . .”

“Don’t,” she said, lifting a hand. “I don’t want to hear any more of your excuses. Bond to that woman. Take your fucking crown. I hope it keeps you warm.”

The firm set of her jaw told him she was done with this conversation. She’d always been very stubborn.

“Very well,” he said, attempting that last kiss. She turned her face so he was met with only the curve of her smooth brown cheek. He paused and then pressed his lips to it, allowing them to linger for a moment. She held completely still, blinking as he pulled away.