Page 56 of Witch’s Heart

He merely dodged, laughing. “I’ll let you two alone. I’m sure you’ve got all sorts of…tension to work out.”

“We’ve got nothing to work out,” Mina snapped.

“Yes. Leave us,” Rixon said at the same time.

Jessin looked between them, smirked, then backed out of the room.

Mina growled. “I’m not going to be queen. We’re going to get you out of this situation, and go back to how things were.”

“There is no going back,” he said, studying her. It had taken him some time to realize that and accept it, but he knew. “Even if you find a way to close the portal, things will never go back to the way they were.”

She blinked at him, her mouth going slack. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying that Herrin was right. I accepted this responsibility, and I intend to see it through.”

“No.”

“Yes, Lady Witch. And I will do it with you by my side.”

“No.” She backed away from him.

His stomach hardened into a knot. “Mina…” he warned.

“Fuck,” she breathed, rubbing her hands over her face. “Fuck!”

He stalked over to her but she scampered backwards until her back collided with the wall. He caged her within his arms, placing his palms flat on each side of her, leaning in. “I think it’s time for the shackles again.”

“No.” Her chest began to rise and fall more rapidly.

“Yes.” He held her gaze, unwilling to back down. “Go and get them.”

“No.” She frantically shook her head. “I need time…time to think about this.”

“There is no time. What Mya said—you need the protection of the crown. The last thing we need is a witch hunt in the midst of all the other madness going on. Or…are you refusing for other reasons? Do you not wish to be mine?”

“I do not wish to be queen,” she snarled, eyes morphing.

“And I never wished to be king,” he cried. “But here we are. Mina, I am asking you—no, I am begging you to do this. If for no other reason than for me. How many times have I asked you for something? Do you think I do it lightly?!”

Her breaths came faster as genuine fear stole over her expression. He didn’t want her afraid. He wanted her to trust him. “I don’t… I…”

He pressed his forehead against hers, calming her. Their breaths mingled as she took his tunic in both hands, fisting it to hold him there. Her words hurt more than he cared to admit. That she didn’t immediately agree to this, even as he made it clear how important it was.

When she didn’t say anything, he had his answer. He wouldn’t force her. He’d never force her into something so monumental. He wasn’t his father.

Standing, he backed away from her and straightened his tunic. His voice was flat, emotionless as he said, “Very well, Lady Witch. We will continue as we have.”

She took a step forward, reaching for him. “Rixon.”

“No. It’s—it’s all right. I do not wish to force you into something you don’t want. I would never marry someone through force.”

Her flinch was subtle. He dragged a hand over his face. Fuck, he was tired. So tired. “I need to go down to…below. The portal is due for my blood.”

“I’ll find a way to fix it,” she promised. “After…after we eliminate the threat on your life.”

He hesitated, then nodded. “Even if—when—you do find a way, I will remain as Raeria’s king.”

“Rixon, please. You swore an oath.”