Page 160 of Destiny of a King

She smiled, hearing the king in him and shook her head.

“Good. You agree, but then I knew you would. We know each other well.” He kissed her temple again. “Your father had something interesting to say after you left.”

Adira turned in his arms, anxious to hear what Tharne had said to him.

“He warned me that while I might be a powerful king, your power far surpasses mine and that I should consider that before making you my wife.” Dravic gave a dismissive shake of his head. “I made it clear I do not require his approval to marry you. It is done. You will be my wife.”

She smiled faintly, but his words had unsettled her. Her power surpassed Dravic’s? She had not considered that. How powerful was she? And what would that mean for the king?

Dravic had enemies. Scotara had enemies. Men had already hunted for the healer who could defy death without knowing who she was. What would happen once it became known that the healer was also Scotara’s queen?

Would every man who wanted power come for her? Would every kingdom that feared what she could do turn against Dravic? Would his enemies use her against him?

And yet, upon hearing she was the healer he searched for, Dravic had paid no heed to the startling news. To him, she was simply Adira.

Dravic caught her chin. “You are doing far too much thinking. What your parents think, what anyone thinks, makes no difference.”

She frowned.

“I know that look.”

Her frown deepened.

He smiled. “Aye, that one as well.”

Adira couldn’t help but smile.

“There. That is better.” He brushed his lips across hers. “Nothing matters tonight except us. Only us.”

Tonight.

The word struck painfully at her heart.

Adira reached up and touched his face, letting her fingers follow the familiar line of his jaw. How many times had she looked at this face when he had not known she was watching? How many times had he spoken to her knowing she could not hear him, refusing to treat her as though she were less because she could not answer?

She had once feared him. Somehow, without her realizing when it happened, that fear had become trust. Trust had become longing and longing had become love.

Dravic kissed her again softly and without haste.

She would miss this. The thought came so unexpectedly that she nearly pulled away. Instead, she pressed firmly against him.

Dravic’s arms immediately tightened around her.

She would miss this as well, being held like he never wanted to let her go, his warmth, and the safety she always found in his arms. The moments when there was no king and no kingdom, no healer or magic. Only Dravic and Adira.

She closed her eyes, rested her head on his chest, and held him tighter after the kiss ended.

His hand moved slowly over her hair. “You are trembling.”

She shook her head against him.

“Do not tell me nay when I can feel it.”

Adira lifted her face.

Dravic studied her for a moment. “Tell me what troubles you.”

She almost laughed at the impossibility of it. For the moment, she was grateful she had no voice. If she could speak, she feared she might tell him everything. And if she did, he would never let her go.