Page 68 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

“And I will,” he starts, brushing his lips down the column of my neck. My hair is braided with intricate details, a crown of fresh flowers, and a few jewels. “I’ll tell the entire system how much I love you.”

My heart does a little pitter-patter before I throw both arms around his neck, sealing his mouth with mine. Our kiss is a mixture of heat and love, accepting what’s to come. For now, I’ll take what I can get from him.

An alarm sounds on his Prism, alerting us that he needs to head to the palace. He sighs, dropping his forehead to mine. I’m surrounded by his warmth and masculine scent. Knowing I won’t see him until dinner, I kiss him one more time before playfully shoving him away so we can both get to where we need to be.

“Princess Raea,” one of the Duchesses starts, “tell me about your mother’s gardens. I’ve always wanted to visit.”

I set my cup of tea down and flatten my palms against my knees, the motion instinctive. My ring still dangles from its chain beneath my gown. I wish I could wear it.

“You are most welcome at the palace. I’d love to show them to you myself. Her gardens offer a variety of plant life, water features, and a few artistic statues done by the artist Calandra Dahl.”

The women around me all share excitement over the idea and I plaster on my best smile. Why does everyone have to be so fake? Can’t we have a real conversation about the threat to our system and how we plan to help? How they plan to use their powers? I don’t want to sit here and pretend we all just sit around being vacuous and shallow.

I give Queen Priana a side glance and she offers a simple knowing smile.

“May I ask, how are you all planning to help with the evacuations? In Treon, many of our ladies have been sent to several of our planets to assist with setting up evacuation centers.”

Several ladies stir uncomfortably before one of them speaks up. She’s about my mother’s age and if I remember correctly, her husband is a Lord of a colony on Nyx.

“How inspiring,” she says with pride lacing her voice. “A princess who speaks of important tasks. Do tell, what is their progress?”

For the last hour of our luncheon I tell them of our plans and how we are assisting colonies to prepare for the influx of refugees. Many listen with rapt attention, a few sit uncomfortably but nod in agreement.

By the time the luncheon ends, I’ve convinced at least half the room to take a more hands-on approach and use their gifts. Some still believe only men should have a voice in matters of war.

But that kind of thinking has never built a stronger world.

Women have their place as much as men, and our strengths were never meant to stand behind theirs—but beside them.

The last day on Malaya goes by in a flash. Ryker takes me into the Petera Wati Colony an hour from the palace where we are met with imploring stares and paparazzi, but we keep our hands to ourselves and behave as old friends might do.

Much like when I showed him Ayallenora, we visit different parts of the city, eat at a local tavern where we both are asked for several photos, before we stroll along the sandy beach talking about wedding plans.

We return to the palace after dinner and spend the evening out on Ryker’s terrace that overlooks the calm sea below where we read snuggled up under a blanket. I fall asleep there and wake to the most gorgeous sunrise outside with Ryker asleep at my side.

When morning comes, it’s time for my departure, and I don’t want to leave. As my transport is loaded, Ryker pulls me from my chambers and brings me down to the beach.

“I have something to show you,” he says.

I can feel his excitement through the Bond. That’s new.

When I slide my hand into his, I feel a ripple of peace and love. I almost giggle at the thought that I can now feel his emotions without even searching for them.

As we wander down the secluded beach, I ask, “How did you know? About Kellan?”

His gaze swings to me, and he smiles. “I can feel you. Much like you can feel my emotions, but different. I can’t explain it, but it’s like I get glimpses of you. They aren’t clear or anything, mostly strong emotions. They only happen when you’re really upset.”

My face scrunches as I study him. “Can you turn it on and off?”

He exhales, swiping a hand down his face. “No. Not that I know of. It’s new though. Since the day I showed up at the palace. After that, whenever you experience something really intense, I feel it stirring. With Kellan, I could feel your pain, your distress. I caught a blurry glimpse of him kissing you, but you were shoving him away. That's all I caught.”

Huh?

“So when we were making love?” I ask, blushing, but those were some strong emotions.

His responding grin is enough.

I can’t help but giggle, bumping my shoulder into him. Of course, he doesn’t move. He’s so solid.