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"And I'm no longer a slave. Did either thing really matter to you?"
Khan shook his head. "No. It didn't matter. I haven't said anything because you were hurt, and you getting better has been the only priority." His cheeks were going dusky pink, and he looked adorable and flustered.
"You said my stitches can come out tomorrow," Fen said and bit her bottom lip. "I'll be all healed up."
Khan's eyes fixed on her mouth, unable to look away. "Then I suppose, just for tonight, I should only kiss you."
Fen leaned closer, tilting her mouth towards his. "You should definitely kiss me."
Khan's thumb stroked the curve of her cheek and gently pressed his lips to hers. It wasn't desperate and needy like the night in Ankhara. It was a slow exploration of lips and tongue like they had all the time in the world to get it right.
It didn't feel like simple heat and lust anymore; it felt like love. It was a kiss that said, 'I know your darkness, and I'm here and want to kiss you anyway.'
Fen's hands slipped into Khan's braid and pulled him down, so his weight was pinning her. Everything seemed to align inside her, her magic brushing up against his in relief. It chanted words likesafeandhomeandfinally, finally, finally. Khan's own power responded, and he sighed against her mouth.
"Oh gods, there it is. Everything suddenly feels right again," he murmured. "Kissing you is all I've wanted to do for days, and now I know why."
"Then you should have. I never wanted to kiss you because you were a prince, only because you are Khan," Fen replied, stroking his bearded cheek.
His whole body seemed to melt at the words. "I don't care if your gods sent you to Aaru for some test." Khan pressed his forehead to hers. "Our paths crossing has been the best thing to happen to me in years. I won't let anyone else hurt you again, Fen, I promise."
"And I promise you the same." Fen pulled him closer. "Not even the gods will be able to keep me from you."
Khan's smile was so beautiful it made her whole body ache with want. "You see? A woman's wrath is truly something to be feared."
"Especially mine," Fen replied and kissed him again.
Thirty-Three
The next day, Kemes arrived as Fen was finishing up in the bathing chamber.
"Good, you're awake!" she declared, dropping bundles onto Fen's bed. It was still made from the night before because she had fallen asleep beside Khan. They had kissed and whispered stories to each other late into the night. Fen's lips were still flushed from the scrape of his stubble.
She finally understood why women in her village used to lose their heads over a lover. She had thought they were idiots, but now she was learning she was not immune to that particular brand of insanity.
"What are you doing here so early?" Fen asked.
"It's almost noon, so not early." Kemes pulled out a small leather pouch. "I've come to take out your stitches. Khan turned up at the house today and said it was really important they be removed."
Fen's mouth twitched. "Is that so?"
"Yes, he was most insistent about it. Any idea why?" Kemes asked.
"No idea."
"Sure, stick with that. Nousha has also sent you some clothes to wear for the festival today because you are a poor orphan slave girl that she must dote on." Kemes made Fen sit on a chair with her back to her.
"That's so kind. You are very blessed with your parents, you know that, right?" Fen said, her heart warming.
"I know, and she's so excited that Khan is interested in someone."
"She thinks that?"
Kemes let out a pained sigh. "Yes, Fen. Weallthink that because we all know it. Honestly, Nousha was ready to start planning the wedding as soon as she saw you."
Fen laughed awkwardly. "Maybe don't tell Khan that. We are…I mean…"
"You are both ridiculous is what you are." Kemes took out a pair of small bronze scissors. "Now, let's get these stitches out."
