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“What do you mean? There’s only one perfect match.” I fill my glass once more, feeling like I might need the whole bottle with the way this conversation is turning.
“Remember how I told you God made Michael from my father? He split his soul–duplicated it, really.” I nod. “My father did that with Asmo to create me. Our souls are identical, but we’re different at the same time. Technically, that makes us both your perfect match.”
My world slams to a halt, recounting every moment I spent with him. The way he responded to things… How touchy he is now that Kai is around, to him telling me in that temple that he knew Kai would forgive me because it’s what he’d do.Asmo knew.
Kai stands, moving between my thighs as his eyes search mine. “I don’t want you to think I’m forcing you to choose, but if things have changed, I won’t be upset.”
Setting the glass down, I reach up to cup his face. “I don’t need to choose because there is no other option. Not for me.” I stroke my thumb over his bottom lip and his eyes flutter closed for a moment, basking in the feel of my touch. “There is only one man who has ever owned my heart. Just as there’s only been one man I’ve ever loved. You are everything to me, and I will always choose you.”
He leans forward, resting his forehead against mine. “I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to hear you say that. Finn told me you kissed him and…”
“I was high and I thought he was you,” I say, pushing away so I can read his face.
“He said that too…” Kai reaches for the strings to my shirt, pulling the lace through the eyelets once by one. “You still need to get in the bath.”
“That I do.” I shimmy the fabric off my shoulders, letting it pool on the counter around my hips. “Are you going to join me?”
“Are you inviting me?” he says, his amber eyes flicking up to look at me beneath his dark lashes as he takes off my boots.
“Yes.” Once my last shoe is off, I push from the counter, shrugging out of what’s left of my clothes before sticking a toe into the pool. The heat envelopes me as steam wraps around my legs like claws, daring to pull me under. My tired muscles grown as I sink into the water and a sigh slips my lips.
I melt into the stone ledge, closing my eyes and leaning back until the splash of water pulls a sinful grin to my lips, knowing Kai has now joined me. In moments, his hands wrap around my legs and I’m tugged beneath the water like some creature of the deep has taken me hostage, only to reemerge on the other side. He sits me up in his lap, where he sits on the submerged edge of the pool, as I frantically wipe the water from my eyes.
“Asshole,” I growl, apparently to his amusement, because that laugh that leaves him is so light, so airy that I almost feel like I’ve been lured away by the wrong man. Glowering at him with suspicion, he lifts his hands in surrender before settling one on top of my legs and the other wrapped around my back.
Entangled, we stay cocooned in the intimacy of the bubbles dancing around us, and I rest my head on Kai’s shoulder, enjoying the way his strong body fits perfectly to mine. Occasionally, he glances at me, those amber eyes filled with adoration and affection, and it’s moments like these I’ve felt like we’ve known each other forever.
“I think I know the solution to your problem,” he says, twirling my wet curls around his finger. My eyebrows arch up as I spin in his arms, the steam from the water dancing around us. “About the crown in Solaria.”
“Which is?” I ask, sliding my hands up his chest and snuggle against him as the water wraps around us. His body is so warm, and I can hear the faint echo of his heartbeat against my ear.
“The man in the hallway was right. The only way that crown is transferred is in death, and whether you helm the throne or consort it, you’ll have to marry. It’s how it works. I’m not above it either. The lords have been down my throat with marriage propositions.” Lifting my head, I stare at him. My hands clench into fists at the sheer thought of anyone else becoming his wife. He chuckles, stroking his fingers up the side of my thigh beneath the water. “Let me finish my thought before you burst into flames,” he coos, and it’s then I see the smoke wafting through the air in thick coils, mixing with the mist and steam. “There’s no one else I would even entertain as a wife, Alice. Nor would I expect to take your throne.”
“Please do, I don’t want it. I don’t have the first clue in leading it, either.”
“I’m flattered, but I don’t think your kingdom will be pleased with a Morningstar ruling it. A consort, they might look past. What I can offer you, though, is guidance. I can help you, and together, we’ll ruleallof the seven realms. No boundaries or prison worlds. That is, assuming you’re still open to taking my last name.”
“Of course I still am.”
“Then marry me. If Michael is on his way, it would help unite us and the creatures in your kingdom. Heaven will be just as much their problem as it would be ours. If we can do it before he comes, then that would be better. Most of the people here rely on tradition and I’m sure it’s the same in Solaria. Us getting married is likely the only way both kingdoms will learn to coexist without war.”
“Okay.” My voice is quiet, but sure.
“That’s it? Just okay?”
“I’ve been expecting to marry you for over a year, Kai. It’s not a shocking revelation. I want it, now more than ever, and if it fixes our problems too, then so be it.” Sitting up, I cup his cheek, enjoying the disheveled look he wears with his hair dripping wet, his eyes rounded with admiration. “I love you, and as long as you feel the same, that’s all that matters.”
My eyes fall to his full lips, catching them pulling up at the corners until he smiles so brightly I can’t help but return it. “Do you know what the Solarians call the sitting royalty?” I ask, running my hand up his chest.
“High King and High Queen I presume?”
Shaking my head, I can feel my eyes light up, knowing how much he loves his Wonderland puns. “When Asmo announced me, he called me The Crimson Queen to the hundreds and thousands of people and creatures gathered around the castle. Instantly, I thought he referred to me as the Queen of Hearts.”
Kai laughs silently, letting his head tip back against the stone. “So what would that make me?”
“Well, if I’m the Queen of Hearts, then be my King of Spades, Malikai Morningstar, and we’ll put Wonderland to shame.”
“I’m not sure you’ve ever been so corny, but I’ll gladly accept that offer,” he mumbles against my lips, stealing them away for a kiss.
