For a group who had just won a war, Princess Aerity and her companions were silent on the cold, dark journey back down to the bay. Ahead and behind them, the soldiers laughed and celebrated. Lord Alvi rode without speaking, seeming deep in thought. The deaths they had witnessed lay heavily on Aerity’s heart. She knew she should tell Vixie and Wyneth that the Isle of Evie had been overtaken. She’d sworn to her sister not to keep any more secrets. She promised herself she would tell them the moment they returned to the castle and not a moment later. She would let them have these moments of peace.
They rode for hours in the chill of darkness, until the first softness of dawn began to show itself on the horizon, revealing a frost that covered every blade of grass.
Now that the war was over, it would be time to rebuild—to rule, and live without her parents—it seemed unimaginable She would be expected to marry Lief, a thought that filled her with a sullen, sickening sort of grief. Especially after all she’d shared with Paxton.
Aerity turned to look at Pax, who rode next to her, staring ahead. In his far hand he held the reins of the horse that carried the bodies of Vito and Rozaria. It was beyond strange that those lifeless, now harmless, forms had hurt and terrorized so many. Paxton met her eyes and Aerity had to swallow and look away from the heartache she saw there. She stared out instead at the river to her right as it rambled along.
Before they reached the bay she saw a pack of Ascomannian riders approaching them at a fast clip. Aerity kicked her horse lightly and leaned forward to push through the crowd. Volgan, the warrior, greeted her with a nod.
“What news?” she asked, her heart pounding.
“Royal lands are secure. The castle as well. But Prince Vito and Rozaria Rocato are nowhere to be found. We think they may have—”
“They are dead,” Lord Alvi proclaimed. “At the hand of the hunter Paxton Seabolt.” Lief held an arm toward Paxton. Volgan stared in disbelief. Everyone turned to him, eyeing the bodies on the horse at his side, and then a deafening roar split the air. Paxton reluctantly accepted handshakes and pats on his back. But he never seemed to share their happiness.
“Let’s get the royal highnesses and Lady Wyneth back to their rightful home then, aye?” Lief called out. Another cheer and then forward movement at a faster pace as they ushered Aerity home. Vixie reached out and took Aerity’s hand, offering a smile. Aerity forced one in return.
Swept up in the festive atmosphere of the soldiers, Vixie let out a whoop and galloped forward. Aerity nearly smiled when she saw her sister bring her knees up into the saddle, tucking her body, preparing to do a trick. It had been so long since she’d seen Vixie be carefree. When Vixie balanced on her hands and forearms and lifted her pointed toes straight into the air, Aerity did smile. Because under her skirts she was wearing riding trousers.
The men laughed and cheered, absolutely entertained as Vixie split her legs and arched her back gracefully, pulling herself back down to balance on the palms of her hands, legs outstretched to the sides. She dropped her bottom back into the saddle and lay back, reaching her arms out and closing her eyes with a peaceful expression. Oh, this girl.
Aerity suddenly jolted, consumed by raw fear at the thought of her once carefree brother in the hands of Kalorians.
Aerity shot past her sister and rode up to Volgan. The man turned to her, forehead pinched.
“Good sir, my brother has been kidnapped. Did you happen upon him anywhere in the castle? Prince Vito said they had him.” Oh, seas, her entire body trembled.
“Your Majesty,” Volgan said in a gruff voice, “our vessels have been keeping watch over the Isle of Evie since your kin were brought there. We’ve received no word of an attack, but I will check.”
“Please,” she said, only partially appeased. He galloped away toward the bay and Aerity turned to the others. Vixie rode to her side.
“What’s wrong?”
Aerity did not want to burden her sister, but Vixie was strong. So Aerity told her, along with Wyneth.
“Not Donnie,” Vixie whispered. All traces of pink drained from her cheeks.
“Seas alive,” Wyneth breathed. “The children . . .”
“I must go to the bay to see what I can learn,” Aerity told her.
“I’m going with you,” Vixie said. Aerity nodded, grateful.
“Same,” Paxton said.
“We’ll all go,” Wyneth told her.
Harrison sent half the troops back to royal lands and the other half to accompany them to the bay, where King Dagur awaited with his fleet. Aerity and the others arrived just after Volgan. She slid down from her horse, grabbed her skirts, and ran as quickly as she could up the gangway to the royal Ascomannian’s boat with Vixie and Wyneth behind her.
King Dagur, who’d just finished speaking with Volgan, came to her and put a hand on her shoulder. “Have no worries, Queen Aerity. Your brother and the rest of your royal family are safe on the isle.”
Vixie and Wyneth let out sounds of joy.
Aerity exhaled in a shudder, pressing a hand to her stomach. “You’re certain?”
“We’ve been keeping constant watch. Your navy is sending a vessel for their return journey this very moment.”
Aerity was near tears, but held them back. “Thank you. I cannot thank you enough, Your Majesty. I don’t think I can ever repay you for all you’ve done.”
A sly grin came to his face and she had to press her hand harder into her belly. She knew he had every intention of being repaid, and promptly.
“Will you please join us at the castle to eat and rest?” she asked, trying to keep her voice strong.
“I will,” he said.
Aerity curtsied, and the king bowed. She turned and hugged her sister and Wyneth quickly. Then they grasped their skirts and turned to go. When she reached the shore, she felt Paxton watching her from atop his horse, but with King Dagur’s words of repayment ringing in her ears, she could not look at him. She didn’t want him to see the desperation she felt at the thought of losing him. A soft snow began to fall and she was thankful for an excuse to raise her hood.
“They are safe,” she said softly.
“Thank the seas.”
The entire way back to royal lands, despite the beauty and peace of the snowfall, Aerity fought her emotions. This wasn’t the end of the world for her. It’s what all princesses and queens had to do before her father’s time. And though she wanted to marry no one but Paxton, she knew her options could be much worse. After nearly being forced to wed Prince Vito, Lord Alvi was a shining gem of a prospect. She owed this to her allies and the people. But still . . . her heart wept.
She pulled her cloak tighter as winds from the seas picked up, sending snow sideways. What would Paxton do now? Would he return to his village? If she asked him to stay in the castle, and provided him with work, she knew he would probably accept. And if Lord Alvi was sure to take mistresses, could she not have Paxton as well? But wrongness and guilt filled her at the thought of carrying on a secret relationship. That was no way for them to live.
These thoughts tumbled through her mind on their journey back to royal lands where they entered through the northern gates. It gave her great joy to see her castle intact, but then she saw the piles of bodies and soldiers moving more dead to clear a path. Smoldering piles of rubbish lay beneath windows, and Aerity’s blood boiled as she realized what had happened.
“What have they done?” Vixie cried. “They burned our things?”
“By the seas,” Wyneth whispered. “Disgraceful.”
“What matters is that we are safe,” Aerity said, just as much for her own hearing. Even if the entire castle had been dismantled, they were alive.
“Has anyone seen Tiern or the Zandalee yet?” Paxton asked.
“Someone said they were inside the castle,” a soldier told them.
Vixie beamed and leaned forward, her horse shooting down the path toward the castle, spraying up powdery snow.
Aerity stopped and turned to Harrison. “Have a proclamation sent to the towns at once to let them know the war is over. The Rocato woman and the imposter Prince Vito have been slain, and their bodies will be on display. Let them know we will have a coronation celebration in a week’s time. And as of today the laws against Lashed magic are lifted for purposes of healing. Full details of new laws will be issued shortly. Also”—she swallowed—“details of a royal wedding will be announced very soon.”
Harrison gave her a tight nod and cantered away. Aerity could look at no one. She turned toward the castle and continued on.
“Aerity,” Paxton called.
She gritted her teeth and slowed her horse so he could catch up. He rode alongside her in silence for a moment before speaking low enough for only her to hear.
“I will return to Cape Creek today.”
“No,” she said in a rush, then scolded herself. White snowflakes covered his dark hair and she wanted to brush them away. “Please, Pax. Stay until . . . I want as much time with you as I can.”
His eyes reflected her own need and anguish. “I worry that the more time we spend together, the harder it will be.”
She shook her head obstinately. “Don’t leave. I’m not ready.” Her heart was on the brink of shattering.
He stared at her a moment longer before inclining his chin. “All right, then. I will stay until it is time.”
She shut her eyes. She knew she was torturing them both by prolonging the inevitable, but everything inside her clung to him. Together, they faced forward and rode to the gardens, where they dismounted. She pressed her lips tightly at the sight of piled bodies along the hedges, a layer of snow covering them in a show of macabre beauty. There seemed to be no place on royal lands where blood had not been shed. She turned away from the sight.
Inside the castle, Aerity was appalled by the damage the Kalorians had done. It seemed every room held broken or defaced heirlooms, paintings, or furniture. And while it pained her, it also satisfied her to know they would never be able to do this to anyone else again.
Only a few maids and kitchen staff had received news of their victory and returned to the castle. She was thankful to find the baker already inside the kitchen, warming the ovens.
“I knew we’d win this, Your Majesty,” he told Aerity with glad tears in his eyes. “I knew good would prevail.” He cracked eggs into flour and began kneading with shaking hands. It would take a while to feel safe again.
“Bless you, chef,” Aerity said, trying not to get emotional.
Vixie appeared upset when she found Aerity in the hall. “He slept in Mum and Papa’s chambers. It—it doesn’t smell like them anymore.”
Agony tormented Aerity’s heart. “The maids are gone. We’ll find clean sheets in the laundry rooms and air it out ourselves.”
“I’ll get the sheets,” Vixie said, squaring her shoulders in a show of stoicism. “And some for the rest of us as well. My chamber stinks of a filthy man.”
“Thank you.” Aerity stopped her sister with a hand on her arm. “I’m proud of you.”
Vixie gave her a weak smile and hurried away. Aerity was standing there in the middle of the hall, staring into nothingness, when Wyneth approached and swept her tangled hair back from her shoulder.
“Will you be all right, Cousin?”
“I have to be all right, don’t I?” She tried to smile.
“To the public, aye. But not to me.”
Aerity’s voice shook. “Then I am not all right, Wyn. Not at all.”
Wyneth pulled her into a tight embrace. Neither said a word, but they gave and received each other’s comfort, which was the only thing they had to offer. Aerity was grateful for it. She pulled herself together and wiped her cheeks.
“I’ve got to wash my face and brush my hair and change my clothes before King Dagur arrives.”
“I’ll dress and join you in your chambers to walk together.”
They turned at the sound of footsteps jogging down the hall toward them: Harrison looking dashing and healthy. Wyneth beamed as she watched him. His eyes held hers with warmth before moving to Aerity.
“The tunnels have been searched and are secured. The exit north of royal lands has been filled and sealed. A Lochlan vessel has been sent to the Isle of Evie to bring back your family.”
Wyneth clasped her hands and Aerity nodded.
“Very good. Thank you, Harrison.”
“Aye, Your Majesty.”
Aerity left the two of them ogling each other as she returned to her chambers. She was happy that at least the two of them would get their happy ending.
Without the help of Caitrin, Aerity didn’t feel as put together as she normally did. She struggled to clasp her yellow dress in the back and to brush the tangles from her hair. She fidgeted with the emerald circlet hanging heavily on her forehead, and wiped a smudge of dirt from her cheek. She frowned at the looking glass. Her appearance would have to be good enough. Wyneth arrived and they walked arm in arm to the formal dining room where they’d meet the others. She inwardly cringed when she thought of the last time she’d been in that room with King Dagur.
Their pace slowed when they saw Lief standing outside the door, looking clean with damp hair.
“Did you bathe in cold water?” Aerity asked.
The coldlander grinned. “Naturally.” He approached and took her hand, kissing the tips of her fingers.
“My queen,” he said, then lowered his voice to a rumbling whisper. “I need you to do me a favor.”
“Aye? And what might that be?” she whispered back.
“Pretend to be offended.”
Offended? She stared into his serious eyes. “Whatever for?”
Lief did not answer. He took her hand and pulled it into the crook of his arm, leading her toward the dining room. Aerity looked over her shoulder at Wyneth, who shrugged in confusion.
King Dagur stood when they entered. He was with Volgan and two of his highest officials this time, rather than his family. Vixie was also at the table, appearing glad to see her. Harrison joined last with one other Lochlan officer, and the doors closed. Covered plates had been set on the table. Aerity wondered what the chef had been able to throw together in such a hurry. Had the chicken houses survived the damage of battle?
And speaking of damage, the formal dining room did not look at all the way she remembered it. Every tapestry had been torn down. The walls were bare. The priceless vases were shattered, though someone had swept the floors and left the shards in a corner.
King Dagur shook his head. “They left your home in ruins. I am sorry to witness it.”
“I’m sorry to have guests see it in such a state.”
The king waved a hand. Aerity was the first to sit, at the head of the table, and the others followed her lead. Normally a servant would lift the covers from their dishes.
“We’re on our own, I suppose,” Aerity said. She reached over and lifted the king’s cover for him, setting it in the middle. He stared at her and began to chuckle, a sound that turned to a deep laugh, and his men all joined him. Aerity blushed. The king then reached over and lifted her cover for her.
“Not on our own, Your Majesty. Together.”
Of all the things to nearly make her burst into tears . . .
Aerity smiled and motioned to the others at the table, who all lifted their own covers. Inside were slices of warm bread, roasted carrots and beets, and fried eggs. Without hesitation, they all fell upon the food. For five entire minutes nobody said a word. Aerity hadn’t realized how hungry she was until her entire plate was cleared. They all looked around at one another. Aerity met Lief’s eyes and tried to figure out why his mood was so dark. His ominous request came back to her and she squinted across the space at him, but he was lost in his thoughts.
The king pushed his plate forward enough to put his elbows on the table and nail her with a stern look.
“We must set a date for your wedding. Without delay.”
Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. “I agree.”
He twined his fingers, seeming partially appeased. “This winter. Two weeks from now.” It sounded like a challenge, as if he expected her to argue. She wanted to push for spring, but after all he’d done, she couldn’t.
“That is reasonable,” she said.
He watched her before blinking and relaxing back in his chair with his hands across his belly. “Well, then. This is good.”
“Your Majesty,” said Lief from beside him. “If I may speak.”
The king appeared amused as Lief stood to address him.
“I will not marry Queen Aerity.”
Aerity’s heart stopped. All delight fell from King Dagur’s face. The entire room seemed to stiffen in shock. Volgan looked as if he were choking.
Pretend to be offended.
Oh, seas. She forced herself to speak. “Whatever do you mean, Lord Alvi?”
“He is jesting,” King Dagur said through clenched teeth.
Lief’s chest puffed out farther. “I am in earnest.” And though he stood tall and proud, Aerity saw something in his eyes she’d never seen before. Fear.
King Dagur slowly pushed to his feet. His voice was a rumble. “You. Will. Marry.”
“I am sorry, Uncle. But I will not.”
The king smacked Lief across the face. Aerity and the other girls jumped in startled surprise. Lief remained still, his jaw clenching.
“For what reasons, boy?”
“For reasons of my own.”
“If you do this . . . if you dishonor our ally in such a way, I will disown you.”
Lief paused, as if struggling. “I understand,” he said in a scratchy whisper.
Aerity could not believe her ears. This was too much. Lief’s honor to his homeland, it was an integral part of him.
The king clenched his fists, appearing ready to fight. “You will never again be allowed on Ascomanni lands, boy. Do you understand that? An outcast of the coldlands! Banished!”
Lief’s large Adam’s apple bobbed. “I understand.”
She was elated at the thought of what this could mean for her, but riddled with guilt.
“Lief,” Aerity whispered, forcing the words. “Reconsider.” His home . . . his family.
“This is pure selfishness,” King Dagur shouted at him. “You were not raised this way! How dare you put yourself above your kingdom?”
The king was trembling in fury as he turned his face to Aerity. “I did not know his intentions, Your Majesty. I would have attempted to talk sense into him.”
She tried to put on a stern face. As much as she didn’t want to make things worse for Lief, she had to do exactly what he said—pretend to be at least slightly offended. She would risk further damage to her relationship and trust with Ascomanni if she appeared to be glad not to have their union.
“I am taken aback as well,” she said. “And my people will be sorely disappointed.” She looked at Lief, who remained still. What would happen to him if he couldn’t go back to the coldlands? She couldn’t let him live a life of disgrace.
“You have brought me shame this day.” The king spat at Lief’s feet, and Aerity felt her heart whither in sadness. “You are no nephew of mine.”
Lief shut his eyes, the weight of what he’d done crashing down. Aerity’s mind whirled, searching for a way to right this.
“I feel as if I must give my people something,” she said. “Regardless of his choice today, the citizens of Lochlanach esteem Lief as a hero.”
“You owe him nothing after this,” the king assured her.
“Oh, but I do. He killed the beast, Your Majesty. And he has gone above and beyond to free us from the enemy every step of the way since that hunt. He has been a friend of Lochlanach, and therefore I wish to honor him, husband or not. My southern lands are currently without a duke. It is a lesser title, but he should be glad to wear any title at all after refusing to be our prince consort.” She looked at Lief. “As of today, you are Duke Lief Alvi of southern Lochlanach.”
He lowered his chin stiffly in response.
“Gather your belongings and leave us,” Aerity said. She motioned to Harrison. “See him out, Lieutenant.” They exited together, and Aerity caught the gaping faces of Wyneth and Vixie. She had to cough lightly into her hand.
“You show him far too much grace,” King Dagur said.
Aerity turned to him, a tremor running through her. “It is done. You may remain in my home as long as you desire.”
“I can see you are upset, Your Majesty. I assure you, I would never wish to slight you.”
“I told you this morning that I owe you a great debt for your help in this war, and I meant it. Whether or not I am wed to your nephew does not change that. I hold you and your people in the highest regard and I hope for a future of shared prosperity with Ascomanni.”
He exhaled and bowed his head to her. “I thank you.”
She curtsied and then they took hands to say good-bye. His face was still strained with distress when he left them, followed by his officers. Aerity motioned for her guards to leave them. The moment the door closed, Wyneth and Vixie flew out of their seats and ran, plowing into her. Together, the three of them held tight, murmuring as quietly as possible.
“Did that really happen?” Aerity whispered. Her skin felt ready to explode from the inside.
“Aye, that Lief,” Wyneth said with a shake of her head. “I think our Lochlan ways may have rubbed off on him after all.”
“I worry for him,” Aerity murmured.
“He is in pain,” Wyneth said. “But I don’t believe this was a spontaneous decision. In time he will thrive here. He is already revered.”
Vixie took her hand. “Be at peace, Aer. Think of what this means for you.”
Queen Aerity felt a heady rush of jubilance. “I’ve got to tell Paxton!”
“Go, go!” Vixie shoved her, and clasped her hands beneath her chin. Wyneth beamed beside her.
Aerity sprinted to the door and then stopped to calm herself. She ran a hand over her hair and down her gown, then put on a serious face and opened the door.
Nothing had the potential to make Vixie cry torrents more than joy. She knew it was not going to be pretty, so she slipped into the nearest quiet room she could find, the library. Vixie flounced into an oversized chair and let the wailing commence. Not all was happy and well—her parents would never be back and so many had died—but her sister was going to have true love now. It was so beautiful, it hurt.
She was not at all fit for company when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Vixie jumped to her feet and sniffled loudly, wiping her nose with the back of her hand, and then her eyes. Tiern stood there.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t want to disturb you, but I came to check on you and found you crying. I couldn’t not say something.”
His rambling was adorable, but her cheeks still flamed with embarrassment.
“It’s all right. I’m actually happy.”
He tilted his head. “You were sobbing uncontrollably because you’re happy?”
She sighed. “Well, aye, you see, because—”
“I present,” said a booming voice from the library entrance, “Prince Hanriil of—”
“She knows who I am.” Prince Hanriil grinned at her, flanked by a handful of soldiers as he swept into the room. His smile fell. “Have you been crying, Princess?”
Oh, for the love of the seas!
“Nay. I mean, aye, but I am fine. I promise. Just overwhelmed, I suppose.”
The prince looked at Tiern now, with a touch of annoyance in his features. “Please leave us. I wish to speak to the princess alone.”
Vixie and Tiern both went still. And then Tiern nodded his head.
“Aye, Your Highness.”
Tiern then turned to Vixie and quickly leaned down, pressing his lips to hers in a chaste, albeit intimate way. Then he gave her a quick grin and turned, bowing to the stunned prince before leaving them. Her heart swelled to bursting.
“Do you always allow commoners to kiss you?” The prince sounded appalled.
“Nay,” Vixie said. “Only that one.”
“Is he courting you?”
“Aye.” He is now.
The prince paused. “Are you open to being courted by others?”
“Not at this time, Your Highness.”
He paused again, as if baffled by the entire scenario. “Well, all right. I came to say my good-byes. We return to Toresta today.”
Vixie lowered into a deep curtsy. “Thank you, Prince Hanriil. You are brave and worthy. May the seas be with you.”
He bowed. “And the winds with you.”
Aerity walked with her chin up toward the guest quarters. Thankfully the guards and soldiers were all so busy with cleanup that they hadn’t yet taken to watching her like a hawk. When she saw Harrison and Lief walking together, the strife between them seeming to have vanished, she cocked her head toward the portico at the end of the hall. They followed her into the opening, and she turned on Lief.
“What were you thinking? Your homeland!”
He shrugged lightly. “I was going to live here anyway, wasn’t I?”
She stared at him. The fear and nervousness he’d displayed in front of the king were gone. “But . . . your honor. I never meant for you to do this, I swear it.”
He cupped her cheek, as he’d done on so many kind moments before. “I know. You would have never asked or expected it, and for that I respect you.”
“Then why?” she asked.
He got a sort of capricious look on his face as he released her. “I suppose I wanted to know what it’d feel like . . . to sacrifice something big for one deserving person.”
“I fear you will regret it,” she whispered.
“Your Majesty!” called a voice from down the hall. Aerity popped her head out and saw Caitrin with six other maids. She waved, so glad to see them. The maids rushed down the hall and Caitrin took her hands. The girls all had red eyes as if they’d been crying, but they were all smiles now.
“Oh, Your Majesty! We came as soon as we heard! The seas have blessed our kingdom! We’re so happy you’re safe.”
Aerity smiled. “Indeed, we are so very blessed.”
“I’m sorry to have interrupted you, my queen,” Caitrin said, her eyes darting up to Lief. She released her hands and curtsied. The other girls did the same. When they stood they smiled at her, and then their eyes all seemed to flitter up to Duke Alvi before they turned and dashed away. Down the hall Aerity heard several of them giggle. She turned and caught a grin on Lief’s face.
“No,” he said. “I won’t regret it.”
“Oh, you!” Aerity smacked his arm and Harrison laughed, shaking his head.
“Thank you, though,” Lief said to Aerity. “For the lands. That is more than generous.”
She hugged him around the waist and he hugged her back. He would make a good addition to Lochlanach. “Just don’t break too many of my maidens’ hearts.”
He chuckled, making no promises. She pulled away and looked at the two of them.
“Have you seen Paxton?”
Harrison nodded. “He and Tiern are in the third guest chambers.”
“Tell him I said you’re welcome!” Lief called as she turned and ran.
She smiled widely, despite the heat that filled her cheeks. She felt strangely nervous as she stopped in front of the third door and knocked, then adjusted the gem in her circlet. Tiern opened the door and bowed when he saw her.
“Congratulations on your victory, Your Majesty,” he said.
She gave a small nod. “The victory is all of ours. Thank you, Tiern.”
“I’ve just come from the library. Your sister was crying, apparently happy tears?”
Aerity smiled. “She tends to do that.”
She was about to inquire about Paxton, when he peeked out from behind the door and saw her. He was shirtless, drying his wet hair with a towel. He pushed the door open and came forward, nearly shoving Tiern out of the way.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Oh, seas. All she could do was stare at this man, her tongue seeming to have stopped working. She was almost afraid to say the words, afraid that it would all be snatched away.
Tiern grasped the back of his neck. “Erm, I’ll just be going, then.” He ducked out the doorway to leave them.
Aerity peeked behind her. One of her guards was watching, but she knew he would not stop her or gossip. She slipped into the chamber and shut the door. As Paxton stared at her expectantly, a sudden giggle erupted out of her throat and she covered her mouth. His brow scrunched.
“What has happened?”
Aerity leaned back against the door to steady herself. Paxton looked at her as if she’d lost her mind. He tossed the towel onto a chair and faced her.
“You’re beginning to make me nervous, Aer.”
In a rush, she spouted, “He refused to marry me.”
His brow furrowed even tighter. “Pardon? Wait . . . Lief? Refused?”
Her head bobbed up and down and the giggle returned. “Aye!” Then she straightened and lost her smile. “He’s been banished from the coldlands for it. I’ve given him the southern lands. You should have seen King Dagur—”
“Wait.” Paxton’s heavy, dark eyes were locked on her. “You’re not to be married?”
The severity of his heated stare made her suck in a breath. “Nay.” She took his hands, looking down at his strong, capable, magical fingers. “Not to him.”
In a rush, Paxton lifted her off her feet, making her laugh as he buried his face into her neck and spun her.
“Deep seas!” he said. The vivacity in his own laughter was the most joyous sound she’d ever heard. They were free. Free of their enemies. Free of promised sacrifices. Free to be together. And though life was certain to bring obstacles anew each day, they would face them together.
She wrapped her arms tightly about his neck and murmured in his ear. “You’re my prince, Pax. My only prince.”