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If I hadn’t needed to personally speak with the remaining suitors before the ball started to let them know the competition had ended, I’d go to her at once. But I owed them the chance to hear directly from me what had transpired and how sorry I was to have carried on, knowing my heart was elsewhere. Val had made her feelings known about the potential damage to my court, but I knew what I wanted, and Hexed Quill or not, there was at least one thing I had the power to fix.
I lurched to my feet to shield Adriana with my body as the first dragon shoved its head into the opening it just made. A fierce, protective rage descended—so ancient and primal I couldn’t fight it if I tried. I would burn the world down and dance in its ashes if anything happened to her.
“You all right?” he asked, scanning me as if dragons weren’t swarming the fortress. “Yes.” I swallowed thickly. “You?” “I’d be better if you agree to marry me.” He gave me a wolfish grin. “But, yes. I’m fine.”
Heroes were gods-damned idiots. But I felt strangely at peace. The ice dragon let out a cry that would raise the dead and dove at me.
“Got any other requests concerning my cooking, you royal pain in my ass?” she said by way of greeting. Adriana snorted and clapped a hand over her mouth. I stared at her, fighting my own laughter. “That was the most undignified sound I’ve ever heard. Do it again and I’ll fall in love harder.”
“You knew this was mine.” It wasn’t a question, so I didn’t treat it as such. I gave a slight nod, allowing her to sort out her feelings on the matter. She searched my face, and I saw a myriad of emotions play across her features. “Why?” I took a long pull of my ale. “Because I love you,” I said simply.
“I’ve adored you from nearly the first moment I saw you. I loved you when I didn’t like you. I loved you when you bested me. And when I bested you. I love your smart mouth, your clever mind, your darkest fantasies. Your brightest joy. I love that you never let me win, that any victory I have is fleeting but earned. And I will live out the rest of eternity loving you.”
Adriana lightly stroked his scales, then drew her hand back. “You really are ice-cold.” I can warm my scales should you like to take a ride, milady. I scoffed. “Are you serious? You’ve never offered me a ride and I raised your sorry scaled bottom. And, need I remind you once more, took a dagger to the heart for you.” Perhaps if you minded your tongue, Prince. Though I suppose you ought to make sure your princess doesn’t lose her seat. “Will wonders never cease. The great Silvanus is playing the role of royal horse.”
And I’d make sure that every gossip columnist in the realm knew this rake was indeed reformed and my heart belonged solely to my rival, my love, my match. Though I was sure we’d find plenty of fun ways to stay scandalous.
