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“I know who you are,” he heard himself say. She went stone-still. “I know why the queen is hunting you.” She tensed as though bracing for the words to come. “Your scar. I was with you when you got it, Eisa.”
Rey had known Silla was worthy of protection. He’d thought her one of the last good things in this cursed kingdom.
“I won’t tell a soul that the fearsome Axe Eyes has a soft side.” And as blackness had pulled her into sleep, she could have sworn she’d heard him say, “Only for you, Sunshine.”
“Krasavitsa,[*1]” he said, tilting her jaw up with gentle pressure. “Dolgo ya zhdal.[*2]”
“Your fire,” he breathed as their lips broke apart and came back together. “It drives me mad.”
“You like it when I tell you what to do, Sunshine?” His voice rumbled through her, and she felt it in all the places they touched. “Well guess what?” With a ruthless burst of speed, he flipped her onto her back, pinning her to the ground with his hips. “I like telling you what to do.”
The last thought Silla had before falling into slumber was that even after eighteen winters, she still very much wanted to hold this man’s hand.
“Let me make this clear to you, Silla. There is nothing uncertain in how I want you.”
“I wanted you on Longest Day when you came out in that dress,” he said, voice ragged. “I wanted you when you pushed me across the field on the way to Kraki’s. I wanted you when you killed the vampire deer, when you blackmailed me, even when you tried to steal my gods damned horse. I’ve wanted you since the night you stormed up to me and told me I couldn’t frighten you away. That was it for me, Sunshine.”
“You make me happy, Sunshine—so damned happy it terrifies me. But the thought of losing you terrifies me even more. I want this. I want you…us.” Rey paused. “And if you never want to be Eisa, it won’t change how I feel. If you wish to rest, I will shield you from harm. If you want to fight, I will draw my sword beside you. If you want a hundred chickens, I will build you a hen-fortress.”
