“I know I’m to be crowned tomorrow, but I can’t do it without you by my side.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. “I can’t marry you, Tauren. It isn’t our custom.” I glanced to Brecan and then to Mira, noticing the small smiles of… approval on their faces. Sucking in a breath, I turned back to Tauren. A strand of dark hair fell into his eyes. He smiled nervously. I brushed his hair back in a habit I’d come to adore, and he continued. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and if we have to hand-fast one year at a time, so be it. We’ll come back to this spot next
...more
