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July 3 - July 10, 2019
A lifebond was an act of absolute love, rare in its complete and utter devotion because with one death, it could claim two lives instead of one. Queens and their most valued kuvari among the Quorum elite royal guards rarely lifebonded, as their loss would leave a queendom weakened.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about the humans, it is that they can never be trusted, especially when it comes to doing what’s right.”
Books had power, the power to defeat hopelessness with escape, ignorance with enlightenment, fear with knowledge.
“Alessandra Ermacora, princess of Silen, I, Veron of Nozva Rozkveta, offer you power”—he rested a hand on his sword pommel—“survival, skill, defense, wisdom, and partnership”—then on his bow, his knives, his shield, the scroll strapped to his belt, and he took her hand—“to harness for your ends or ours, as we walk our lives together from this day forward for as long as the Deep allows.”
“On the night of the Offering, it says to a bride, ‘I am not too proud to serve you. I will never be too proud to serve you. It is my honor and pleasure.’”
He’d bowed. Apologized to Bianca. Bianca’s perfectly sculpted eyebrows shot up. So did hers.
Her eyes were the dark embrace of home, the bloom of night and beauty of shadow, and when she smiled, his breath caught.
If the gap between them was closing, however, someone would have to broach the subject, admit the shift in perception. And it would be him. He’d have to confess his budding attraction to her first. And he would. No hiding. No dishonesty.
It was time, and their discussion had been cut short, but it didn’t matter—he knew. He knew, and he felt the same.
Among a sea of stars, she was the moon. It was as though he hadn’t looked up until now.
She leaned into him, opening her mouth to his, the sweet bloom of a dark red wine on her exploring tongue, slow, sensual. Her breaths warmed his mouth as they fell into rhythm, longing, urging, and by Deep and Darkness, it was all he could do to cup her face, deepen his kiss, meet her tongue’s sensual taking with his own.
“Strength isn’t just in your fists. Strength is relying on your knowledge in the face of danger. It’s standing up to a challenge with courage and dignity. Not running away.”
His Aless was strong. When someone told her there was no way out, she made her own. She hadn’t resolved to be with him because her father had told her to; she’d made up her own mind, and for that, he adored her even more. There was no betrayal in her affection now.
“People might sometimes betray your trust, Veron, and you might lose them. But if you choose not to forgive, you don’t have to worry about losing them… because you’ve already pushed them away. It’s still loss, but of your own making.”
They had to believe in something, or else the battle was already lost.
“My daughter-in-law will oversee the project and ensure it meets everyone’s needs.” Mati smiled at Aless, who gasped, scarcely able to catch her breath.
Another heavy sigh left him, but he kissed her cheek. “Congratulations, daughter. I may not agree with you, but I know your mother would be proud. Both of your library and you.”
She blinked, gaped at him, the shock of her open mouth widening to a grin. Tears welled in her eyes and spilled. “Veron… She… She says a friend of hers freed Immortali locked in a sea prison, and among them was a dark-elf… He says his name is Mirza… He says he’s… He’s your father.”
