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After seeing her fear in the carriage, I’m glad I didn’t. I wish I could go back and erase the worry from her gaze. Are you frightened of me? She said nothing. But that said everything.
I sip politely at my soup spoon and wonder how something that should be so simple—providing more medicine to sick people—could get so wound up in political negotiation and palace intrigue.
“I don’t know about brave,” I say, but I can’t stop the warmth that floods my cheeks. “Just determined.” “They’re pretty much the same, don’t you think?”
“Come home safe, little brother.” I give him a nod. “I promise. Be here when I get back.”
One of my favorite things about the brothers is their endearing closeness. I wish they would allow others to see it. It’s the most humanizing thing about them.
He keeps so much of himself hidden that I somehow forgot he could be like this, all wildfire attraction and unbound passion.
I wiped a hand across my jaw, and I was surprised to find blood on my knuckles. Harristan sighed, then pulled a handkerchief to wipe the blood off my mouth. “You can’t fight all my battles, little brother.”
You can’t fight all my battles, little brother. That changed later, when he named me as King’s Justice. I’ve fought plenty of his battles, to the detriment of myself.
I’m sure I’ll fight plenty more. I don’t want to disappoint him. I don’t want to disappoint Tessa. As usual, those two choices seem to be in opposition.
I may have fallen in love with Tessa Cade, but as usual, I’m reminded that she didn’t fall in love with Prince Corrick, the King’s Justice. She fell in love with the outlaw Weston Lark. She fell in love with a man who doesn’t exist.
“Calm seas don’t make sharp sailors,
“Coffee is quite the delicacy in Kandala, so I couldn’t quite tell if you were being serious.” He blinks as if he’s appalled. “I never joke about coffee.”
My heart kicks at my ribs like it wants to punish me, and I probably deserve it.
My girl. I feel those words like a fist to the gut.
Corrick is terrible and wonderful and aggravating and inspiring, and somehow he manages all of it, all at once.
He allows everyone to think the worst of him, and all the while, he sacrifices everything he wants for the betterment of others.
“Cory,” I whisper, and his breath catches. “You don’t like who I am, Tessa.” “I don’t like who you pretend to be.” I swallow, and it hurts. “I love the man I think you are. But sometimes it takes me a little while to figure out which one is real, and which one is just another face you show others.”
“Lord, Tessa. Never apologize to me. You always make me better.”
“I have always loved you,” he says. “I love your brilliance and your courage. I love your faith in me, and your faith in my brother, and your faith in Kandala.” His hand slides to my cheek, and his blue eyes soften, filling my vision. “I don’t ever want to frighten you. I want to take actions that will make you proud.”
“You said I see everyone as an adversary. But since the moment my parents died, that’s all I’ve had. Adversaries. I’ve had to fight to hold Kandala together. I’ve had to fight to keep my brother safe. And now, if I have to, I’ll fight to hold on to you.”
“If you’d allow me, I would say all that and more once we return to the Royal Sector. I would officially declare our courtship before the king. But only if you want the same, Tessa.”
Impulsively, I reach forward and put my arms around his neck again. This time he catches me for real, his hands secure against my back. He smells so warm, so familiar. I press my face into his neck. I missed you, I think. Because I did.
“Do you still hate me?” he says softly. “No,” I whisper, like it’s a secret. “I love you.” He leans closer. “What’s that?” he teases. “I can’t hear you.” “I said you’re a huge pain in my—” I break off with a squeal when he kisses me, then melt into his hands when he pulls me close.
“Will you?” he says, his thumb stroking over my lip. I stare into his blue eyes and nod. “Yes.”
But he waits, no impatience in his eyes. I don’t know what I wanted him to wait for. Maybe it’s exactly this: reassurance that no matter what everyone else sees in him, his word is true.
