Defend the Dawn (Defy the Night, #2)

by Brigid Kemmerer

“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.”

I know what Lochlan said, and I now realize how it seemed, and for that, I apologize. Truly.” “I’m sorry, too.” “Lord, Tessa. Never apologize to me. You always make me better.” “Is that really what you think?” He frowns,

“No illusions now,” he says.

“When we were in Kandala,” he says, “I should have made some declarations.” He pauses, studying me. “I regret that I didn’t, because now I worry that I’m too late.” “You’re not too late,” I say softly. “I love you, Tessa,” he says, and I inhale sharply, because I wasn’t ready for him to come right out with it.

“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.”

He brushes a thumb along my cheekbone. “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.”

smells so warm, so familiar. I press my face into his neck. I missed you, I think. Because I did. I blink, and the world goes blurry. Tears sit on my lashes.

“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.

But tonight, we’re alone, darkness pressing against the window. Tonight, like before, it’s the two of us against the night. “Will you?” he says, his thumb stroking over my lip. I stare into his blue eyes and nod. “Yes.”

But Corrick always has so much more at risk. I’ve been judging him and Rian by the same standards—by the standards I would apply to myself—but now I wonder if that’s been fair.

Despite my shirt and trousers, I can feel his warmth, and somehow it makes me shiver.

He’s looking down at me, his eyes fixed on mine, affectionate yet predatory, gentle yet primal. Something inside me grips tight, stealing my breath.

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.

“I’m lucky he didn’t stab me right in the heart. That was his goal.” I think of

I reach up to trace the jagged line to where it disappears under the waistband of his trousers, my fingers slipping under the edge of the fabric. He hisses a breath, and his eyes close. “You’re killing me, Tessa.”

The boat rocks and sways, but I’m content to stay here and inhale his scent. I wait for him to try for more, because I’m here in his bed. I’m not sure I would mind if he tried for more.

Locked in this room, feeling the heat of Corrick’s body at my back, I could forget everything happening on the other side of the door.

“You were jealous,” I say. “I was.” “Are you still?” His blue eyes are dark in the dim light from the lantern. “It’s more than jealousy now.”

I swipe the tears off my cheeks. My chest is full of longing and betrayal and uncertainty, but now is the time for action.

“Your Majesty, Violet might not have an army, but don’t you remember? Lochlan does.”

I’m such an idiot.

I remember Corrick feeding me berries, how it felt like a peace treaty.

She grips tightly to my neck the instant her hands are free, and it reminds me of another night when I freed her of bindings and she grabbed me so desperately.

“I know. I’ll go.” He takes my face in his hands and kisses me. Then he looks to Rocco. “Get her below.” “Corrick!”

I look across at Corrick, who’s with Lochlan near the railing. His eyes meet mine, and I take a deep breath for the first time in what seems like hours.

“Corrick! Corrick! Corrick!” I stumble toward the railing, staring into the blackness of the water. I can’t stop screaming his name, even when my voice turns harsh and ragged. He’s in the water. I need to go after him.

I choke on a sob, then fight Rocco’s grip. “Corrick!” I scream. “Rian! Turn back! Turn back! You have to turn back!”

Corrick is gone.

Fog is everywhere. I feel nothing. Corrick is gone. I’ve lost him again. Lochlan is gone. I’m sorry, Karri.

After a moment, he sits down beside me. After another moment, he takes my hand and gives it a squeeze. It’s kind. Brotherly.

“When we get to Ostriary,” I say, “I want you to teach me to fight.”

“Come on, Wes,” Lochlan says, and there’s a bite of urgency to his tone. “Tell Mr. Crane your name.”