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A black birthmark against the child’s pink skin the size of a small coin, shaped as thorny vines wrapped around the stem of a lily.
~Love is a powerful force. It cannot be bought. It cannot be taken or stolen. Although sometimes it must be fought for, it must be given freely.~
am meeting my future wife for the first time since childhood. It’s ceremonial for the High King to wear a mask in such cases.”
The horse’s hooves patted quietly on the soft ground of the forest floor. “One day you’ll be in love with me.”
If they get you to the castle, you will likely only get one chance at them, Aunt Evalyn said during her training. Take it. Take it for your parents. Take it for you. This was the only way to be free.
We will turn into pale ones if we don’t meet the requirements of the spell, so if I must marry the girl who hates me then so be it.”
“Why do you defend me against her?” “I should think that was obvious.” “It isn’t to me.” “Layala, I’ve been defending you for nearly all my life.”
“After you tried to kill me, you think I should give you weapons? Should I hand over my balls on a platter as well?”
Yet after everything he endured, he didn’t think he could ever be happy with anyone else. He’d fought so hard, done so many things for her before he even met her. She carved a special place in his heart before they ever spoke a word.
“He said he got a tip that Layala was somewhere up north and demanded my accompaniment. She’s not there, thank the Maker.” Osric patted his horse’s neck. “He’ll never give up, will he?” “No. He won’t.” “And you’ll never give her up.” Osric knew that Thane could find Layala if he wanted to. But Osric’s loyalty was with his prince, not his king. “It seems this will go on for eternity, but I suppose it can’t? You’re running out of time, Thane. You must get her soon. Even if you do it in secret.”
“He’s my father.” “He’s an evil tyrant.”
“I was admiring your smile. You haven’t smiled much since I met you.”
“I think I’ll take that as a challenge: find ways to make Layala smile.”
“Because I keep my power tucked away, too.”
“If anyone touches her in any way, death will come swiftly. And I am the reaper.”
He promised death to anyone who touched her. And she didn’t know how to feel about that.
“Would you? Get on your knees for me?” she drawled, holding back an eye roll.
when you realize you are the queen, the most powerful chess piece on the board, they will fear you.” He shoved the bottle into her hand. “Now have a drink.”
“I’ve had enough arguing with you. As your mate, you are mine. You can deny it until you have no breath, you can fight me and hit me and call me every filthy name you can think of, you could even try to kill me again, but I’m not going anywhere. You are mine and I am yours, and I will destroy anyone who gets in my way.”
“And as much as I claim it’s all for Palenor, for the good of our people, it’s not. Because if I was being honest with myself,” his voice dropped low, “I would sacrifice too much if it meant you were safe.”
“As much as I want to squeeze that hunky body, and feel all those muscles, sire, I’ll let the lady.”
“And besides, talk about what happens in a wedding bed for most couples isn’t appropriate in front of a lady.” “Oh, I’m sorry, is talk about me and my hand appropriate? Are balls in the vocabulary of a lady? How about prick? Bastard?” “Your balls are in danger right now.” “Fine, dearest, I’ll keep my fantasies to myself.” “Maker above, please do.”
“The kind I hope accepts me for… me. Not as a savior or the Lightbringer or anything else. Just Layala.”
“You certainly are the epitome of a lady.” She flipped him her middle finger and he chuckled, bending down to gather his sword. “I’ll even use one sword this time so you can’t call me a cheater.”
“It’s more than a silly crown to our people.”
Grabbing her waist, he firmly pulled her on his lap. “Claiming what is mine.”
“What I feel for you couldn’t simply go away. It’s more than the bond.”
“I cared about you before because I was aware of our connection and I hoped you would want to know me, if you felt it too. But that isn’t the reason I—want you now. I thoroughly love your mind, and even your stubbornness.” He smiled. “You’re determined and witty, and fierce. As fierce as any Raven. But you’re also kind and gentle. I’ve seen the way you care for those in need, like the children and your gnome.” He brushed his fingers across her collar bone. “You are more beautiful than I ever imagined. I have never wanted anything more than I want you. I am drawn to all of you, Laya.”
“I love you! You’re a genius.”
“And that is what you want? Do you want to be with me?” For how much she hated him all her life she couldn’t believe her answer. “Yes.”
“But if you want to stay, I promise I’ll love you so fiercely that they will write sonnets about our love. I will tear this world apart for you, I will fight until I have nothing left to give and destroy anyone who hurts you, and I will guard your heart most of all. Just, please, wake up.”
“I need to know before we leave. Is it enough?” He gulped. “I need to know now because we are running out of time.” “Is what enough?” “Am I and your people enough to stay? After everything… do you want to stay, Laya? Not because you must but because you want to. You were safe in Briar Hollow. All I’ve done is put your life at risk. I will help you find a way to set you free, if that’s what you want.”
“You. I want you.”
“Laya, please. I love you. I know you promised you wouldn’t love again, and I’m far from perfect and you deserve better than me but if you could give me a piece of your heart, I promise I will never break it.”
“I love you, Laya and I will for eternity, no matter if I see you again in this life or the next.”
“This High King begging me to kill him is not the Thane Athayel I’ve always known. The High King of Palenor begging me, his enemy, to take over the rule of his land... You’re pathetic. The Thane I knew would never let his mate go. He would have fought for her until the end, not give up like a coward. This is how you want to be remembered? Because this is the only thing people will remember. That you gave up.”
Love was a powerful force. It could not be bought. It could not be taken or stolen. Although sometimes it must be fought for, it must be given freely.
I’m coming for you, Laya. ~ Thane
