"You speak a great deal of nonsense."

His grave tone makes me laugh. "Yeah, probably. You think me mad."

"I did at first but now . . ." He shakes his head. "I think you different only. Beautiful despite the uniqueness of who you are."

"Whatever. You're engaged to the most beautiful woman in any world ever to exist. I know you're not serious." Then why does a bubble of joy burst inside me at his words?

"You assume much about me you should not, witch. You did not understand the purpose of my war, and you fail to see how serious I am now." He's offended. I didn't think it possible.

"It's not that I don't think you're serious," I reply, not wanting him too upset since I don't have a clue where we're going. "I was betrothed, and Jason had another woman in his life beside me. He eventually left me for her and told me it was my fault. I don't . . . I won't hurt another woman like that. No matter what I feel for you." Holy shit. Did I just say that? "Not that I feel anything for you at all, but if I did, and if this was real and you -"

"I understand, witch." He's entertained, the skin around his eyes crinkling with warmth. "You have honor."

"Yes," I say, recovering from my latest slip up with him.

"You are also a coward."

"I am not!" I retort. "Wait, are we talking about in battle? Because I will admit to having an aversion to being stabbed with a sword."

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"Not battle. In going after what you want."

"Why? Because I don't share your aggressive, obsessive, single-minded determination to take over the world?"

"You are fortunate, witch. If I had no betrothed, that determination would be channeled at you."

Is he serious? He likes me? Like, really, truly is interested?

I stumble over my feet, stunned. He catches my arm to steady me and I'm silent.

There's no comeback for that, no way to save face when it's obvious he's just rocked my world.

His hand slides down to take mine. Without looking at me, he squeezes.

I can't think of anything to say and I like the feel of his large, warm, calloused hand too much to want to pull away like I probably should.

More than willing to do what I can to help him, it's what follows the last battle that makes me far less comfortable. As long as we save the kingdoms, this place will exist, and he'll live happily ever after with his perfect princess.

Like Jason. What happens to me then? I get turned into a servant? I go home to live alone with the knowledge I met someone I really liked, who liked me, and it still didn't work out? I get tossed into a new book?




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