Page 82 of An Archer's Redemption

“Of course, I’d do anything you asked, Your Majesty.” I offered her a teasing bob of my head.

She snorted. “Not you, too! Stop that.”

“As you wish, Your Most Serene and Majestic Majesty.”

Another snort. Then a slap on my arm.

I didn’t say anything, just stared.

“What? Have I got something in my teeth?”

“No. It’s just . . . I missed your smile.”

She beamed, and a flush raced up her neck. “Ooh, is it warm in here? I need some fresh air. Would you mind accompanying me on a stroll through the gardens after dinner? We can walk off some of this meal.”

“I thought you would never ask.”

We finished dessert, tossed back the last of our wine, and left the dining room to her army of servants. Jess raced fingertips across every plant and flower we passed while I fiddled with my fingers and timidly avoided eye contact. We’d strode halfway across the sprawling gardens before either of us spoke.

“Jess—”

“Keelan—” she said at the same time.

We both cut off our words.

“You go first,” she said.

I returned my gaze to my rapidly twiddling digits.

“It’s nice out here,” I said.

She snorted. “That is what you were nervous saying to me?”

“I’m not—” I didn’t look up. “I guess I’m just nervous about the trip.”

Jess looked up sharply. “What? You mean going to Oliver? Keelan, you are one of the most storied investigators alive. Why would taking on a case make you nervous?”

“Because it’s not just another case. It’s a casefor you.”

“You have taken cases from the Triad. Why is one from the Queen of Spires so different?”

I met her eyes. “I don’t care about ‘the Queen.’ I’m worried I’ll disappointyou.”

She missed a step.

I caught her arm. She gripped my hand and didn’t let go. Both of us stared at our hands. After a moment of silence, she looked up.

“Keelan, you are an amazing Constable, one of the best, and you have magic that helps you serve people in need—but your skills and your Gift are not why I fell in love with you.”

My head snapped up, and my eyes widened.

For some reason, my heart felt like it wanted to leap out of my chest and run through the flowers. Every last hair on my arms jolted upright, and my tongue was suddenly sandpaper.

She reached up and stroked my cheek. “Yeah, I said it. You will owe me for that.” She winked. “You are a good, decent man, Keelan. You are smart and strong, and you would die before letting anything happen to someone you love. You act tough, but I have seen the real boy inside the hardened shell. He is scared sometimes, but mostly he wants to be happy, to be accepted, and to help others. I love that boy, Keelan, with all my heart.”

I stared down at her with wonder in my eyes.

“Jess . . . I . . . you . . . what?”

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