Page 105 of A Rose Among Snakes

Warmth flooded my chest at the sincerity of his words, but my curiosity was piqued. “What were you doing in Roben that day?”

He gave a weary sigh. “We had a late shipment and an unhappy dealer in Frommhelm, so I went there on my own to make amends.”

“Is that something you do—did often?”

“Recently, yes. There had been issues, but I don’t have to worry about that anymore, thanks to you.” He brushed a knuckle along my cheekbone, avoiding the cut. It was distracting, but I needed answers.

“Why didn’t you say anything to me sooner?”

“I never felt like it was the right time.”

I nodded, appreciating his thoughtfulness. “I thought you would let me go the minute you saw me in your study because you knew about my brother.”

He chuckled. “Honestly, I had half a mind to, but it had nothing to do with you or your brother. I swear my heart stopped when Mrs. Shulling brought you into that room, and all I could think about was how agonizing it was going to be trying to stay away from you.”

I smiled knowing I had not been alone in the sentiment the past two months. “I had convinced myself you didn’t recognize me, that I was forgettable.”

He tucked my hair behind my ear and looked deep into my eyes, making my stomach do somersaults. “Mihrra, how could I ever forget you? You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” He tipped my chin up and I thought he was going to kiss me, but instead, he said, “Wait right here,” as he scooted me off his lap.

Disappointed, I pressed my lips together and crossed my arms, careful of the bandage around my left forearm. Alone with my thoughts as he ran inside, my head was a brighter place after his confession. While I didn’t expect him to fix my problems, his presence was a natural deterrent to the darkness creeping in around the edges of my heart. After a few minutes, he emerged from the manor and sat beside me again.

Taking my hands in his, he said, “Mihrra, you have captivated me from the first moment I saw you, and in the short time I’veknown you, I have fallen head over heels in love. Not only are you beautiful, you are kind, patient, brave, brilliant, considerate, stubborn-” I scowled and he smiled, edging off the bench to fall on one knee. “You are more than I could have ever hoped to find in a woman, and you deserve someone far better than me. But if you will give me a chance, I would love to spend the rest of my days proving my love for you.”

He released my hands and reached into his pocket, pulling out a ring, and my blood pounded in my ears. He held it out to me, his hand trembling as he asked, “Will you marry me?”

“What?” I asked, my breath coming out in a rush.

Trepidation crinkled the corners of his eyes as he continued, “It was all over the minute I held you in my arms that first time in Canderren. I knew there was no going back for me, and every moment has led up to this. I want you to be my wife, Mihrra.”

Every inch of my body tingled, my heart soaring, as I said, “Nothing would make me happier, Velian.”

Already short of breath, his smile stole all of it away. Emerald eyes sparkling, he placed the ring on my finger, and I wiggled it in the fading sunlight, watching as the facets of the pink diamonds arranged like a rose threw twinkling lights on his beautiful face.

“Do you like it?” he asked. “It was my mother’s.”

Somehow, fresh tears welled in my eyes.

“I love it.”

“I love you,” he said, pulling me to my feet. I squealed as he grabbed me behind my legs and lifted me in the air. I clung tohim, laughing and nearly bursting with joy, as I seized his face and crushed my lips to his.

Chapter Sixty

Mihrra

Itook a few days to rest and let my body recover before telling Velian I needed to take a trip home. Kezara and Mrs. Shulling were already charging ahead with wedding plans, but I couldn’t move forward without telling my family the truth about our father. Velian asked if I wanted to take the carriage or ride, and enough of the soreness had dissipated that I wanted the wind in my hair, not the confines of a carriage. Velian was more than happy to oblige.

That was how we found ourselves pulling up outside my childhood home right as my sister, Ambrelle, walked out of the front door. She froze in the doorway when she saw me, her eyes wide, but when her gaze shifted to Velian her jaw dropped. After a stilted dismount, I crossed the distance between us to pull her into a hug. It wasn’t until she was in my arms that I realized how much I’d missed her, and some of the tension in my muscles eased. I hadn’t ever had the chance to say goodbye before leaving for Port Deering.

She began firing off questions, but I told her I would explain everything inside. She eyed the cut on my face, and though I’d worn a dress with a high collar, the yellowing bruises on myneck still peeked above the fabric. I made vague introductions between Velian and my sister, and we went inside. Ambrelle called to Mother and the twins, and soon enough, I was being smothered in kisses and tight embraces.

Pulling back, my mother looked over my shoulder, her eyes narrowing as she took in Velian.

“Mama, this is Velian Blaise. He’s my…” I trailed off, unsure how I wanted to introduce him. I met his eyes, and mischief danced there as his brow twitched upward. We hadn’t discussed this part. I raised my hand to pull at the end of my braid and Ambrelle gasped.

“Mihrra!” She gripped my hand and lifted it toward her face, displaying my ring.

A nervous giggle escaped my lips as I pulled my hand back and stepped to Velian’s side.

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