Page 150 of Fearless

I smile, letting my fingers glide down her spine. This makes her shiver, skin pebbling in a way that has me swallowing. I memorize the feel of her, slow and deliberate, before tying a loose knot at the base of the corset.

“Thank you,” she murmurs, turning to face me.

I shrug. “I could use the practice when it comes to lacing corsets.”

Paedyn rolls her eyes, even as I pull her against me. “If it is more practice you need, then how would you like to be the queen’s maid?”

My fingers find the tip of her nose and flick it lightly. “I’m afraid I would be a terrible distraction. Your clothes would rarely make it on.”

“Is that so?”

“Only one way to find out.”

She shakes her head at me before growing suddenly solemn. “Thank you for last night.”

“I love you, Pae.” I say this sternly, unforgivingly. “And I am honored to get the chance to.”

She presses her forehead to mine, lips quivering as she whispers, “There is nothing I regret more than not having the time with you.”

Her hands are cupping my face. Mine are buried in that tousled silver hair I cut for her. And when she kisses me, it’s as though she is taking one final breath. Her mouth clings to mine, memorizing a moment we pretend will be our forever. I taste her lament on my lips, a lingering goodbye I’ll relive long after she’s gone.

Pulling apart before I can feel her trembling hands, she gets to her feet and steps away. “I need to go.” Another step backward. “Ellie will want to get me ready soon.”

Now I’m standing, chest tight. “I can’t watch you marry him, Pae.”

“Kai, don’t make this harder than it already is. Please.” She swipes angrily at the tears slicking her face. “You know I have to do this.”

I shake my head. “You don’t.”

“You have your duties,” she breathes. “And I have mine. We don’t choose our fate, remember?”

I stare at her, and the feeling of my heart wrenching in two nearly brings me to my knees. Her feet fumble backward until the willow’s branches are tangled around her shoulders. “But I would choose you every time, if only I could,” she whispers. “Know that.”

The sun streams through her hair, crowning it with a halo of light. I swallow, throat burning. “I’ll see you after the wedding, my Queen.”

A tear rolls down her cheek at my words.

“As your Enforcer,” I finish weakly.

With one last regretful look, she parts the curtain of leaves and steps into her future.

Without me.

CHAPTER 56Paedyn

A queen stares back at me in the mirror.

Her gaze is sharp, bright like the Shallows she survived and lined with kohl as dark as the cave she crawled out of. A slight shimmer coats her eyelids, right above the darkened lashes that fan atop powdered cheeks. Her lips are stained a deep red, masking the flush of a stolen kiss. Gone are the tear streaks, buried instead by makeup and facades.

She looks lethal. Formidable.

And, oddly, she doesn’t look like a stranger.

Ellie fusses with my hair, tying two braided strands at the back of my head. It’s elegant, yet simple, allowing for most of the silver waves to tickle my shoulders. Maids I’ve never met rush around the room, prepping my dress and every detail. I sit stiffly before the vanity mirror, forcing my thoughts from my imminent future.

Ellie takes a step back to examine her handiwork. “I think I’m all done.” Her dark eyes shine with pride. “You look so beautiful.”

I force a smile. “Thanks to you.”

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