Page 127 of A Thieving Curse

“Even though you hate me?” Alex asked.

“Yes.” Tristan glanced at Raelyn, then back at Alex. “Raelyn was right. How—someone else treated me wasn’t your fault. I’m trying not to hate you. If Raelyn can forgive me, I can at least try not to blame you.”

“I’d prefer him not within a dozen leagues of Rae,” Gareth muttered. Raelyn frowned at him, and he crossed his arms. “Saving your life once doesn’t undo everything he did.”

Tristan winced and bowed his head.

Raelyn entwined her fingers with Alex’s. He met her eyes and understanding passed between them. Alex nodded.

“I, Alexander Tallon, Crown Prince of Rethalyon, grant Tristan Carbrey a full pardon in recognition of his efforts to protect the life of Princess Raelyn and allow him to remain in Rethalyon. We’ll discuss specifics, including what title you now possess, if any, later.”

Tristan sighed with relief. “Thank you, Your Excellency.” He bowed and withdrew to the side of the hall.

Alex turned Tristan’s crown in his hands, staring at it uncomfortably.

“Here.” Raelyn gently took the circlet and placed it on Alex’s head. The silver stood out in sharp contrast against his black hair. “Now you look like a Crown Prince.” She smiled as sorrow stabbed through her. “Lucas would have been proud.”

“Lucas would have stolen it to try it on himself.” Alex chuckled sadly. He cupped Raelyn’s face in his hands, pain in his eyes. His hands weren’t as warm as they had been when he was part dragon, but they were still comforting. “When I walked in and saw you next to Tristan… I was terrified you’d already married him. Then you smiled, and I knew everything would be all right. But then Henry…” He rubbed his thumbs against her cheeks. “I’m not letting you out of my sight. My heart can’t take losing you again.”

“You won’t.” She squeezed his hand, trying to ease his look of fear. “We’re safe, and I choose you, Alexander Tallon. I love you.”

He made a low, contented noise. She couldn’t help herself. “Did you just purr?”

“Raelyn Argent, I swear.” He swept her off her feet, and she laughed as she entwined her fingers behind his neck.

“What are you doing?” Father demanded.

“Princess-napping, clearly.” Alex smirked at Raelyn. “According to Jasper, I’m hot-blooded. I’m going to get my friends from the dungeons, and then I’m marrying my wife.”

“Now?” Raelyn giggled.

Alex kissed her cheek. “Now.”

“Put my daughterdown,” Father said, his voice menacing. “No treaty currently in effect applies to you, Prince Alexander. We have much to discuss before I agree to a new treaty with you, and she’s not marrying you until one is signed. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

“This is ridiculous.” Alex adjusted his grip on her legs. “Her life was just threatened and you—you’re making political calculations!”

“Of course I am!” Father strode closer with the stone-faced look he wore when nothing would dissuade him. “My kingdom comes first. If you don’t understand that, you’re not ready to be king.”

“But…this is what you wanted.” Raelyn wrapped her arms tighter around Alex’s neck. Surely her heart hadn’t gone through all that pain just to have Alex taken from her by her own father. “An alliance—”

“I want alastingalliance. I want security for Eynlaean access to trade routes and the river to the sea. Your Court must agree—”

“Whatever you want, I’ll convince my Court,” Alex said.

“You can guarantee me nothing.” Father’s gaze narrowed. “I waited a year to enter treaty negotiations with Henry, to ensure his rule would last. I spent months ensuring the agreement was mutually beneficial. Do you think I will hand over my only daughter to a man who isn’t even king yet?”

“I practically am king.” Challenge rang in Alex’s voice.

“He’s right,” Tristan spoke up. He leaned against the wall, his arms crossed. “The Court said as much. I won’t stand in the way, and there’s no one else.”

“Thank you,” Alex said.

“If you can’t deliver…” Father shook his head. “There are other kingdoms and other princes. Other alliances that could benefit Eynlae.”

Raelyn’s mouth fell open, and she pressed closer to Alex’s chest. “You wouldn’t.”

“She’s just a bargaining chip to you,” Gareth shouted, stepping in front of Father.

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