Page 74 of King of My Heart

With that, we got into the car. As Caspian pulled out of the driveway, I glanced back one last time. Julian still stood there, his arms crossed over his chest, watching us go.

He looked relieved, but a hint of sadness had lingered in his eyes all morning long.

He would miss Caspian. Not too much.

And I knew his promised call would come way sooner than either of them expected.

***

Two days later, the call came.

I was sitting on the couch, reading a book, when Caspian walked into the living room with his phone pressed to his ear, looking as hopeful as ever.

He mouthed “Julian,” and pointed to the phone, and I gave him two thumbs up, sitting up in excitement.

The conversation was quick, and I only heard bits of it.

But when they hung up, Caspian told me every single detail.

“He’s coming over on Christmas,” he said, a bright smile on his lips.

“Oh, that’s amazing!” I got up and hugged him. “I’m so happy it worked out. You deserve this, Caz.”

He rubbed my back and held me tightly, letting everything sink in for a moment. “I hope I do. I missed him. God, I can’t explain how I feel right now.”

I leaned back slightly to look at him, smiling gently. “You have time to absorb it all. I’m so happy for you, truly.”

He smiled and leaned down to kiss me. “I’ve always hated Christmas,” he admitted, pulling away from me. “But with Julian and you—”

He fell silent, and I knew what the problem was now.

I reached up to cup his face, gently caressing his cheeks with my thumbs. “We still have time to figure out how to tell him about us. Let’s not stress it.”

He studied me carefully, then let out a heavy breath. “You’re right.” He gave me a grateful smile before pulling me back into his arms, holding me close. “I must’ve done something incredible to deserve you.”

I chuckled softly, tilting my head. “Who knows? Maybe you were a hero in another life, a king who saved his people.” I traced my fingers along the side of his neck. “But in this life, you’re the king of my heart.”

Caspian let out a breathy laugh. “Always so damn good with your words.”

I grinned. “It’s a gift.”

He tightened his arms around me, his voice barely above a whisper. “Best gift I’ve ever gotten.”

Chapter 21

CASPIAN

one month later

A year ago, I would’ve laughed in someone’s face if they had told me that I would be sharing my home with a woman, especially in this tiny village in the middle of nowhere.

But now, with Darwynn curled up beside me, stealing all the warmth from the blanket, her sock-covered feet tucked under my leg, I couldn’t imagine it any other way.

She had settled into my home like she’d always belonged here. Her books cluttered my shelves, her clothes hung next to mine in the wardrobe, and the faint scent of her shampoo lingered in my pillows. She had even claimed an entire drawer in the kitchen for her baking utensils and endless mugs.

I never understood why one person needed more than one mug.

I had lived alone for a long time, but Darwynn made it easy to share a space. She had filled the quiet, softened the edges of my solitude, and made the house feel like a real home.

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