Page 14 of Redeeming the Angel

“It depends on the family custom.Many will make the returned luminite dispose of their own body so they can get used to doing so.But I know many will be kind and take care of it before the luminite returns.”

Lucian shuddered and I shuddered with him as he said, “I’m not sure I could abide standing over my own corpse.”

“Me neither,” I whispered.

His head cocked to the side, making his mass of golden hair fall over his shoulder.“You didn’t see yours when you returned?”

“No.It was pulled away by the sea’s powerful current.”

“That’s lucky.”Lucian gave me a gentle smile.Then he fell silent.“When I leave here, this will be my first death.I’d be honored if you took care of my body.”

The mental image of Lucian lying lifeless and empty at my feet made me shiver with distaste, but I nodded.“I will.When are you going back?”

“Hopefully not for a while, but my mother told me that a messenger would come to call me back when it’s time for me to resume my duties.”

“Oh.”Heat flushed my face as I couldn’t find any other words to describe how I’d miss him.Somehow, some time, Lucian Jagwolfe had become something more than an entertaining diversion and fresh eyes to show off all the things I loved.

If a mere four weeks wasn’t too soon for such things, I would have thrown myself in his arms, climbed up his tall, muscled body, and pressed my lips against his.The mental image made my face burn and I materialized a fan to cool off.

“Are you alright?”he asked gently.

“Of course.I’m only a little overheated.Would you like to take a swim in the grotto with me?”

His voice roughened as he looked at me in a way that made me question if he knew what I’d been thinking about.“I’d like that very much.”

Too late I realized that meant I’d be seeing him in a state of near undress.Consider it research for painting and sculpting, I told myself.

We spent the next two months together.Between showing Lucian all the creatures of Medicia, I tried to teach him some of the things I’d had the opportunity to learn.He didn’t pick up drawing, painting, or singing, but he did take well to cooking, sewing, and some languages.Shellandrian was easiest for him, while Shyr, Leprechaun, and Abinitian proved so difficult that I didn’t dare try to teach him some of the Earthfolk tongues.Lucian also spent a great amount of time with my father in the gardens, captivated with the whole process.

I voiced my confusion.“But you build plants like these from their very molecules!”

“That’s different,” Lucian said cheerfully.“This is working with all components and seeking harmony in each one.At home, only farmers and gardeners get to do that.”

Unfortunately, the dreaded day came when a messenger from the Jagwolfe clan in Luminista arrived to call Lucian home.Persuading the messenger to delay for a day and enjoy the luxurious accommodations and foods of the palace was easy.But saying goodbye, even with extra time, was not.

Lucian and I went up to a high ridge over the sea to watch the two moons reflecting on the waves and some falling stars.

“Kerainne Leonine,” he said huskily, gently grasping my chin.“Princess of Medicia, and heir to a kingdom.I may not be as learned as you, I may not have as many talents, and I definitely have not lived as much as you despite having twice as many years of life.Despite my shortcomings, I have no lack of daring.”

“Daring to what?”I asked breathily.

“To do this.”And then he kissed me.

His lips caressed mine with a new and exciting magic, making me feel like the stars were shooting through my being.I reached around his broad shoulders for stability as well as a feral need to feel his firm, warm chest against mine.My fingers plunged into his silken hair.

I clung to him, exploring his mouth, and reveling in the new sensations he wrought.He tasted of sunshine and magic and I couldn’t get enough.

But just before I climbed onto his lap to feel more of him, Lucian broke away gasping.“Come with me, Kerainne.”

“I can’t.”Regret tugged at my heart.“There’s no way I can leave my mother when she’s pregnant.”

He opened his mouth as if to argue, then closed it and sighed.“Then I’ll come back as soon as I can.”

“Good.”I struggled to recover my own breath.So much for taking things slowly.“If Mother’s pregnancy goes well, she’ll deliver the baby in a year and a half.I know it will be hard on her, but I’m going to be out of my mind with worry and don’t want to be alone.”

“I will try to make it back in time to be with you.”He pulled me into his arms and kissed my forehead.“I told the King and Queen that my messenger and I will depart with no ceremony.Will you keep your promise about my body?”

“I will.”A lump formed in my throat as I tried not to think about caring for his lifeless body.

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