Page 34 of Turret

“It’s too dangerous, Princess. Allow me to go first.” He didn’t even await my agreement before he inched forward, keeping his body in front of me like a shield as he peered tentatively out. I scooted closer and stood on tiptoe to peek around him, my heartbeat escalating when his firm body pressed against my own.

A wave of dizziness overcame me at the height, but despite how far we were from the ground, I wanted to do something brave, to seize control of my life by doing all in my power to create the tower’s vision. Taking this step would be the first in claiming the future I desperately wanted. Not to mention going outside for the first time in three years would be well worth the frightening height.

Yet my desires didn’t fully eclipse my reservations, for we were quite high…but it wasn’t my fears I had to convince to take this chance but my stubborn, overprotective guard. “I want to sit on the turret.”

He gave me a look like I’d lost my mind. “No, Princess, it’s far too dangerous—”

I stepped around him and leaned further out the door. It opened onto a narrow balcony I was certain hadn’t been there before, one that twisted around the circular turret to a small set of stairs that led towards the tower point, where makeshift seats had already been created. My heart swelled at the thought that the tower’s magic was working in such a way forme, as if it too wanted me to claim my happiness with Quinn. I was determined not to waste its gift.

A cool breeze blew through the open door to caress my cheeks, damp from the tower climb, giving me a taste of the world I’d been hidden away from for far too long, but unlike before, I now yearned to see more of it. If I could take this tentative first step in exiting the tower, perhaps I’d be closer to the future I longed for…one with him.

“The tower has taken the necessary precautions; it’s perfectly safe.” I tried to edge around him so I could step fully outside, but he immediately stepped in front of me, blocking me. I peered up at him with my most imploring look. “Please, Quinn. I know how important it is to you that I experience more of the world.“

He released a long breath. “Doing it by climbing on top of the turret roof wasn’t at all what I had in mind.”

“Yet it is the closest to freedom I can currently experience. The tower’s protective enchantments won’t falter now, especially considering it’s the one who led me here.”

“You know I don’t trust the tower.” But his resistance was faltering. I watched as he worked through my words. Whatever he felt about the tower’s motives for trapping me, he couldn’t deny the moments it’d protected me and tried to lighten my heart, proving it sometimes behaved as more friend than foe.

I rested my hand on his arm, thrilling at the feel of his muscles beneath my hand. “Please, Quinn. I need this.”

The words had the magic effect I desired. He took in the hope filling my expression and his resistance faltered, declaring my victory.

I beamed and he eyed it almost accusingly, though his stern expression couldn’t mask the joy filling him at seeing my own. “I just can’t resist making you happy. Very well…butonlyif I ensure it’s safe.”

I bounced impatiently on the balls of my feet as he stepped fully onto the balcony and examined the area thoroughly. The assessment took far longer than I wanted, considering he relied more on touch than his weakening sight, but in my desperation I forced myself to remain patient. If Quinn needed this for his own peace of mind, I could grant him that.

I brightened at the reluctant approval in his expression when he stepped back into the tower and clasped my hands in delight. “Are we going on an adventure?”

My obvious exuberance further softened him. He chuckled and gave my ear a playful tug. “We are.” His expression gentled. “It’s been a while since you’ve been this happy.”

I wanted to remind him that allowing us to be together would grant me the joy he desperately wanted for me, but I didn’t want to risk sullying his mood and thus ruining whatever excursion the tower had in mind. “How can I not be happy when I have an opportunity to go outside with you?”

The smile his grave expression had fought to keep back fully emerged. “Even if we can’t entirely escape the tower, I’m grateful you can still experience more of the outside world.” His serious expression returned. “You must let me keep a firm hold on you; your safety is my first priority.” And he extended his hand.

My stomach gave a little thrill at the prospect of holding his hand, and I sent a silent thank you to the tower for providing an excuse for Quinn to break his usual protocol in touching me. I rested my hand lightly in his, relishing the sensation of his rough skin against my palm and the gentle way his fingers enclosed my hand, which fit perfectly within his.

For a moment time seemed to stand still, our breaths escalating as we stared at our clasped hands. He broke the reverence first when he severed his gaze and faced forward. “Remain close to me.” And together we stepped out into the twilight.

Chapter 13

The experience of stepping outside was more than just leaving the tower; I felt as if I’d finally gained control even when it felt as if it was slipping away. Though I’d experienced a few moments on the balcony, nothing compared to being at the top of the world, of doing something daring, and of allowing my heart to guide me down an uncertain path in hopes that it’d lead me to my desired destination: Quinn.

The balcony from my bedroom was much lower and faced a different direction. From my height and vantage point now, I could overlook the surrounding forest in a way I never had before. The view was breathtaking. Being trapped inside had caused me to forget how much of the world there was, but here I could see everything as it stretched as far as the eye could see.

I saw not just the trees I’d grown accustomed to, but also beyond—to the mountains, a secluded lake, and rolling hills. I knew Malvagaria’s landscape was diverse, but to see it for myself was another experience entirely, allowing me to come to know my kingdom in a way that went beyond the books I’d read and the stories my family had shared with me.

The entire world was ablaze with vivid color as sunset played out across the sky, lighting up both the forest and the new emotion aglow within me, one I yearned to nourish. It was an intoxicating feeling that stoked my growing desires for freedom, for once stronger than the fears that had held me back for so long.

In all the years I’d been bedridden, I’d never imagined an experience such as this. It gave me hope that my future could be different than what I’d previously envisioned. This thought nestled more deeply in my heart: how much had I allowed my circumstances to keep me from the life that deep down I’d always wanted to live? Could there possibly be somethingmore?

I felt Quinn’s steady presence beside me as well as his gaze, more interested in me than the breathtaking view. I stole a sideways glance. Tenderness filled his eyes as he watched me. “You’re lighting up. Is this bringing you joy?”

I scooted closer to the railing as much as I could with Quinn’s firm grip around my hand. “It’s even more beautiful than I imagined.”

“How did you imagine this moment?”

I considered. “I never actually gave it much thought.” I’d been so convinced there was little to experience outside the tower that I hadn’t even dared to hope otherwise. The thought made me deeply sad.

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