Page 49 of Turret

I sensed Quinn’s anxiety as he followed me, but I didn’t slow until I came within sight of the tower. I wasn’t quite ready to return inside, but neither could I remain out here now that the beauty of the world outside had become tainted. I needed a moment alone so I could work through the pain brought by Quinn’s continued denial.

The perfect solution came when I spotted a bucket near the tower, as if the tower had provided it just for me. “I’ll retrieve water for our dwindling supply.”

Unsurprisingly, Quinn stepped forward and tried to take the bucket from my hand. “But Princess—”

His protests died in his throat as I tugged the bucket from his grip and walked towards the nearby stream, ignoring Quinn’s quiet question if he could accompany me. I hoped the solace I desperately needed could be found on the bank of the stream so that I could work through not only Quinn’s rejection but the puzzle of how to convince him of my sincerity.

For I wasn’t about to give up. Now that I’d broken free of the tower, nothing would hold me back from the life I wanted to live any longer.

Chapter 19

Isat on the bank of the stream with the bucket discarded beside me. The damp earth was likely soiling my dress, but I didn’t care. Instead I relished the feel of the dirt against my hands, the gentle breeze blowing through my hair, and the sunlight kissing my cheeks with its warmth…so many sensations, and I was finally experiencing them for myself.

In this moment I was free from the tower I’d allowed to imprison me for far too long.

My senses were overwhelmed with all there was to see and hear. My gaze remained transfixed on the stream as it twisted and swayed through the wildflowers. The beauty of the trees growing along the bank reflected across the water’s surface, their leaves dappled in shades of ruby and gold. I dipped a hesitant toe into the water. My breath hitched at the cold before I wriggled my toes, inching them in deeper.

I smiled. Princesses didn’t dip their feet into the stream…and yet here I was, doing just that. How wonderful I was well enough to experience something so new and wondrous.

I sat on the bank and basked in the stillness of the autumn morning, enjoying the soothing sound of the rushing water and the dance of the sunlight across its surface, a scene more tranquil than I could have ever imagined.

I stirred at the sound of footsteps and turned to find Quinn, who had naturally followed me here, his determination to protect me unwavering.

My smile in greeting immediately faded, for although he looked at me, it was with an almost unseeing look, as if he couldn’t quite see me clearly.Couldhe see me? My stomach knotted at the thought that he couldn’t. While I was experiencing life through new eyes, his vision of the world was rapidly fading, soon to be completely stolen.

“Quinn?” I asked in a small voice.

He hesitated a moment before stepping closer. I held out my hand and to my relief he took it; at least he’d seen that, but how well? The sadness that had encompassed me ever since learning about his condition deepened. As if sensing my distress in the unique way only he could, he gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.

“I am well. What of you?”

I’d forgotten I’d been upset when I’d come to the stream to be alone, for the beauty and wonder of my surroundings had caused my sadness to melt away. Besides, it was difficult to be upset when the man I feared was pushing me away was with me now.

“Everything is sonew; I better understand why you encouraged me to venture from the tower.” Once more I marveled at the surrounding beauty before my gaze was naturally drawn back to Quinn.

His lips twitched into a smile as he eyed my position in the dirt. “I can’t even express how grateful I am for the opportunity of seeing you experience the world in such a way.”

I motioned to the spot beside me. “Won’t you sit with me?”

He hesitated, as if unsure whether it was proper for him to join me, before settling beside me close enough that I could see the golden flecks in his hazel eyes, no sign of the curse slowly robbing him of his sight.

His smile faded as he reached out to press his fingertip in the furrow between my eyes. “You’re distressed.” His eyebrows drew together when his comment caused my lips to curve upwards into a small smile. His confused pucker was adorable; if he didn’t insist on maintaining distance, I’d lean up to kiss it.

“It pleases me when you’re able to see even the smallest of details.” A blush followed my words and I hastily looked away.

“I don’t mind discussing it,” he said.

I bit my lip and kept my eyes lowered. “I always hated being known as the sickly princess. I don’t want you to think I only see you as…” I couldn’t finish.

My heart flared at his sudden touch, which cupped my chin to lift my gaze to meet his tender one. The corner of his mouth lifted as he studied me. “I know how you see me, Gemma.” He lightly caressed my cheek with the back of his hand. “I see you more clearly than anything else, yet I never tire of you. You’re what I’ll miss the most after—”

He swallowed the remainder of his words, but thankfully he didn’t withdraw his touch. He attentively traced over my features, as if trying to memorize them with his fingertips. He even closed his eyes as he carefully caressed my face, his touch light and gentle.

He slowly smiled. “I’m certain I’ll never forget what you look like.”

I leaned against his hand. “I don’t want you to forget.”

He continued stroking my cheek until he felt my tears beneath his palm. His eyes snapped open. “Gemma—”

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