Page 58 of Faeling
He told her as much.
Her cheeks darkened to a dusky lavender. “Thank you.”
A blush from her. How charming.
Vallek was aware of the way she watched him as he poured them both a goblet of wine. It was still early in the day yet for it, but he thought they both deserved it as they awaited their dinner. He could use the fortification for the conversation ahead, too.
Still, his mate’s wary gaze only reminded him of Asta’s words.You must reassure her.
Glancing at how she was again seated at the far window, Vallek decided he must try. If nothing else, days apart had proven to him that such distance couldn’t be tolerated again. If he was ever to gain that last ground between them, he had to change his strategy.
Vallek fetched thetalfonboard and set, placing it on the dining table and then the second goblet on the other side.
“Will you join me?” he asked, settling in his usual seat.
She looked between him and the board, her gaze inscrutable, before rising to join him. Vallek’s chest swelled with the littletriumph, although he hid his grin behind his hand as he opened the box of pieces and pushed it toward her.
“You give up first choice?” she asked.
“For you, yes. And this time, you mustn’t just let me win.”
Her lips pursed to fight off her grin. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Mm. You must adjust your strategy now. I’m no longer your king.”
“No?” she said without looking up from her pieces. She’d chosen his preferred black set.
“No,” he agreed. “I mean to be your mate.” Reaching across the space between them, he picked up her hand to hold in his own.
“Are you sure that’s wise?” Her voice fell to a whisper.
“Not at all. Yet…I wouldn’t change it.”
That finally drew her gaze, and she looked upon him in surprise.
“All I’ve done is complicate your life,” she said.
“You’ve also made me happy.” Lifting her hand, he kissed the back, sure to rub her skin with a tusk. “And vexed me to no end.” He would take a lifetime of vexing, though, if it meant having her.
His beast was still thinking for him in many regards when it came to Ravenna, yes, but even the more reluctant parts of him had to admit—they were well suited in many ways. He wanted her, and he wanted to get to know her. He wanted the chance.
He couldn’t say what that would mean for his kingdom and unification. No doubt more challenges. But he’d met great challenges before. He’d do so again, especially if that was the price he must pay to have her.
Nothing could be settled yet. There were too many moving pieces. Their bond was still new and unformed. Hrothgar was still awaiting an answer. Ulrich still had his suspicions, and the fae’s eye was turned toward them. All challenges that perhaps would’ve been easy to solve by doing away with her.
Yet, even in the early days as they were, doing away with Ravenna would be to cut out a part of himself. A vital part.
He couldn’t do that. He couldn’t give her up.
Vallek would find a way to be with her.
If it meant sitting alone on his throne, so be it. If it meant fae taxes and Ulrich’s anger and outmaneuvering Hrothgar, so be it.
He’d never backed down from a challenge, and he’d no intention to start now. Not when there was everything to gain.
He hesitated telling her all this, though. Something lingered in her gaze as she looked upon him. It was more than just uncertainty. He saw real fear in her eyes, and he wanted to conquer it. There wasnothingin this world for her to fear. He wouldn’t allow it.
You must reassure her.
