Page 40 of Frost and Death
I try to maintain indifference, suppressing my hope.
From whatever expression I have plastered on my face, Niko hurries to add, “It’s why I kept bringing up marriage. Not only for the kingdom but to see how you felt orcouldfeel about me.”
Niko runs a hand through his auburn hair as a blush creeps along his cheeks. “I know it was a very subtle way of…expressingmy feelings, but—Deities, I thought this would be easier to say.”
I break away from his words, noting the muffled voices and the lively music. Beyond the door, hundreds of guests are here in attendance, and only a few of them are here for my hand. And Niko is here right now, hinting at the one thing I have wanted foryears.
Has our push and pull all been because of fear of rejecting each other? And if it is out in the open now,doeshe mean what I think he means?
No, Tove. Don’t get your hopes up. This is all a farce.
Doubt prickles along my spine, and my hope of happiness dies with it. Heaviness presses on my chest as I withdraw. I can’t help but feel as if the Makers are hoping to make another spectacle of me and my heart.
But Niko’s grip tightens, and I stop, hesitant to look upon him. If I do, I am afraid I will wake up from this beautifully torturous nightmare.
He tilts my chin up to meet his gaze, something wholesome and warm twinkling around his irises.
I touch his face, his stubble softly prickling me.
He stares into the depths of my eyes. “Tee, my friend, my—”
I am so taken aback by the gentleness of his voice my eyes well. A laugh escapes me. I try to hide it, but Niko forces me to stay in his line of sight.
A tear falls down my cheek as I sniff, trying to get a hold of myself, and he waits for me patiently, smiling.
His eyes have a sheer gloss forming. “Will you give me the rest of our lives?”
My lips tremble as a whimper escapes at the question. Is he… is he asking?
“Will you grant me the greatest honor anyone could ever be given by becoming your forever friend, protector, husband, and king consort?”
I am weightless as my heart skips beat after beat. I’ve always wanted it to be him, yet I can’t believe this is happening.
Tears of joy cascade down my face as I cup his cheeks and kiss him deeply. When I pull away, his amber eyes scan mine as I cry through my happiness.
“Of course, Niko.”
He engulfs me and my heart bursts. Niko squeezes my hips, and I shudder in pleasure at the steady grip of him and his presence.
I break the kiss, my forehead resting on his, enjoying this moment I have been hopeful for, not believing it could happen to me.
“When should we make the announcement?” Niko asks, his voice quiet and low.
Inhaling his scent, I soak up the perfect atmosphere, hoping to commit this to memory as I consider the next steps.
I move away and rest my hands atop his shoulders. “Tomorrow.” I beam, knowing nothing can take this moment from me.
Niko nods in agreement, then kisses my brow. “Let’s say we go enjoy the rest of the evening amongstourpeople?” he suggests, giving me an option to do my duties or remain here.
Instinctively, I want to stay in this room in hopes of preserving this night, but duty calls. My lips curve upward at the word choice Niko used.
“I thinkourpeople would like that very much.”
He helps me off his lap, and I adjust my gown, brushing the sides of it to smooth the wrinkles. Niko tugs his vest, making sure to tuck his shirt into his pants before extending his arm.
Niko and I do not part from each other the rest of the evening, save for when I escaped with Betina to tell her the news.
The only moment of loneliness looming over me is now, as I lie in my bed, fingertips tracing my lips in the aftermath of Niko kissing me good night after escorting me to my chambers.
