Page 62 of Queen of Thorns
He shakes his head. “No. It is necessary, but it is not for the better.”
I take in a long breath.
“Will you stay at my court for a while?” Rai asks Rev causally. “The High Court construction is near complete, but I’d welcome you. And you, Caelynn. Any time.”
“I have matters to deal with at home,” Rev answers. “Then, I will travel to the High Court, but I do thank you for the offer.”
I want to ask him what he must do back at home. I was too tired to ask him last night, and today was another day of rushing about, meeting newly hired guards and cleaners, and, of course, fueling the fountain. But now, my heart is tight, and I can’t manage to ask the question. It doesn’t matter, at the end of the day. His affairs are not mine. Not anymore.
“I will send you many messages,” he promises.
I chuckle as Rev pulls me into his arms. No one present could mistake this embrace for a polite affection. Rev squeezes me, fingers digging into my back. “I don’t want to let go,” he whispers, his voice shaking.
“I know.” I blink back tears, refusing to let go. We stand there for several moments. Will this be the last time we allow this kind of public affection? When will he hold me like this again? Ever?
I shake my head from those thoughts because I will not be able to hold back the tsunami of pain threatening to release in my chest. “I love you,” I whisper.
He freezes. His face presses into the crook of my neck. “God, please don’t make me let go.”
I chuckle, tears welling. Shit. I can’t hold it in much longer.
“I love you too, Caelynn. You will be in my thoughts every moment. And that is not an exaggeration.”
Finally, he releases me, and I stumble back. My bottom lip trembles as I look up to the black leaves of the shadow maple. I am home. This is the love I can focus on. The one I can keep.
“We will fight together. Soon.” He nods sharply, his own silver eyes dim and rimmed with red. We are still waiting for the next move. We’ve been surprised the Night Bringer has not yet reacted to my taking the throne. I’m just waiting for that bomb to drop.
“It is not over,” Rev says firmly.
One last look, letting my love for him show clearly, and a smile, despite my cracking heart. That’s all we have left.
Then, Rev turns and marches through the portal, leaving the Shadow Court, and me, behind.
Rev
Ifall to my kneesthe moment I’m through the portal, and I’m barely able to hold back sobs as the pain of her absence hits me. But though we are gone from the Shadow Court, there are still onlookers. Crackling Court soldiers stare at me, shocked and confused.
