Page 61 of Song of the Dawn

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He drank deeply, closing his eyes briefly when he finished, as if the movement had zapped his energy. “You did it. Your music came to me when I was in the dungeons, waiting for my sentence.”

“Oh, Ezra, what did they do to you?”

Wincing, he placed a hand on his side. “I fought when she closed the portal, foolish, because she always wins. After they beat me, they locked me away, and I knew I had to bide my time. I never imagined you’d come for me. I admit I was angry at first, that Ginger had allowed you to use magic, that she hadn’t spirited you away as I’d asked. When the guards came for me, I thought they’d make me watch your death, but the power of your music hypnotized them. Whatever song you played, its magic changed their minds, and perhaps even the mind of the sorceress. Mila, I underestimated you.”

“I did it for you. For us. Although, I was so frightened. I thought we were going to die.”

“Me too,” he admitted. “But we didn’t. Come here.” He opened his arms.

“But you’re weak and healing,” I protested, half rising.

His smile widened. “As if that could keep us apart. Come, I want to hold you, love you. You’ve given me a second chance, and I will not squander it. I’m going to claim it, claim you, keep you, treasure this moment. I was dead, and now I’m alive. Don’t deny me this pleasure.”

I was in his arms in a heartbeat, my head against his chest as he squeezed me tightly against his body. We were quiet for a long moment, enjoying it, until he began to play with my hair, then lifted my chin and kissed my mouth. That sweet sensation traveled through each limb, and I shuddered under his touch. “Ezra?”

“Yes, my love.” He kissed me again, keeping me from speaking. His fingers wormed through my hair. Pulling back just a moment, he groaned. “Your lips are the sweetest elixir, all the life I need.” He kissed me again, and I surrendered.

“I love you,” I whispered.

“And I love you,” he repeated over and over again as he kissed his way down my neck, skillfully parting my dress.

The tears started again even though I didn’t want to cry.

“It’s okay,” he murmured, kissing my ear, wiping away my tears with his fingers.

“I’m just so relieved,” I sobbed. “I thought I’d lost you forever, and I couldn’t fathom going on without you. I know I’m supposed to be strong.”

“But you don’t have to be strong in everything. It’s okay to let the tears fall.”

“How are you so good? You always know exactly what to say.”

“I’ve learned. A lifetime of mistakes has taught me what’s important. And now I can look forward to this one life. A mortal life with you.”

I laughed through my tears, looking at him. “Mortal? Are you saying you are or were immortal?”

His cheeks dimpled into a smile. “Used to be, yes, but now eternal life is gone.”

“You’re not upset she took away your immortality?”

“How can I be? I abused both immortality and magic. It’s best to let those vices go and simply live one beautiful life with you.”

“And one life will be enough for you?”

Raising himself on one elbow, he hovered over me. “Mila, I don’t think you understand my intentions.”

“Oh? Then you’ll have to enlighten me,” I teased.

Taking my hand, he raised it to his lips. “I intend to take you as my bride, to marry you, to live each day with you by my side. We can do whatever you want, travel the world, reopen the inn, whatever your heart desires. As long as we do it together, we will be happy.”

“You want me to marry you?” I gasped.

His smile faded. “Did I not ask properly? I must admit, I’m from another land and the customs here are unique.”

“Of course I’ll marry you. Ezra? Where are you going?”

For he tumbled out of bed, grunting and holding his ribs as he moved. “Stay there. I’ll be right back,” he said, limping into the office.

Sitting upright, I tucked my legs under me as he returned and sat on the bed. “Mila of Hadria, will you marry me?” he asked, taking my left hand in his.