Page 190 of A Dagger of Ice and Intrigue
“For what?”
“For being you.”
I took Allie’s hands in mine and brought them to my chest, trying to convey through touch what my lips couldn’t form.
The complete and utter gratitude drumming through me at this moment.
She arched her brows, confused, but the smile playing on her lips was open and relieved. “You’re welcome?”
She still didn’t understand what her attitude–her very essence–was doing to me.
“Gods, woman. You might be the end of me or my salvation.” I held on tighter to her hands, sliding them over my heart. “Either way, it’s going to be a mad ride living and leading with you.”
Sharing everything, from the highest of highs, to the responsibilities, laughs, cries, and success.
Perhaps the Clan Council knew what they were doing when they gave that arranged marriage decree.
I didn’t believe in coincidences. Especially not ones that felt this good.
Her brows softened, but her gaze hardened, ghosts of the past pulling her in different directions.
I knew that feeling well–when you were too afraid to hope.
I understood.
I feared the power she already had over me, too.
“Only time will tell,” she said, like a true diplomat. “One thing I know for sure–you stood up for me against Silas. I’m standing by your side against Beren.”
Could she feel my heart leaping at that promise? Did I want her to?
“They raise you supportive in Aquila,” I muttered.
“They raise us stubborn–and I won’t stand by and let another city fall to someone’s greed. I’ve already lost one home, I won’t lose another. What’s the plan?”
My lips parted, yet I hesitated. Allie had already found out so much–too much. The fallen star, my secret, a way to get out of Solkar’s Reach undetected.
All of them were risks for my realm.
But getting inside the crater and finding the fallen star was a difficult task.
However, there was one more secret, even grander than that, which could seal our fates if used improperly.
I wanted to let Allie in–but trust truly was a fickle thing.
“When you escaped Solkar’s Reach,” I began. “Did you hear anything?”
A tremble coursed through Allie, eyes glazing with terror.
“Yes,” she said curtly.
“Did you see anything?”
She shook her head, the curtain of her dark locks brushing against my chest. “I was too scared to open my eyes. Why?”
I tapped her fingers against my chest, biding time.
This was the kind of decision one didn’t make lightly.
