Page 121 of The Chaosweaver's Daughter
“It’s true. With my sister as the queen—”
“It would be disastrous for you to comment on social and political matters publicly in the way you can as Thanin.”
He nodded and grasped her other leg too, sliding his hands up her smooth calves.
Nes leaned forward and placed her palms atop his knees, poking above the surface. “I’mmostlynot mad.”
“Mostly?”
She grasped his knees and leaned in even more, in response he slid his hands up her legs, stopping at her lower thighs. “Mostly.WhoisThila Taryan?” she asked with an exaggerated glare.
Laughter burst free as he pressed the tips of his fingers into her soft flesh. She bent her legs and, using his knees for leverage, scooted herselfcloser. Their foreheads were nearly touching.
“How did you get the article, Nes? Did you break into my office?”
She pressed her nose against his and said, “Oh, so you didn’t burn it?”
He gave her a peck, smiling into the kiss.
“My mama wrote it out for me, mailed it over, said she thought I’d enjoy it.”
“And did you?”
“I did. Now Kas, see how easily I can answeryourquestions? Who the fates is Thila Taryan?” She tried to pull away, but he slipped a hand around her back and held her firm.
Running his fingers down the ridge of her spine he asked, “Jealous?”
She grumbled.
“She wassupposedto be a surprise, after you accepted my proposal.”
“Well, I accept. So who is she?”
He laughed loudly again. “First of all, you can’t accept, yet. You haven’t even let me ask you—” Nes opened her mouth to protest but he held up a hand. “Ah. Let me finish.”
She smiled, and the little crinkles at the outer corners of her eyes reminded him of faerie wings.
“Again. You have to let me ask you, again. And Thila Taryan is for you. Sheisyou. You didn’t think I’d use so many of your ideas without giving you credit, did you?”
Nesrina pressed her palms to his chest, attempting to push away again.
No need for that.He lifted her legs up over his thighs, then hugged her tightly.
“She’s me?” Nes whispered against his skin.
“She’s you. You’re her. I was thinking, if you’re interested, we could do some work... together?” He spoke into her hair, reveling in the delicious scent of her. Sweet and vibrant on the surface, spicy and deep beneath, like all of the seasons rolled into one.
“I’d love that.”
He brought his hand up beneath her chin and tipped her face up. “I intended to have the ring in hand, but I find I’m not willing to let you go so I can get it.
Her lips parted as she let out a slow breath of air.
“Nesrina Tarisden Kiappa,” he rasped, throat tight with anxiety even though he knew exactly what her answer would be. “You are magnificent, brilliant, beautiful, and brave. Over the past two years you’ve occupied my mind, endlessly. And over the past three months, you’ve become nothing short of my dearest friend. I love you, with every fiber of my being. Will you do me the greatest honor of becoming my wife?”
“Yes,” she whispered. “Yes.” The second time was louder than the first. “Oh, yes. Absolutely,” Nes finished as a smile lit up her face and tears glistened in her eyes. “That was much better than before.”
Unable to hold back any longer, Kas leaned in and crushed his mouth to hers. They’d become a tangle of limbs, pressed together wherever possible as their mouths met. “Mi rasdekina,I love you so much,” he ground out between kisses.
