“I’m positive,” I said, even as a small trickle of uncertainty ran through me. It proved that my hesitation wasn’t only due to Tawny. What would they think when they saw my eyes? Now that I was a Primal, would they treat me differently? But it was more than that. I just felt… I wasn’t exactly sure, but I knew I wanted them to see me as, well, just as Poppy. Because these people—Delano and Naill, Perry and Reaver, Vonetta and Emil, and almost everyone I’d met since leaving Masadonia? They saw me as Poppy first and foremost.
Not as the Blessed, the Chosen.
Not as a future Queen or the Queen.
Not as a god or theirLiessa.
They saw me as Poppy first. And I didn’t want that to change.
“You haven’t been awake long, and you spent a good portion of that away from here,” he pointed out. “And the rest of the time hasn’t really left you with any moments to collect your thoughts.”
“True,” I murmured.
“So, it’s understandable if you don’t want to see him.”
My gaze drifted to the doorway again, and I had to wonder when Delano—or any of them—had treated me as if I weren’t a person with her own thoughts, feelings, or ideas. I couldn’t think of a single time. The truth of that sort of smacked me in the face.
My fear of not being seen for who I was had more to do with me than anyone else. It was something I controlled. Not them.
I exhaled and stood. “I want to see him—and whoever else is here.”
Casteel studied me for a moment, rose, and dropped a kiss to my forehead. “Let’s go.”
Nervous energy caused the eather to feel like it was humming in my veins, but I didn’t allow myself to give it any thought.
Taking my hand, Casteel walked half a step in front of me as we left the sitting chamber. From the entryway, I saw Kieran standing just beyond the open doors. In front of him, Delano moved in and out of view, little more than a white blur of fur as he paced. My steps slowed, and the wolven halted at the doors. His ears twitched, and then his head turned toward the chamber.
Casteel must’ve communicated with Kieran because he didn’t try to stop Delano as he entered the short, narrow entry hall.
He crept forward, his large, fluffy head low and his tail tucked close to his body. His steps were slow and tentative,almost as if he were uncertain. That cracked my heart. He stopped just at the mouth of the Solar.
Kneeling, I searched thenotamfor Delano’s unique mark. Next to Kieran’s, his was the easiest for me to find.Delano?
The only sign he gave that he’d heard me was a twitch of his ears. I didn’t move, just rested my hands on my thighs. He inched farther into the chamber, his body so low to the floor that his belly almost dragged. His winter-blue gaze darted to where Casteel stood and then swiftly returned to me. A heartbeat passed.
Suddenly, Delano sprang forward, bounding across the space. I braced myself, but he slowed a foot or so away. I had a feeling Casteel’s presence had something to do with that as he sat on his hind legs before me. A shudder of relief ran through me when he brushed his forehead against my cheek, letting me know it was okay to touch him. Closing my eyes, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders.
I didn’t want to bother you.His voice was as soft as his mark.I know you’ve been resting, but I…we could sense you. And I just needed to see that you were okay.
Oh, gods.
A soft warmth unfurled in my chest, making my heart ache in the best possible way.You’re never a bother, Delano. Never.
He pressed his head harder against my shoulder.You scared the shit out of me.
I’m sorry.My fingers sank into his soft fur.I didn’t mean to.
I know.He pressed forward, resting his head on my shoulder.Just don’t do it again.
My lips curved into a smile as I clung to him, feeling the knot of worry loosen in my chest. I hadn’t realized how much I needed this until now.I’ll try not to.
You’d better.Delano pulled back, briefly rubbing his forehead against my cheek. My smile grew as his fur tickled my nose.I’m glad you’re awake.
And that I know you?
He rubbed the soft side of his muzzle against my cheek in response. I didn’t need to read his emotions to know that relief flowed through him, which made me think of Tawny, Vonetta, and everyone else. Even if they had been told I was fine, they still likely worried since they couldn’t confirm anything with their own eyes.
I should’ve made it a point to see you earlier. It’s just…
