The world didn’t have to do it. Clía pulled back, chest heaving.
“I’m sorry.” She spoke into the silence between their breaths.
His forehead came down to rest against hers.
“Please tell me you’re not apologizing for what just happened.” His hoarse voice only made her want to lean in once more.
Clía shook her head. “No. Never for that. I’m only sorry that I ever pushed you away. I’m sorry that I let my fears rule me. That I kept you at arm’s length when I really wanted you right here.” Her hand rested against his neck to emphasize her point.
He answered with a lingering kiss on her cheek. Then her jaw. Then her lips.
It was chaste, less than a second, but her heart pounded as if she’d run a mile.
“We already talked about this. There is nothing to forgive.” His voice was soft as the air between them. “I never believed what people said about me as a child. About being gods-blessed. Until you came into my life. You set my world aflame, and I have never desired so desperately to be burned. With every sunrise, I fell in love with you again. Although, yes, I never want you to push me away again. I want to stand by your side as you bring change to our kingdoms.
“I know you’re leaving—and I understand if my dream isn’t shared—but if you will be gone from my life after today, I need you to know how deeply I admire you. That I will always love you, even if it’s from afar.”
A seed of hope took root in her lungs, catching her breath.
“What if we didn’t have to be separated?”
Ronan stepped back to look at her. “What do you mean?”
“I’m tired of holding myself back. Of ignoring my own wants for the sake of everyone else around me. Yes, my kingdom needs the favor of the Draoi, and a marriage might bring us that, but it’s not the only way. We both just fought for Inismian, and somehow a god deemed me worthy enough to carry their gift. That has to meansomething.” The words she had been wanting to say seemed lighter now. Less of a fool’s dream. “I can’t stay. But what if you came with me? I know it’s asking a lot of you.” She spoke quickly, rushing through her words before he could interject. “With the war, you won’t want to leave Domhnall. Or Scáilca—”
“Wait.” His hand cupped her cheek, and she leaned into the warmth. “Don’t I get a say before you dismiss the idea?”
Reluctantly, she nodded.
“I would go anywhere with you, Clía.” He smiled, and it was like the sun breaking free from the clouds. “You would think that would have sunk in after two separate declarations of love.”
Her laugh rang out between them. “After two declarations of love, you should know that my self-doubt can be incredibly persistent.”
His lips fell on her brow, smiling against her. “It’s because Iknow that that I’m going to say this very clearly. I love you, Princess Clíodhna Fionnáin, my firecress. I want to go with you.”
“I love you too.” The words escaped her without thought or reason. She treasured the taste of them on her lips.
He held her for a few more moments of bliss before drawing away. His hands remained wrapped around her arms, running up and down her skin, leaving chills in their wake. “I’ll need to figure a few things out. And pack.” His eyes scanned his disastrous room before gliding back to her, a hidden doubt slowly surfacing. “There are a few more things we need to plan. Where I’ll be living. Work. My father.”
Luckily, she had run through hundreds of scenarios and plans last night. She had thought they were a far-off dream, a near impossibility then. “The palace has spare rooms. You—and your father, if you would like—are more than welcome. Especially if you were willing to take up another vacancy that we would be lucky to have someone as talented as you fill.”
“What vacancy is that?” he asked.
“Our chief of war was killed before your visit to Álainndore. I think it’s safe to assume my parents never bothered to replace him,” she mused. “You have more than enough training to qualify, if you’re interested.”
Álainndore was weak and flawed. Having competent leaders was the first step toward repairing the damage her parents’ rule had caused. Ronan would offer great insights for her kingdom—and it would keep him close. For once, her desires seemed to be aligned.Ifhe agreed.
“I would be honored,” Ronan replied. His smile was blinding,taking the air from her lungs. “I want a future with you, Clía. You see me in ways I never thought I could be seen. And I see you. I want to be there, by your side, through every moment—I’ve wanted this for longer than I’ll admit. And I know there’s so much we need to focus on, but somehow, with you, it all seems more bearable.”
He smiled, caressing her cheek. Clía’s heart seemed to be dancing in her chest.
“I feel the same way,” she replied, reaching up for one more kiss, which then turned into two, then three, then more.
And now it never had to end.
***
THE WINTER BREEZE TRIED TO TANGLE THE LOOSE WAVES OFher hair, but thankfully she’d thought to pull it back. A long journey was never kind to hair.
