“I’m sorry. I?—”
“Shhh.” Addan placed his finger over my lips, and I bit my tongue not to suck it into my mouth. “I understand why you had to be sure.”
My knees nearly gave out in relief. “Thank you.”
“But are you sure now?”
“Yes. And I know you’re mine. I thought I’d have to wait until all of this was over to ask you if you wanted me to claim you. I can’t believe you’re here.”
A loud pounding came from the door. “Princess Paige?”
Shit. Talk about bad timing. I hesitated, glancing a little desperately toward the door. “Addan, I have to go. The ceremony needs to start.”
His brow furrowed, his hand catching mine. “You can’t mean that. You’re not seriously going to marry him?! We’re Resonants. Are you confused as to what that means? Perhaps my sisters did not explain properly.”
I shook my head. “No, I understand. Trust me,” I said, holding his gaze. “I have a plan. Everything is going to be fine. But I really, really need you to trust me.”
He searched my eyes, his grip tightening. “I can’t be by your side. I can’t protect you. I don’t like this.”
“I know,” I said softly, then smiled, hopefully healing the sting to his Insuri male pride and protective streak. I understood because I was equally protective of him. “But you will.”
The intensity of his gaze burned into mine, and before I could say anything else, he leaned down and kissed me.
It wasn’t gentle. It was fierce. Hungry. Full of everything we hadn’t said until now. Equally potent, but nothing like any kiss we shared before. I melted into him. My hands clutched his shoulders as the world spun around us.
A sharp knock at the door shattered the moment.
“Your Highness!” a voice called urgently after trying the door handle. “It’s time!”
We pulled apart, both of us breathing hard. Addan’s eyes blazed with frustration and longing. I placed a hand on his chest, felt his heart pounding, maybe even harder and faster than mine.
“Trust me,” I whispered.
The knock came again, louder this time.
“Princess, are you all right? Do you need assistance?”
“Just a moment! I’m coming!” I shouted toward the door, my heart hammering in my chest.
Addan caught my wrist, his voice a low growl. “Paige?—”
The door burst open, three very agitated guards burst into the room, weapons drawn. I gave them a stern look as I stepped away from Addan. “I’m fine. Put those away.”
My hand lingered on Addan’s shoulder. “I’ll see you after the ceremony,” I said firmly. “Trust me.” I slipped free of his grasp, forced myself to step away.
I gave Addan one last glance before they whisked me away.
22
Addan
The ceremonial chamberwas too bright, too crowded. The air was thick with tension, or it sure as hell felt that way to me, the low murmur of conversation bouncing off the polished stone walls and gold-veined columns. I stood near the back, blending in with the other nobles, my jaw clenched so tightly it ached.
Then the music started, and the grand doors at the end of the aisle opened.
She appeared.
Paige.
