I understood where he was coming from. He didn’t have the hunger for power that some might. He wasn’t ambitious or marrying me for a title.
“Though if you accept my proposal,” I said, “you’ll become king of Biringan.”
Qian’s eyes crinkled when he smiled. “Simply a formality. I do believe we would make a great pair, though.”
“You would be free to spend time in Jade Mountain with your family. I would not force you to choose to live with me if you didn’t want to.”
“I appreciate that. And I would not ask you to move to Jade Mountain.”
“Don’t you think you’re being a little hypocritical now? What about Nix?”
Qian turned to gaze across the valley, and I saw his face in profile. He was regal, and still, and gentle, and I could tell he had a lot on his mind. He tapped his finger thoughtfully on the back of his hand as he held his hands together. “I believe you’re right,” he finally said. “Nix is free to stay in an ally’s domain. I’m sure she would like that.”
Relief washed over me. Peace was all I’d ever wanted. “Good,” I said. “I’m glad.”
“Me too. And since we’re moving awfully quickly through our betrothal, I didn’t have proper time to find you a gift, but I want to make sure we follow protocol, to the best of my ability.”
He took off his archer’s ring and slipped it onto my finger. It was a little too big, but it was made of pure jade. With a little magic, it would fit perfectly.
“This ring protects the skin of my thumb when I draw my bow, just how I protect the ones I love. The symbolism is not lost on me as I give it to you now.” He smiled. “On Jade Mountain, our wedding customs are a little more involved. This is the least I could do on such short notice.”
“Oh!” I said, and reality sank in. We were getting married.Married!
“Would you prefer more flowers?” asked Qian with a tip of his head.
It took me a moment to realize he thought I was disappointed. “N-no!” I stammered. “I just…it’s beautiful. I can’t believe it; that’s all.”
“I hope this is an adequate display of my affection for you,” he said.
I stared at the ring. The stone was warm and smooth, just like his hand. “Qian, I…” When I looked up at him, his eyes captured me. He watched me with bated breath, and my own lungs hitched. This was a part of being queen. I could make a life with him, strengthen our kingdoms’ bonds, provide a future for everyone. And maybe someday I could even love him. “Yes.”
Qian smiled and leaned in. I could smell the champagne on him, and my eyelids fluttered. His lips looked soft, and his eyes were heavy, their blueness deep. The temptation to close the gap was overwhelming.
“I very much like you,” Qian murmured. “I hope you feel the same way. You have a knack for driving me crazy.”
“I do?”
Qian nodded, his eyes drawing to my lips.
“I didn’t know I had such an effect on you,” I said.
“It’s hard to look away when you walk into a room. Everyone stares.” His eyes met mine again, and my pulse quickened.
“Being a queen helps.”
“Not just that. I see the way Lucas looks at you.”
Heat rose to my face as I thought about our meeting in the cave. “He’s engaged. We’re just friends.”
“You don’t think he loves you?” Qian asked, with a curious tilt of his head.
I thought about what to say for a long moment. “He can’t.”
“And you don’t love him?”
“I’m his queen.”
“You didn’t answer the question.”
