I chewed on my lip and lowered my head. Qian reached out his hand and placed his palm on my cheek, tipping my face up to his. His hand was large and strong, and my spine tingled with anticipation. I found myself leaning into his touch.
“I don’t want to be a consolation prize,” he said, his words barely above a whisper. “I’m yours, or I’m nothing.”
He was right. It wasn’t fair if he thought that I was marrying him because I couldn’t have Lucas. It was the truth, but it would be an awful way to start our future together. “You’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Qian’s eyes bored into mine, and I could have fallen into them. Desire filled me up like an overflowing cup. I could stare at his face for hours, admiring the slope of his nose, the curve of his lips, the fullness of his eyelashes. His hand moved from my jaw to my hair, brushing a piece out of my face and behind my ear. It sent a shiver down my spine, and heat rushed through me.
I put my hand on his, finding that my own were trembling. We were so close, and Qian was all I could see. Then I leaned in and kissed him.
Qian’s lips met mine, gently at first, and then more fervently.His fingers curled against the back of my head. I could feel his pulse under my hands as I traced them up his neck.
It was the type of kiss that felt explosive, like fireworks. His touch sent my mind spiraling with sensation and pleasure. It was incredible. We broke apart for a moment before Qian moved in again, more forcefully this time, crashing his mouth into mine. I melted into him, into how good it felt. His breath was hot, and his tongue slipped between my lips. A gasp escaped me, and I could feel his smile against my mouth. I held on to him, pulling his body toward mine, and kissed him back.
He was my future. I could break my curse, unite our kingdoms, and maybe, finally, be happy. It was all I could ever hope for, and Qian could give it to me. He wanted to give it to me. The way he kissed me was enough to show it.
When he pulled back, his hand still knotted in my hair, his gaze cast up and down my face, drinking me in. He must have seen the flush on my cheeks and the puffiness of my lips, because he grinned.
“I look forward to an eternity kissing you,” he said.
It made me feel so light, I swore I could fly away. My eyes dropped to his lips again, our eternity with each other starting now.
When we came back into the great house, hand in hand, Qian’s guards erupted in cheers. Even Heng clapped and smiled. Lucas, Amador, and Nix stood with them. Nix looked relieved but guilty, and she cheered, along with Amador. Lucas, however, looked like he’d seen a ghost. All the color drained from his face. When our eyes met, he looked like I’d stabbed him, all betrayal and hurt.
That was our fate. To love each other but forever be apart. Ourduty to others would always come first. I didn’t realize it until my eyes started stinging, tears threatening to come, but I blinked them away.
Qian spun me around and dipped me low, kissing me in front of everyone. He grabbed my hand and held out my new ring. Everyone went wild—everyone except for Lucas. He closed his mouth, took a breath, and his gaze fell to the floor. Lucas had made his choice, and so had I.
Qian righted me back on my feet, making my world spin, and he held me steady as I wobbled.
“It’s official!” Qian said, holding my hand aloft. “This calls for a celebration, don’t you think?”
“What did you have in mind, Your Highness?” Heng asked.
“First, drinks!” Qian called for a steward and ordered more champagne. When he glanced at me, grinning from ear to ear, I couldn’t help it. I smiled, too. Qian radiated pride and excitement, and it was infectious.
In a matter of seconds, servants appeared with glasses of golden liquid and platters of food.
Nix went to Qian first and hugged him, and then she came to me. She took my hand, the one not still holding Qian’s, and she looked at me with such tenderness, my heart ached. “I am so happy for you,” she said, eyes swimming. “You’re my best friend.”
I hugged her close, and over her shoulder, I spotted Lucas and Amador. She was talking to him, but his eyes were fixated on me. Heartbreak was written all over his face, but I needed to be strong. I didn’t know what Amador was saying to him, but I realized that maybe I didn’t want to.
“How should we celebrate properly? How are royal weddings celebrated in Biringan?” Qian asked.
I wasn’t sure. I’d never asked about it before, honestly. I didn’t think I would be getting married so soon. I floundered for an answer, but Qian thought of an idea before I did.
“Perhaps a tournament,” he said, “in the queen’s honor.”
His men cheered at that.
“A tournament?” I asked. I couldn’t help but be intrigued. “Like a joust?”
Qian laughed at that. “Sure. Why not? A joust, melee, archery, you name it. We’ll have all the best knights from both kingdoms compete, the winner named your champion. Heng here will no doubt put his name in the ring.”
Heng looked pleased with that and smirked as he put the glass of champagne to his lips. “As you wish, Your Highness.”
Qian grinned and said to me, “What do you think?”
The entirety of Biringan could celebrate, and everyone loved tournaments, didn’t they? It would definitely be a way to show off our commitment to the entire world.
