On a whim, he catches her around the waist at the landing and steals a kiss.
Stars above. Are they to that point? Where he can kiss her for no reason whenever he feels like it?
But she doesn’t seem to mind. Her free hand slides along his chest toward his shoulder, and he almost forgetsto breathe. The taste of sparks and waterfalls swirls between them. It’s tantalizing and perfect, and he wants more, but he gently pulls away, leaving his forehead pressed against hers.
“Your magic,” he murmurs. “How are you doing?”
“You seem to have ignited my inner flame.” Her voice is breathy, her flesh warm against his.
“I would apologize, but I’ve been forbidden from doing so.” His lips brush hers, and the sudden longing to forget about the garden and the labyrinth and the dragon and follow this wherever it leads courses through him.
“Are you trying to distract me from the dragon?” she teases, and he pushes his longing to the back of his mind.
“I’m blaming you. You smiled at me, and here we are.”
That elicits a laugh from her. “Shall I apologize?”
“Don’t you dare.” He steals another quick kiss before pulling away as he breathes out slowly.
Together, they make their way to the tiny bedroom while Rominy does his best to ignore the bed that takes up most of the room.
They’re sleeping in the same bed together in the real world right now. The thought is enough to send his heart racing again until the memory of Elowyn’s weakened state fills his head.
She’s so distracted she doesn’t seem to notice his heart doing strange things. As she pulls open the wardrobe doors, a gasp escapes her lips.
“What?” he asks.
“Elven leathers.” She fingers one of the two garments hanging inside.
“Leathers?”
“Ayervadi leathers. All the qualities of leather, but breathable with a bit of stretch.”
Stretchy leather? He barely has time to ponder the idea before she shoves the bigger set into his hands.
She wants him to wear leather?
He gulps as he eyes the form-fitting trousers and shirt. “I don’t know if I can pull this off.”
“What?”
“I’m not...exciting enough for leather,” he mumbles.
Her brows furrow as she stares at him. Then her expression softens. “You are so much more amazing than you realize.”
A nervous laugh escapes him. “I doubt that.”
“You’re the Crown Prince of Nunia. You have a fortune and a throne and the most amazing voice. You’re kind and compassionate and tender one moment and hurling yourself in front of dragons the next.”
“Getting myself killed, you mean.” He can’t bring himself to look at her.
“Without even hesitating. To protect the woman you love.” Her voice is soft, and his eyes finally snap toward her as his heart speeds up again.
“I do love you, Elowyn.”
“I know you do. I’ve known it since you tackled that man in the street. And when you demonstrated that proposal for me, my heart tripped over itself. And the way you brought me water whenever I ran out spoke louder to me than words ever could. And then you helped me with my clothing when I was too weak to do it myself, even though it was awkward for both of us. You made me feel safe and loved. How could I not know you love me? Every hour with you, your actions shout it to anyone listening. To anyone watching. And I’m watching, Rominy. I can’t look away.”
For a moment, he just stares into her beautiful gray eyes beneath those long silver lashes.
