Her face was white and worried. And her eyes, shining with tears of her own. She’d just sworn to something.Understanding me.
“I understand,” she repeated.
“I know.” A spark flared within like stricken flint. His arms, no longer limp as a marionette’s, encircled her waist. His hand slowly inched up her back, proving she was present. And real. And unharmed. His fingers reached her shoulder, and he clasped her hard. “I know.”
“Oh, thank heaven,” she turned her face against his shoulder.
How had he thought love a lightning strike—something swift and destructive?
Love was standing inside the brightest, most shocking, life-ending stream of energy, spreading one’s arms, and saying—with total faith in something larger and incomprehensible than one’s self—I’m here.I’m ready.
He had power.
He had charm and presence and a pleasing appearance. He’d sought out and cultivated the closest of friendships. As for how the rest of the world related to him, well, he was either beloved by people who craved his notice or derided by those who envied his fortune, his appeal, or both.
But no one had ever looked into his eyes and said, simply, “you.”
Not out of desire, but out of recognition.
He hadn’t realized. His whole life, he’d been waiting to be seen.
He’d been waiting for his match.
He’d been waiting for her.
He listened for the sound of the rain. For the squeaking wheel. There was only silence. Silence. And the beat of Hera’s heart.
“Hera,” he whispered. “My darling.”
* * *
“I wanted to tell you that last night at Hevenhyll, but I couldn’t find the words...” Hurtheven sighed. “And I suppose I didn’t want you to see me as helpless.”
Hera brushed his hair away from his face, her fingers shaking with relief. He’d come back. He’d come back to her.
“I don’t see you as helpless,” she said. “I never could.”
“I never told anyone I’d any memory of the night at all,” he continued. “The people of Hevenhyll—they needed me to be strong.”
“And you were. You are. They love you.”
“I love you,” he replied.
“And, I you.”
They held each other in silence until his breath evened and his temperature cooled. Then, he withdrew a handkerchief and wiped her face before tending to his own.
“More than you bargained for, I wager.”
“Never,” she replied. “But let us leave this place.”
He nodded. “Let’s.”
They held tightly to one another’s hand as they retraced their steps through the house. And, when they reemerged into the light of day, they emerged together.
She stilled on the stairway. “May I have a moment alone?”
“Of course,” he replied.
