Optimism? Or something more? Was I the only one to see the quick glance exchanged between Nerys and Rowan?
“Thank you,” Mev said finally. “To all of you. For accepting me. For attempting to open the Gate.” She looked at Terran who sat down at the table. “For saving us. I will forever be grateful and, as my father said, you are welcome at this table, in Aethralis, as an honored guest until the end of your days.”
Terran’s half-smile did little to make me forget our time together.
“Careful, princess. You forget how long an invitation you extend in a realm of immortals.”
Mev grinned. “Sometimes, I do forget. But not today.”
Around the table we went, each speaking, conjecturing about the Gate, sharing intelligence we’d individually gathered about the attack, making predictions about its fallout.
Personally, I found it difficult to sustain my attention to admittedly important matters. When I caught Terran’s gaze, and neither of us turned away for a heartbeat too long, the only thing that seemed to remain in my brain was the memory of our joining in the Glade.
I wish to remember this moment for what it is.
A moment I would remember, fondly, for all of my days.
34
TERRAN
“I would stay the night if I could…”
Lyra had just opened her bedchamber door when I blurted that out. For someone taught never to apologize, the words sounded foreign to my own ears. Itwasan apology. One I gave freely since it was true.
“I didn’t expect you so soon.”
After we’d left the meeting, Kael and I walked, alone, through the palace and into the decimated courtyard. I’d told Lyra I would come to her as soon as I was able. Eventually, he’d encouraged me to come here, knowing we had very little time.
“I’d have come sooner.”
The door had barely closed behind me before Lyra was in my arms. Through her devices, or my own, I knew not. It was the first time I’d held her since the Glade. Seeing her in danger…
I kissed her, wanting more but knowing there was no time. My rule was a tenuous one. Dissent could easily give way to revolt, even though those in the courtyard accepted me. Lyra gave herself so willingly, and freely, our tongues tangling and arms pulling the other inward, but not close enough.
Do not, Terran.
I vowed, my hand on the handle of her door, not to do the thing I most wanted above all, with one exception… making Lyra mine completely. In ceremony. By blood. A partner for all time.
Making love to her will do little to relieve the ever-present ache when we’re apart.
I had too many memories with her already.
“When I saw you,” I said, reluctantly breaking the kiss, “across that courtyard.”
“I was never in real danger,” she said. A blatant lie, and Lyra knew it well. “But you…” She tipped her chin up to me. “I am sorry, Terran.”
Sorry my father was dead? Sorry I killed him? I wasn’t sure which, but it hardly mattered.
“As am I.”
She reached her hand to my cheek. “It was the bravest thing I’ve ever seen.”
I’d have laughed if Lyra didn’t appear so serious. My Aetherian Shadow Diplomat had likely seen, and participated, in many brave acts in her days.
“I’m not certain,” I began, the admission eating at me, “I could have done it without Kael by my side.”
“The precision? I’ve never seen anything like it.” The corners of her lips raised. “From a Gyorian.”
