“What exactly isthe Bond?” The way he explains it sounds so simple. If it truly is that way, why is it so taboo to talk about?
“It’s just the name given for two people who’ve exchanged names.”
“Do all mates perform the Bonding ritual?”
“No. Mate relationships are common, but Bonding rituals are rare. The ritual is performed as often by mates as it is by friends, enemies, and allies, but never without great cause. In any case, it’s uncommon. It’s always a component of sealing the treaty with a Chosen after a Reaping though.”
“Is there really nothing more to it? No candles or flowers or oaths?”
“These extravagances can be included in the ritual,” Aspen says, “but they aren’t a requirement. We could do it right now, if you wanted.”
My breath hitches. Am I ready for that? “Can I have a few hours first?”
He lifts my chin with his fingertips, bringing our eyes to meet. “I meant it when I said I wouldn’t force you. That’s a promise I’m still willing to keep.”
I nod. “I just need a little more time to wrap my head around it.”
“I can give you time,” he says. “And I can give you another promise. I will never use the Bond to hurt you. I’ll never use your true name against you.”
His words send a wash of relief through me.
A flicker of worry crosses his face. “Can you promise me the same?”
My lips pull into a smile. I must admit, I like this vulnerability he’s been showing me. “Yes, Aspen, I promise you the same.”
He rolls, shifting me beneath him. “Then how about this.” He grins and kisses my neck. “We go to bed.” Another kiss, beneath my collarbone. “We get naked again.” Another kiss between my breasts. “We sleep.” Another. “Then we perform the ritualifyou choose to. I’ll give you candles, flowers, a sunset view, and all the oaths you could want while we exchange our names.” His fingers stroke the inside of my thigh, creeping higher and higher.
Fire blazes at my core, and part of me wishes we could skip the returning to the palace part, but a comfortable bed is not something I can deny. “I can agree to that.”
Getting dressed is slow going, with every move thwarted by breathless kisses and roving hands. It’s a miracle we don’t reenact our entire night here and now. Eventually, we dress and make our way down the tunnel, Aspen’s fingers laced in mine. Farther down, we meet his guards. I’m glad they don’t react to our giddy mood as they follow us down the tunnel toward the palace.
My legs feel like water as we emerge from the tunnel and begin climbing the stairs, each flight taking us higher in the palace. We’re still several floors away from reaching our bedroom when I can no longer pretend I’m not out of breath. My fatigue is a combination of the endless stairs and all the energy spent over the course of our passion. I can’t help but wonder how much more fatigued I’ll feel an hour or two from now. The thought is oddly thrilling, although it doesn’t help me walk any faster.
Aspen must see me lagging, because next thing I know, he lifts behind my knees, sweeping me off my feet and into his arms. I secure my arms around his neck, laying my head on his shoulder. I’m reveling in his seemingly effortless strength when Aspen comes to a sudden halt.
“What happened?” calls a voice nearby. Cobalt is running toward us. “Is she all right?”
Aspen’s voice comes out cold. “She’s fine.”
“Then why—”
“My mate grew tired while climbing the stairs.”
“Well, where have you been?”
“Withmy mate.” Aspen’s tone holds an edge that makes the prince blanch.
Cobalt looks from me to Aspen, and I feel a pinch of sympathy for him.
“If you don’t mind, dear brother,” Aspen says, “we’ll be on our way.”
“Where are you going now?” Cobalt asks.
“You sure are full of questions.”
Cobalt narrows his eyes. “We’re supposed to be preparing for the council meeting.”
“We have time.”
