“Barely that.” But Axel did not sound relieved.
He sounded…
Defeated.
“What did it taste like?” Greys asked.
“Almonds. But I only had a drop.”
“Laurel water.” More than one masculine voice announced.
“Brandy helps dilute its effects.” Westerley removed a flask from his jacket. “I only have whiskey, but I imagine it’s the alcohol and not the vintage that matters.” He handed it to Mantis, who took a quick swallow, and then a second, longer one.
He is in pain.Felicity pinched her lips together to keep from coddling him. His pain, both physical and emotional, felt tangible to her.
The marquess peeled away the bloodied cloth. “Took off a piece at the top, but looks like it only grazed you. By god, you’re going to be even better looking than before, missing part of your ear.”
Mantis lifted one corner of his mouth in a weak attempt at a grin. “I think my wife is going to have to be the judge of that.”
Only… They were not married yet.
And with Lord Crestwood dead, his son would be expected to observe a mourning period.
“Is everything all right in here?” An elderly man peered into the room—the bishop. “I’ll announce that the ceremony has been canceled.”
“No,” Mantis answered, his gaze not wavering from hers. “Unless you’ve changed your—”
“No.” If anything, she was more eager than before to pledge her love to this man. In fact, she wanted to shout her feelings to the world.
Something highly improper, and she didn’t care in the least.
“Greys, any ideas for a makeshift bandage that would hide my ear? Tie something around my head, perhaps? I’d prefer to not bleed all over my bride while we take our vows .”
“This will do.” Lord Greystone was already loosening his cravat. He flicked a reassuring look toward Felicity. “My lady, we’ll have your groom at the alter in less than five minutes.”
“And not to worry, I’ll handle this… her.” Mr. Spencer had tied Lady Crestwood’s wrists and was moving both of them toward the open door. “I certainly hope my wedding is not as eventful as this one.”
The bishop raised his brows.
Mantis ignored all of them in favor of watching Felicity closely, studying her.
“You are quite certain?” he asked.
Felicity realized that there would not be a more perfect time to tell him. No, this moment,this very second, was the perfect time.
“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my entire life. I love you, Axel, and of course, I want to marry you. Not because of the baby. And not because it’s expected of us. But because sometime between that night in the orangery and now, you captured my heart. You’ve brought feelings to life inside of me that I didn’t even know existed. For so many reasons.” So many that she suddenly felt tongue-tied. “I just… I love you.”
She faltered, and the room fell silent. If Axel didn’t feel the same, then she was going to be pitied by all of these gentlemen—for the second time that year.
But she didn’t care.
She justloved him.
“Can we have a moment?” He spoke to those present but kept his gaze fixed on her.
She didn’t quite know what to think while she waited for the room to empty, but when the door closed behind them, Mantis cradled her face in his hands.
“I love you. I don’t deserve you—you deserve so much better. You deserve someone—”
