Her heart deflated at the words for some reason. Being a dragon had been a curse under Kryth’s ownership. But now? It would have been a dream to be able to shift without that cage in her way, though she wondered how her eyes would be in that form.
“When you’re better, we’ll go out into a secluded field to test your powers. I have a feeling that since Kryth is dead, you’ll be able to shift freely again.”
Iskra could cry again. Jasyn wasn’t afraid of her powers and understood they were special to her. Her heart didn’t know if she could love him more.
Perhaps her love for him was like a plant. As each day a new branch sprouted, her love for him would grow.
Epilogue
Brimming with anticipated excitement, Jasyn led Iskra through a canopy of foliage.
“Slow down,” Iskra hissed behind him. “My legs can’t keep up with yours.”
Jasyn did as she bade and stopped in his tracks. He pushed Iskra's tinted eyeglasses up her nose so they were straight. Then, he bent down and pressed a soft kiss to the tip of her nose.
She swatted him away. “Don’t get too close, or you’ll fog them up. It’s already exhausting keeping these clean. Apparently, being free from Kryth did not free me from the mundane torture of cleaning glass.”
Jasyn snorted. “Yet, you look more radiant than the sun.”
Iskra rolled her eyes, but he meant it. Ever since she was able to get back on her feet, Iskra glowed. It was like she had swallowed some of his power during the Undertaking. Beneath the surface of her skin beat the faintest echo of his light, and right now, before first dawn, it became more prominent.
“As much as I want to admire you right here, we must keep moving.”
“Why are we in a rush?” She pouted. Their days had been long, between meetings preparing for his coronation in two days’ time, finally meeting Dominik for the first time, and finding a new minister.
Dominik had been lovely and cheery, a perfect fit for Esi. They would be leaving after Jasyn was crowned for the outskirts of the court, somewhere private, without any pressure on their relationship. Bron would not be joining the lady; he would be staying here, as a new member of the royal guard, working under Mych’s command. Jasyn had no doubt Mych was delighted at the prospect of bossing Bron around. At first, Jasyn worried Mych wouldn’t forgive Bron, but after some explaining, Mych had warmed up to him again. Now, they were inseparable, and Jasyn noticed how much lighter Bron walked with Kryth dead and his debts eliminated.
“Trust me and you’ll learn,” Jasyn replied to Iskra, who still didn’t seem impressed.
He took her hand in his, and he savored how she clasped around him. They were like a lock and key, and he was forever grateful she was here with him still. It made letting go of her difficult, but he refused to cage her. Every day, she explored the town with less weight on her shoulders, and it was an honor to watch her live her new life. Most importantly, with practice, she had been able to shift on command again.
“As long as you promise to reward me after?” Iskra winked.
“I promise,” Jasyn replied. Though she definitely spoke about a tumble in the sheets, there would be another reward waiting for her too.
If they got there.
“You’re dragging your feet still,” Jasyn noted, having to pull on her to keep a steady pace.
“Because I would rather be asleep next to you.”
“Let’s go, Sundrop,” he said, this time bending down and lifting her.
She screeched with laughter and wrapped her arms around his neck. “You fell for my plan.”
“Oh?” He raised a brow.
She wiggled her feet. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist making sure I was comfortable.”
He shook his head in amusement. How did he get so lucky to find someone like her? The woman in his arms would make sure he was never bored, never afraid to live the way he wanted.
“You’re lucky we’re almost there.”
She nuzzled her head into his neck and pressed a gentle kiss to his skin. Goosebumps freckled across his flesh at her touch. He would never get used to it, the love in his heart that had blossomed.
They walked the rest of the way in silence. He suspected Iskra fell asleep, but he couldn’t care less. She deserved to be well rested for this moment anyways.
As they neared their destination, Jasyn quietly nudged her awake. She made the smallest grunting noises as her eyes opened.
