I gave him a shallow bow, enough to placate him, and flitted to my fury, the only place I wanted to be.
Now I sat in the bath with her, soothing her wounds. If only I could reach in and stroke her heart, heal her completely.
Love for this slight being swelled within me, jarring against my ribs like a caged bird frantic to break free. So much could go wrong with my plan, and I fought a daily battle with my fear of losing her. One misstep and everything could fall apart. The very thought constricted my throat, and I battled to contain this beautiful agony.
I adore you,I said.You know that.
I felt her lips curl up in the warmth she sent my way. I was pleasing her, though not enough yet.
Yes, she said.
I took the soap and lathered it between my hands. I’d remained clothed because this wasn’t about me. This moment was for my tiny storm who’d lost her energy, who needed my kindness and strength to rebuild herself once more. Only then could she lash the shore, could she show the world the strength that was hidden so long ago.I’ll begin by washing you here.I spread the lather across her belly that quivered from my touch, sliding my palms along her skin in brisk strokes.You smell like dragon shit, my love.
That only makes me sweeter.
Ah, there was her full smile. Happiness would lift the burdens from her heart.
It’s true,I said.Why, however, do you smell like dragon shit so often?
You know me.If there’s an aerie nearby, I can’t stay away. Brenna doesn’t need me all the time. And no one’s taking care of Madrood as he deserves, not even the king.
She needed to be wary of that dragon. He was a hellscape reincarnated. A bludgeon of death. Meanness personified.
Avoid Madrood, please.I’d learned to do so at a very young age. He’d been with the king from before I was born. Ivenrail had molded the beast just as he had me, and Madrood had been more pliable than I ever was or ever would be.
He’s actually sweet.
I snorted.He’s as vicious as the king.
Not really.
You’ve seen something I haven’t, then.
I do it for Madrood. Never the king.
I eased her forward and unraveled her braid. As always, I lost my wind as I stared at her hair. It was like a living thing, an extension of my fury. Freed, it cascaded in a tempest of darkness down her spine, as rich and vibrant as the dawn sky. Strands of gold played through her locks like lightning strikes through storm clouds. It epitomized this woman I loved, wild, untamable, and utterly mesmerizing.
I wet her hair, then I worked soap through the strands, gathering them up to drape them in coils on the top of her head like the crown she deserved.
“Rinse,” I said softly, and she slid beneath the water, shifting her head to get rid of the suds. She was a sea siren with wet strands swirling around her face. Even beneath thewater, she smiled up at me, her eyes open and locked on mine.
When she emerged, she turned and draped herself over me.
The air had thickened. So had my breathing.
She crawled up my body, kissing me. When she lifted her head, she smiled again. “You make everything better. How do you do it so easily?”
“It’s easy because I love you.”
“It hurts to love you this much. Sometimes, I think my heart can’t take anymore. It’s swollen beyond belief. This is a fierce pain. Each of my heartbeats throb with a love for you so deep, I worry I’ll shatter. But then I see you again, touch you, and I know I can endure more. I have to.” She shook her head. “No, Iwantto. Because having you with me makes everything worthwhile.”
“Sometimes, I feel myself faltering in this plan,” I said. Much more than I’d ever wish to admit to. I would share this with no one but her. “I remind myself that my heart is determined. It beats furiously for you, my fury. We belong together. With each touch, each kiss, each word between us, I grow stronger. I can endure this torturous time because you’re with me.” I pressed my forehead against hers, locked my gaze on hers. “You don’t know how many times I’ve wanted to give in, to let him consume what’s left of me. But I’ve held on because I knew you were out there somewhere, that you waited, that once we were together, you’d complete me. You’re my strength, my reason for existing. We. Are. Destined. Our love will endure no matter what comes for us.”
“When you say things like that, I know I can do this.”
The certainty in her voice made me glad Ihadsaid it. I would tell her every second of the day and night if it gave her the confidence she needed.
Trust was a gift, and I was grateful she was able to forgive me for holding things back, that she was able to forgive me for twisting her emotions to get her to this horrible place and into this terrifying situation to fulfill both our goals. It would be worth it. I’d make sure she knew this even if I had to do so with my last breath.
