My heart stumbles. “Dante—”
“This title… it’s a leash. I know that.” His thumb brushes across my knuckles, warm and steady. “But it’s also a weapon. And if holding it means I can protect you—if it means keeping Delasurvia safe—then I’ll wear the crown. And I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure no one can ever touch you.”
His words are heavy as they settle in my chest, a mix of fierce devotion and quiet dread curling through me. “You shouldn’t have to carry that weight alone.”
His lips curl into a faint smile. “I’m not. I have you.”
I shift and press a lingering kiss to his lips, letting the steady rhythm of his heartbeat anchor me. “Always.”
ChApter
Thirty-Four
My room in Messanya is the nicest I’ve had so far on this tour. It’s impeccably clean, the bed is extremely comfortable, and the sea breeze sneaking in through the windows means the air always smells incredible. My room in the castle in Delasurvia—the one I had as a child, anyway—was close enough to the sea that I could view the water from my windows. Maybe that’s why I like this room. And why it stings a bit to say goodbye to it.
Or maybe it’s the song of the Eirenes convincing me that this place makes me feel at home. Safe. Content.
Indira has just finished packing my things when a knock comes at my open door.
“Ezra,” I greet him. “Was your room as nice as this?”
“I found it quite pleasant, yes.”
“Is it really necessary for us to rush off to Mersos?” I raise my brows, as if that could sway the answer.
“I believe the king deems it necessary, since the triarchs are expecting us.”
“And is it entirely prudent that I come along?”
His smile is small. “I’m sure he’s set on that, I’m afraid.”
I hum my displeasure and give him a sideways smile. I know he’s right. I also wouldn’t abandon Dante. I want to support him, be with him, cheering him on during the last stop on his tour.
Not to mention, he might need me. Again.
We’re almost done.
It’s almost over.
A couple of servants brush past Ezra, inclining their heads to me before continuing to my traveling chest and lifting it up by its carrying handles. I step aside to give them room to haul it outside.
“Well, then,” Indira says, “let me go check what’s taking Nadya so long.”
Once Indira is gone, Ezra steps into the room, his hands clasped behind his back.
“How are you feeling?”
My mind goes immediately to Dante and the lagoon. “I actually feel great.”
Ezra narrows his eyes. “You used your power at the trial.”
“Oh.”Yes, that.“I know I shouldn’t have. But I was afraid he was going to die.”
“It’s not only Dante’s well-being that concerns me, Celeste. Nadya said it was worse this time.”
I press my lips together and exhale through my nose. “I’m going to have to have a talk with mybest friendabout boundaries.”
“She’s worried about you. That’s what best friends do.”
