“No, not that. It’s just that Terra gave me black bark tea. At least, that’s what I thought it was.” She looks down at our joined hands. “It turned out to be something else entirely. Apparently, it was the wrong bark and a remedy for headaches rather than to prevent pregnancy. The trees look alike.” She’s speaking in a nervous rush. “Terra told me I didn’t scent like I was fertile or going to be fertile anytime soon. So, when I found out about the mix-up with the bark, I wasn’t worried. It completely left my mind, and I didn’t even think about it. I was shocked when I found out. But…it…I…I’m definitely pregnant.”
“How long have you known?”
“I only found out yesterday,” she says.
“Were you going to tell me?”
The moment the words leave my mouth, I regret them. Her expression shifts. Hardens.
“It’s starting to feel like an interrogation all over again, Sebastian.” Her voice is sharp enough to cut. “Yes, I was going to tell you. Of course I was going to tell you. I’m not a terrible person. I would never have kept your child from you.”
“I know that.” I hold up my free hand. “I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t ask because I doubted you. I asked because…” I force myself to breathe. It’s hard. My lungs feel too tight, my thoughts spinning too fast. “Because I’m trying to understand. I’m trying to wrap my head around this.”
She’s still watching me with those wary eyes. Still waiting to see if I’m going to ruin this the way I’ve ruined everything else between us.
I need to ask. I have to know.
“Did you accept my apology this time because of the baby?” The question burns on the way out. “Or because you wanted to be with me?”
Isla stands abruptly, her hands forming fists at her sides. When she speaks, her voice is fierce.
“Of course not. I can raise a child all by myself. I don’t need you, Sebastian. I’m good on my own.” She’s magnificent in her anger, all fire and steel. “I accepted your apology because I wanted to, not because I felt I had to.”
“I believe you, Isla.” I rise and close the distance between us, my eyes never leaving hers. “I believe you, and I love you.” I take her hands again, bringing them to my chest so she can feel the thunder of my heart. “And if you’ll have me, we can get married and raise this child together.”
I drop to my knees before her for the second time today and reach for my pack.
“What are you doing?”
Her eyes widen as I pull out a small velvet pouch. The ring inside catches the light as I hold it up. It’s a simple band of silver with a stone that seems to hold every color of the sunset within its depths. Amber and rose and deep purple, all swirling together.
“I found it in a shop in the village when Kyrie and Damon took me for supplies yesterday,” I explain. “I know it isn’t gold and precious stones, but I liked it. The stone reminded me of your fire. Of the way you burn bright enough to chase away any darkness.”
Isla takes the ring from my palm, turning it this way and that. The colors shift and dance with her movements. I watch her face as she studies it, and I see the moment something breaks open in her expression.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispers.
“Marry me.”
She tugs at my hands. “Get up, please.”
I do as she asks.
“I love you, but it is too soon for marriage. We need to spend some time together first.”
The rejection stings, but I refuse to let it shake me. I stand, brushing leaves from my breeches, and face her.
“You won’t?” I search her face. “Why not?”
“Sebastian—”
“I’m sorry I asked you those questions,” I say before she can finish. “I didn’t ask them because I didn’t believe you. I asked because I’m an idiot who doesn’t know how to handle good news. I’m still learning, but I have a feeling you will teach me very quickly.”
Her expression softens. “Are you a good student?”
“The best.”
She steps closer and puts her arms around me, her head resting against my chest.
