“I think that’s a mistake. Visions are?—”
“Is that the only thing you believe is a mistake?”
He narrows his eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’ve been avoiding me,” I say.
Aodhan begins to whistle.
“Fuck off, Aodhan,” Cathal grumbles.
“You know what? You, too, Cathal. Until you figure out what you want, you can leave.” I fling my door wide and stride inside.
He trails me in, shutting the door with such force that the wood rattles in its frame. “I was waiting for you to heal completely.”
“Liar.” I whirl on him.
He glances at Cruaih, who’s poked her head out of my bathing chamber and stares between the two of us as though undecided whether to step out of her haven. She must decide she’s safer inside because she retreats.
“It’s not a lie,” he says.
I stride back toward him and poke his armor with my finger. “But it’s not the full truth.”
The corners of his eyes twitch.
“You said it wouldn’t change anything, but you aren’t convinced, are you?”
When his lids close, I realize I’ve hit the mark.
“I thought you’d love me no matter what?”
His nostrils flare and he grits out, “Iwill.”
My head rears back. “But you thinkIwon’t?”
His silence rings louder than words.
“You’ve such little faith in my heart, Cathal.”
“Everything’s a first for you, Daya. Everything’s a last for me.”
My throat burns. My lids, too. “I don’t even understand what that means!”
“Not only are you a queen, but you’re also so fucking…beautiful. Contenders for your heart will throw themselves at your feet. Especially once you begin to expand your den.”
“Why would I look at any of them if I have you?”
“Because I’m old and unpleasant.”
“Youareunpleasant.”
He grimaces.
“You’re a cantankerous curmudgeon.” I seize either side of his face. “But you’remycantankerous curmudgeon.”
His gaze skips over mine as though to check I’m speaking the truth.
“When I look at you, I see the man I want by my side always. I see the man I choose as my king.”
