Wyn wrapped his arms around my neck. “I just want you, Monqilcolnen. No one else.”
“And I just desire you, Peace.” I brushed the tip of my nose along his.
He pushed his forehead against mine. “I want us to survive.”
“We will.”
“I’m scared.”
Tucking my hand under his shirt, I dragged my claws over his spine and made him shiver. My fingers traced the leather brace holding his wings in place, playing with the straps. My own fear was climbing my throat and threatening upheaval.
“Don’t worry. We are truly going to be fine.” Of this I was certain, to some extent. My inner fire hadn’t given me assurance of Wyn being my mate, but I knew of his importance to me. He was my forever. I only had to wait until I was Wyn’s choice back.
“You hope that, and so do I,” he replied, meeting my gaze. “But don’t pretend you’re not worried.”
My mask had slipped. I was growing so comfortable with him it was difficult to keep my mask affixed. I brushed my thumb over his scales. I wasn’t ready to lay the whole of my soul bareto him, but I did need to confess the worries residing within me. I offered him my throat, and Wyn darted forward to bite me. I groaned at the warm feel of his mouth on me, on my scent gland.
“If you don’t want me to concede to you, then don’t concede to me,” Wyn said against my neck.
“But you’re right.”
“So?” Wyn looked at me. “Don’t concede, Monqilcolnen, just talk to me.”
My thumb kept cresting over the swell of his cheek as I stared at him, never looking away. He was so dear. I didn’t want to be separated from him, not for months, but especially not for cycles. He deserved my truth, though, and I would give it to him.
“You know I’m being groomed for a captainship,” I said.
His eyebrows drew together. “Yes, of theAdmiral Ven.”
“You know?”
Wyn laughed and twirled some of my hair around his finger. “Everyone knows, Monqilcolnen. It’s not a secret, and nor is your future as Crown Prince Hallonnixmin’s advisor when he takes the throne.”
“That’s not decided.” It wasn’t. Yes, that was my father’s current position, but it wasn’t guaranteed I would take his place one day. One of my cousins might be granted that position by Hallonnixmin.
“It might not be formally decided, but everyone knows.”
I cupped Wyn’s cheek. “Does either bother you?”
“Did you think it would?”
“Yes,” I confessed.
He shook his head. “Never.”
“Then what of us?”
A small smile pulled at the corner of his mouth. “You’re thinking that far into the future?”
“Certainly.” I might not be ready to confess I wanted Wyn as my mate, but I sure as the stars shone I wasn't going to deny how much I desired him always.
“I’m not worried about that.” Wyn took a deep breath and met my gaze straight on. “I will go with you when you’re captain of theAdmiral Ven, and I’ll stay when you are planet side.”
“No,” I replied, rejecting the rather romantic suggestion.
Wyn recoiled. “What?”
“That was a beautiful sentiment,” I told him, kissing his cheek. “But I don’t want nor expect you to sacrifice your career or future.”
