“I’m sorry for the pain I caused you by keeping you at a distance,” Theo tried again, his bandaged arms wrapping around her. “I was afraid of what would happen if I let myself want you too much.”
Elowen looked up, searching his face. “You said something like that, the night of the victory feast,” she said. “But I don’t understand why.”
“I didn’t fully understand, either,” Theo acknowledged. “Until Xavier came, and I started to unravel, and some things came to the surface that I’d been trying to keep down for a long time.” He squeezed her shoulder. “There’ll be time enough to tell you all about it later. But suffice it to say, I made a vow a long time ago that I would never pursue what I wanted. I didn’t realize I was making a vow, but that’s what happened inside me. Somewhere along the way, that turned into a determination never to even want anything, at least not for myself. I thought it was selfish to have desires, and you terrified me because from the moment I saw you, I desperately wanted you to be mine.”
“You never gave a hint of that,” Elowen said, accusation in her voice. “I thought you were notably unimpressed when we met.”
Theo gave a pained laugh. “That’s unforgivable of me. I should have told you immediately that you were, and are, and I’m convinced always will be, the most heart-stoppingly beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”
Elowen’s already perfect features broke into a smile that took his breath away, and she snuggled closer against him.
“Go on,” she said invitingly.
“I swear that what I feel for you isn’t shallow,” Theo assured her. “I fell in love with the person I got to know, your quiet strength, your kind heart, your humor. But I couldn’t let myself admit how captivated I was. Until you were pulled into it, and my choices hurt you as well as me, I never realized how deeply I’d come to believe that I wasn’t allowed to want anything, and how much that belief had driven my life. I let resentment grow toward my brother, and,” he shook his head regretfully, “I almost sabotaged my marriage before it even began.”
“Well, fortunately you came to your senses in time,” Elowen said sunnily. “And I think I can overlook the whole thing if you promise to pay me extravagant compliments at least twice a day for the rest of our lives.”
Theo didn’t know whether to laugh or grimace. “I don’t think I know how to do that, I’m afraid. I suppose I could take lessons from Xavier.”
Elowen scrunched up her straight little nose. “No, don’t do that. I don’t care for his style of gallantry. Forget the extravagant compliments. I’d prefer humbler ones if it means I can always be sure they’re sincere.”
“Excellent,” Theo said with a hint of humor. “Because I don’t know how to be anything but sincere.”
“No,” Elowen agreed. “You’re the truest man I’ve ever met, Theo. And I’ve come to love you for it.”
His heart soared, more full than he could ever have imagined. He knew that he would always be his stiff self on some level, and he had a feeling he would at times disappoint his vibrant wife with his lack of emotional expression. But he was determined to be a good learner. And something told him that learning from Elowen would be an intoxicating experience.
“I’m glad I caught myself a valiant prince after all,” Elowen added in a teasing tone, slipping her hand beneath his arm.
“You didn’t catch me,” Theo said with dignity. “I caught you, through my prowess in a rigorous tournament.”
Elowen’s laughter was musical. “I don’t count that, because I didn’t get to choose the nature of the events. I don’t especially care about your skills in jousting or archery.”
“What would you have chosen?” Theo asked with a smile, very ready to join in.
“Kissing, of course.” Elowen checked it off on her fingers. “Eloquence of compliments. Ability to melt my heart with a single soulful glance.”
“I don’t like the sound of that,” Theo growled.
“Oh dear.” Elowen’s face fell comically. “It’s not a promising omen for our marriage if you don’t like the sound of any of that. Not even kissing?”
“I meant,” Theo protested, “that I don’t like the sound of a tournament featuring all those things. I know I’m considered steady to a fault, but I think even I would crack if I had to watch a series of men demonstrate their ability to melt your heart with a single glance.”
“Good point,” she conceded. “To be fair, no one’s yet achieved that, anyway.”
“I will work on it,” Theo promised solemnly.
“And we’ve already agreed to trade eloquence of compliments for sincerity,” Elowen reminded him.
“Yes.”
A dimple appeared on Elowen’s cheek. “As for the other one…”
“Yes?” Theo asked, his lips curving up expectantly at the corners.
“Well, I don’t think a single round is enough. Most tournament events would require you to demonstrate your skill on at least two separate occasions. Otherwise how can we be sure it wasn’t a lucky accident that you rendered me incapable of coherent thought on your first attempt?”
Theo reached for her, a rumble of agreement in his chest. “As always, Princess,” he murmured, his lips already brushing hers as he formed the words, “I wish only to please you.”
