Gently, he tips my chin, holding me still. “I could. But that causes his eyes to fall onto me and my activities. I only follow his orders for now. It’s a way to shield you and what plans I’ve made. If he thinks I am under his control, he doesn’t look for other weapons. Not until he’ll need to. For now, with my compliance, the coup is undetected and you aresafe.”
“Don’t you have power here?” I taunt, fingers drawing over his jaw.
“My power is limited until the coup is finished.”
It never occurred to me how far Kaden has gone to make this all happen. What he’s sacrificed in pursuit to this cause. What he’s allowed to occur just for the bigger picture.
The darkness that always surrounds him, is not of his own volition, it’s from taking on the darkness of others. He is the one to hold everyone’s curses, so that they may thrive. And he uses his strength to bear the burdens for others so they may live better lives.
My fingers trace his jaw lightly and he leans into my touch. I see him with better eyes now. I fought for years to never be the monster, but he takes the image on willingly. “I still don’t forgive you, Kaden. For everything you’ve done. What you’ve taken. But I think I understand it. At least somewhat.”
“I don’t expect forgiveness.” He kisses my palm. “As it is, you’re keeping things from me and I’m allowing you those secrets. You need some measure of control with so much change.”
Secrets I still keep close to my chest.
“This dinner will be different.” He runs his hands over my curves and my body tightens, enjoying the feel of him. I’m a cat in heat,leaning in for more. “It’s a celebration. I’m not sure of what, but we need to prepare.”
He releases me, going to his armoire. I peer behind him and I snort. Just as I thought, weapons of all kinds are hidden in there, including swords, sharp daggers, bows and arrows. I see an old shield, stained in blood, jagged edges broken from battle.
At my furrowed brow, he smirks. “I am a warrior, Max. That shield is my prize for winning.”
“Was it at least worth it?”
“I killed a Human General when he tried to take three young females from one of my kingdom’s villages on the outskirts of our territory. I’d say so.”
My heart warms further toward the heir.
He’s a monster, that much is certain. But a monster with reasons. Appearances be damned, Kaden will do what he must because he knows the end result.
If he has to kill to save many, he will. If he has to take me, to protect me, he will. If he has to tarnish his soul so the kingdom will thrive, then he will. He is selfless and my heart splinters further, a slow drip of love breaking through the fog of hurt.
He hands me two small daggers, half the size of Fee’s. They have a dark blue jewel on the ebony hilts, the blades thin but wickedly curved.
At my surprise, he swallows. “Dark Fae royals exchange gifts when two of them become engaged. And since I announced our wedding to the other kingdoms, now seemed like a good time to enact an old tradition.
“In order to bring about good luck, we craft things that representBel. It can be anything made by or with fire, but I thought a weapon would be a good choice for you.”
I look to the blades, lips parting in surprise. “You made these for me?”
Kaden shrugs, uncharacteristically shy. “I’ve always beengood with metals,” he explains. “Usually, these are given on the wedding night.”
“We’re not married, Kaden.” He made me these. I’m astounded, trying to see the brooding prince, sweating over a forge, delicately placing the gems. Cooling the hot metal in barrels of water.
He smirks, taking the daggers to twirl expertly. “I’ve claimed you, kitten. I’ve tasted your blood. You have my heart. We don’t need the ceremony to prove you’re mine.”
“So, you don’t want to marry me?” I tease, taking back the weapons, feeling lighter than I have in some time.
The blade are feather-light, delicate and the edges are sharp. But it’s the thought behind this gift—the care in which they were made that heats my blood, ending the hate for the heir.
He’s done so much for me. This is one final way to show his love, how he chooses me.
“Oh, I do. And I will. At this point, it’s just a formality.”
There’s that arrogance I’ve grown to love in the Fae.
“When we go into that dinner, you’ll need to eat. And not be suspicious.” He watches me as I gently place the daggers on to our bed. “If I have to hold and force food down your throat, they will think we have a much different relationship than we already do.”
I don’t miss the taunt in his words, the heat in his eyes. He wants me to defy him, make him hold me down again.
