“No,” she says. “Don’t let them decide what you can do. Remember, we almost grew something together once.”
Magic hums between us, soft and warm, as Rosalina’s hand tightens around mine. I watch her, the way her lashes flit, lips parted. She believes in me even when I don’t. It’s maddening and intoxicating all at once.
“Together, huh?” I say, trying for a smirk, but my voice comes out quieter than I expect.
She nods, her gaze steady, fierce. “Yes. Together.”
Something shifts in me. I don’t know if it’s her magic or the sheer force of her belief, but it cracks open a part of meI didn’t realize was there. My shadows stir uneasily, retreating just enough for something brighter to seep through. For her.
I lift my hand, hesitant. “Okay, Flower. Let’s see what we’ve got.”
She mirrors me, her magic unfurling the way sunlight creeps through the drapes across a carpet, soft and inviting. When our powers meet, there’s a jolt—a chord plucked perfectly on a harp. Her essence twines with mine, wrapping around the edges of my shadows, not smothering them but softening them. A tendril of my power pushes forward, cautious and unsure, but it holds steady.
All I’ve ever been able to create with Aurelia’s gift are thorns. But…
The briar crown on her head shimmers, and then a purple rose blooms. My breath catches as more follow. The thorns dull, and the vines spill down her hair in a cascade of violet flowers.
Rosalina lifts her free hand to touch the crown, her fingers brushing the petals. “Cas, you did it.”
We did it. But I can’t bring myself to say it. The words are stuck somewhere between my chest and throat because all I can think about is how beautiful she looks, how radiant. My magic surges again, unbidden, and more roses bloom, weaving into her hair.
And then I feel him.
The chill sweeps in, a whisper, intertwining with my magic, hers, ours. Keldarion’s power is unmistakable—icy, sharp, and full of longing. It lingers within me like his kiss. I don’t pull back. I let it in, let it twine with what we’ve already created. His power transforms the roses, frosting their petals with delicate ice crystals that catch the light like tiny stars.
Frozen blooms fall from nowhere, spiraling down around her. Each one lands perfectly, adorning her naked body. Myheart pounds so hard it hurts, and my love for her swells, fierce and undeniable.
“A Rose among roses,” I murmur and tuck a stray curl behind her ear, careful not to disturb the flowers. “He’ll near faint at the sight of you.”
Rosalina smiles. “Hopefully not.”
I look back at the closed door. “He’s been in there too long. I’ll go check on him.”
This is Rosie and Kel’s moment, not mine. I throw on a pair of pants, then knock on the door. There’s only a grumble for a response. I push my way inside.
“Coming, coming.” Keldarion turns to me, white hair a tangle, standing naked and brilliant in the early afternoon light. “Do…do I look alright?”
“You two are adorable.” I can barely hold in my laughter but indulge him and rake my gaze appreciatively over his form. “I can’t believe the great High Prince of Winter isnervous.”
“I’m not,” he stammers. “I want everything to be perfect for her. I want to be perfect.”
“Do youlookalright?” I chuckle again. “Have youseenyourself, Keldarion? There could be no man more attractive in all the realms.”
“You’re biased,” he says, but pink still colors his cheeks.
The depths of my love for this man expand again. How could I know how precious it would be, watching him, nervous and awkward, on the edge of being with our mate for the first time?
“Sit,” I command, gesturing to the edge of the tub. “You’re too tall.”
He does as I say, and I grab a comb from the counter before walking between his outstretched legs. Carefully, I untangle his hair and put the upper part into a twist. While I work, he attempts to steady his breath while running a hand idly up anddown my spine. When I finish, I secure the top portion of his hair with a small leather band.
“Once, you told me that if I ever found my mate, it would be the death of you,” he says.
“I remember,” I say. “But this is Rosalina. Our Rosalina. She can be everything for you that I can’t.”
“Don’t talk like that, Cas.”
“It’s the way things are. I’m alright with it. Happy even.” I grab his jaw. “Rosalina deserves to be loved in the light, to radiate as a princess of Winter. You can love me in the shadows. I’ll always be here.”
