My throat tightened. “They’ve meant a great deal to me too.”
“Even if we don’t catch whoever’s behind this tonight and it takes longer to solve these mysteries…” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “I’m grateful to fate or politics or whatever brought us together, because I can’t imagine going through this with anyone else.”
The honesty in his voice and the vulnerability he was offering made my chest spasm. This man who I’d married as a stranger had become essential to me in the span of a few days.
I wanted this marriage to be real. Not just a politicalalliance or a crisis-management partnership, but an actual relationship built on connection and mutual care.
“I’m glad too,” I said. “More than I can properly express.”
His smile transformed his face, making him look young and hopeful and absolutely beautiful in the morning light. “That’s enough. For now.”
The promise in those last two words sent heat through me. For now implied a future where we’d have space and time to explore everything building between us. When the investigation would be solved, and we could focus on each other without the pressure of court crises demanding our attention.
Some gardens need both sun and rain to truly flourish,Savory said from where she still perched on the back of the bench.Constant sunshine produces shallow roots. It’s the storms that drive growth deeper.
“Are you suggesting we need more problems?” I asked after sharing with Dominic.
The challenges you’re facing together are strengthening what’s growing between you.She ruffled her feathers.The flowers that bloom in easy conditions are beautiful but fragile. The ones that bloom despite adversity last.
I looked at Dominic, seeing understanding in his eyes. We were blooming despite adversity, or perhaps because of it. These issues could’ve driven us apart. Instead, they’d pushed us together, forcing us to rely on each other and creating space for a genuine connection to develop.
“Tonight, we’ll solve this mystery and stop all the forced giggling.” I said pulling him up to stand with me.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
DOMINIC
The castle corridors stretched out ahead of us, dimly lit by magical orbs pulsing soft blue-green light. Sasha had convinced Savory to remain behind with a promise of extra treats tomorrow, though the raven had made her displeasure known through a series of indignant squawks before finally settling on the perch on the balcony.
“The raven who watches over her witch should accompany important missions,” she’d said, Sasha relaying the raven’s thoughts.
“The raven who wants extra treats should trust that we’ll be fine,” Sasha had replied, softening her words with a scratch under Savory’s chin.
Now we made our way through shadows, both dressed head to toe in black. Sasha had changed into fitted pants and a snug tunic that outlined every curve, and I was trying hard not to notice how the dark fabric clung to her body as she moved. The strategic part of my brain recognized this was practical attire for stealth. The rest of my brain was feeling significantly less analytical about it.
I admired the competent way she navigated the darkness, pausing at corners to check for movement and keeping to the deeper shadows along the walls.
My role as guide felt almost unnecessary. She was adapting to the castle’s layout remarkably well.
Nervous energy thrummed through me, part anticipation for potentially solving this mystery, part acute awareness that in about five minutes, I’d be pressed against Sasha in a space barely large enough for one person, let alone two.
We reached the main staircase, and I held up a hand, listening. Footsteps echoed from somewhere nearby, accompanied by a familiar voice.
“No, no, that won’t do at all. The shadows are completely wrong for my complexion.”
Lord Turren.
We slipped into an alcove beneath the stairs, pressing against the curved stone wall. The space was tight, bringing us chest to chest. Her hands landed on my shoulders to steady herself, and she sucked in a breath.
Lord Turren descended the stairs directly above our heads, still muttering to himself. Through the gaps in the stonework, I caught glimpses of him holding his mirror, angling it to catch the light.
“Perhaps if I adjust my hair slightly to the left. Yes, that’s better. Though the midnight blue lighting does add an interesting depth to my features.”
Sasha’s shoulders shook with silent laughter. She bit her lip to hold it back, her eyes sparkling. The urge to kiss her smile nearly overwhelmed me.
Lord Turren’s footsteps faded down a corridor, and I counted to ten before nodding my head, suggesting we leave our hiding place.
