Here, it was only us. No titles, no pretenses.
“It’s not for nothing. I’ve ventured into the city against Maryn’s orders in search of a way to break the curse.”
She studied me. “And how long have you been doing that?”
“The past year or so.”
“Since Hector died.”
My lungs constricted at his name. “Yeah. Since Hector died.”
Her hands sought mine, fingers tangling with my gloved ones.
I sucked in a breath. “What are you doing?”
“Holding your hands.”
“Why?”
“Because I want to.”
“You shouldn’t.” I was torn between wanting to pull away—to hide where it was safe—and wanting to feel her skin instead of the leather that divided us. All these little gestures we’d exchanged, however small, were dangerous.
“Why not?”
“Rahzlyn…”
“Why do you think the burden to break the curse rests on your shoulders?”
I searched her face, the sincere depth of her question softening something crucial inside me. “I’ve known it since I was a boy. My purpose has always been to save the queendom.”
“That’s where you’ve been going during the day, isn’t it? Back into the city?”
“Been keeping an eye on me?”
She tilted her head back slightly. “And if I have?”
“You have more important things to worry about than my whereabouts.”
She exhaled wearily. “Raithe…”
“Rahzlyn.”
“If Maryn finds out that you’re still?—”
“She won’t.” From the disappointed look in her eyes, I added, “If I don’t continue to try, who else will? Gregorios is blind. Scorpio abandoned him. The rest of the realm has given up on us.”
“We don’t know?—”
“What good am I with these abilities if not to use them for a higher purpose?”
She shook her head. “What would you do with your time if you weren’t a guardian?”
I didn’t have a response for her. After escaping Pipirima, all I’d known was becoming a guardian. “That’s a pointless question.”
“I disagree. Dreams are just as important as duty, destiny be damned.” Longing shone in her eyes. “Otherwise, what is the point of free will? Why would scholars, artists, musicians—even warriors—exist? We may be Chosen, but we are still our people’s representatives. Protectors of not only their lives, but also the pleasure of their souls. I didn’t know him, but from all you’ve shared about Hector, I’m inclined to think he’d agree with me.”
“Finally accepted you’re a Chosen, then?”
