Page 131 of Hunger & Harmony

“Turn me.” I clutch him earnestly. “Complete the bond.”

Mixed emotions pass over his face. His confusion bleeds into surprise before he averts his face.

“I know what you’re thinking, but I’ve made my decision,” I say, urging him to look at me again. “It’s not because of a prophecy. It’s not just because eternity is better than this limited time.”

He searches my eyes, and I lean down again, fitting into his arms like I was made to. Holding me close, he softly kisses my hair.

“I’m not a Dissonant weapon,” I whisper against his skin marked with silver burns. “I’m Resonant. Even the Vox Crown told me so.”

“Resonant . . .” he echoes, his taut muscles easing ever so slightly.

“You feel it, don’t you?”

He hums lowly. His eyes close again, and he nods.

“Always have.”

Something lingers in the silence that follows. I shift position again, tucked onto his shoulder.

“What are you thinking?”

His eyes struggle to open. Still, he focuses on me, his embrace never loosening.

“At many points, mortals have asked me to turn them. Only a select few have been turned by me, and you know all of them.”

I tilt my head gently.

“I’ve never thought about that,” I say, to which he shrugs weakly.

“It isn’t taboo, nor looked down upon. I’ve received more scrutiny for being selective. My circle of allies has never been wide,” he says before he closes his eyes again. “Not one of Arteria asked to be turned. Anyone who has asked, I’ve never spoken to again.”

“Why is that?” I ask, and he coughs a couple of times.

“Growing up with the word ‘bastard’ hanging over your head paints power in a different shadow. If mortals would come close to me only seeking what I could give them, then what would happen if I never offered?”

I laugh shortly.

“Yet, here I am asking.”

“Mm.”

“Will you never speak to me again?”

His eyes snap open. When he looks down at me, my small smile fades. I was only joking, and I know he understands. Still, pain beyond the physical wounds clouds his eyes.

“I know not what the future brings. Even my own mind isn’t made up.” He pauses, looking at me so sincerely, my breath is stolen. “Would you accept me crownless? Or would you become my queen if I retook my throne?”

“I . . .”

“The weight of my kingdom broke us. In walking away, you became that much more tied to me,” he says, burgundy irises shining with tears. “I stand by my word. I will never burden you, Cadence.”

In the dim lighting of this room, embracing me like the answer to his prayers, he loves me enough to let me go. Poison courses through him, and I’m the antidote. Yet, he stares at me with such ardent sincerity. There’s nothing for him to gain, and everything for him to lose.

“I choose you.”

His lips part. I take his face into my hands, never once breaking his stare.

“Freedom once felt like no rules or ties, and no one holding me back. Yes, your crown is heavy. Yes, I never chose this bond or this fate,” I say. “But freedom now feels like you. Not just a king, but a man who sees me. Loves me. I want that. I choose that.”