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Hopefully.

No, no one had poisoned him. He’d feel better as soon as they talked, because he’d know how things would go, one way or another. He just needed a little time to freak out first. Once he did, he’d be calmer by the time he met Taylor, and hopefully feel more in control. He didn’t want to fall apart in front of Taylor, especially if Taylor told him thanks, but no thanks.

Twig’s mouth went dry. Was that actually a possibility? He supposed it was. He didn’t want to consider it, but maybe Taylor only wanted to be friends. If that was the case, Twig would accept it, though he’d probably need some time away from Taylor first. Confessing his feelings only to be rejected would be humiliating. Of course, Taylor would be nice about it, because he was a nice person, but Twig could feel himself wanting to die just at the thought.

He shook his head. He wasn’t going to die. Nothing would happen to him. Taylor was a good person, and he wouldn’t want things to change between them even if he didn’t feel the same way Twig did. Twig would get over it eventually.

It would be easier not to say anything, but he couldn’t ignore the little voice in the back of his head wondering what would happen if Taylor wanted this as much as he did. The two of them could be happy together, just like Rune and Palmer, or Killian and Hedley. That wasn’t something Twig was willing to give up on, especially when the solution could be as simple as talking to Taylor. If things didn’t go well, he’d go find Killian, complain for a bit, maybe cry, and then move on with his life. If things did go well, he’d have the kind of relationship he’d thought he could only ever dream of.

Maybe he was idealizing all of this, but it really felt like his life would change for the better as soon as he did it, and he couldn’t wait. He just needed a little courage, and while he hadn’t thought he’d ever find it, he surprised himself as he texted Taylor that he thought they should talk. Hopefully, Taylor would see it soon. Twig hoped he wouldn’t have to explain himself too much, but if he had to, he’d be ready.

Terrified, but ready.

* * * *

TAYLOR HAD BEEN SURPRISED when he saw Twig’s text, although maybe he shouldn’t have been. The two of them had been dancing around each other and whatever was growing between them for a while now. They’d both carefully avoided mentioning it, even though Taylor was pretty sure Twig shared his feelings. It had gotten easier to tell, especially after everything that happened with Pearl.

But it seemed like Twig was done waiting. Taylor was surprised he’d been the one to take that step, but maybe he shouldn’t have been. He’d gotten to know Twig well enough by now to know how strong the dragon really was.

He also didn’t care what Ilias or any other dragon thought. The only one who could actually make his life harder was Killian, and he really doubted Killian would have anything to say about this relationship. He was a good king, and he tried to stay hands-off when it came to people’s personal lives. The only thing Killian wanted was for his brother to be happy—just like Taylor did.

And Palmer was happy with Rune. Killian had been glad to hear about their relationship, so why would he be against Taylor dating Twig?

Maybe there was something to what Ilias had said, though. Palmer was a doctor, a healer. Taylor was just a guard. Maybe Killian would rather his brother date someone like Palmer.

Taylor didn’t think that would be the case. Killian didn’t care who was a doctor and who was a guard. Some of his best friends were his own bodyguards. No, Taylor was worrying for nothing. Whatever happened between him and Twig, Killian wouldn’t care, beyond wanting his brother to be safe. Taylor would make sure he was. It was his job, but it was also something he did because he cared. He wouldn’t stop, even if whatever Twig wanted to talk about had nothing to do with any of this.

He was still nervous as he made his way back to the garden. It was Twig’s favorite place to be, and Taylor had started to frequent it too. Thankfully, Ilias wasn’t around anymore—he’d probably left as soon as Taylor had, which was a good thing, because Taylor didn’t want to have this conversation with Ilias anywhere nearby. Knowing the dragon, he’d probably try to interfere, even though it was none of his business.

But Ilias wasn’t there. Twig was.

He hadn’t noticed Taylor yet, and Taylor paused to watch him. Twig was pacing back and forth in front of a tree, gesturing with his hands as he talked out loud to himself. It was endearing, and Taylor wanted to keep watching, but he also didn’t want Twig to feel self-conscious about being caught like this. He knew Twig often felt awkward, which couldn’t be further from the truth as far as Taylor was concerned, but he respected that it was how Twig felt.

He made a little more noise than necessary as he approached, and Twig jumped, looking at him with wide eyes. Taylor smiled at him, keeping his posture relaxed. He didn’t know for sure what they were about to talk about, but he had a pretty good idea, and he wanted things to go well.

“Taylor,” Twig breathed out.

Taylor smiled at him. “Twig. What are you doing?”

Twig’s cheeks darkened. “Nothing. I was just waiting for you.”

“I’m here now.” Taylor didn’t want to push, but he was curious.

Twig nodded eagerly. “You are.”

Then he stopped talking. He stared at Taylor with wide eyes, and even though Taylor waited, he could see Twig was stuck. It was clear he wanted to say something, but also that he wasn’t sure how.

The dragon was criminally cute, and Taylor couldn’t wait to get his hands on him. He wanted to kiss the blush blooming on Twig’s cheeks. He wanted to know what his scales felt like under his fingertips. He just wanted to touch him, and the only way that would happen was if things changed between them. Twig didn’t seem able to find the words to make that happen, so Taylor decided he would. If there was one thing Taylor was good at, it was taking charge of a situation. This wasn’t work, but it wasn’t all that different, either.

He leaned forward and gently touched Twig’s cheek. Twig blinked, his eyes widening even further. He clearly hadn’t expected that, which only made it more endearing.

“I’ve been thinking,” Taylor started. “I know this comes with a lot of complications, so I’ll understand if you’d rather put some space between us, but I like you, Twig.” Taylor paused. “And by that, I mean, as more than a friend. I’d like to date you, the way Palmer and Rune are dating, if that’s not too much for you. I just want you to know that no matter what anyone else thinks about our relationship, I’m not going anywhere unless you want me to. I can give you all the time and space you need if you want to talk to your siblings or your mother first, but just know that when you’re ready, I’ll be right here, waiting for your decision. I don’t want to pressure you, and there’s no need to fret. You know what I want now. You know how I feel. You just need to figure out how you feel, and what you want.”

There was a chance Twig would let what other people thought influence his decision, but Taylor hoped that wouldn’t be the case. Still, like he’d said, he was well aware of the complications a relationship between them would bring.

He just didn’t care about them.

* * * *