Page 39 of To Steal the Sun

“Easton,” she breathed back, angling her face up toward him.

He sucked in a breath and bent to press his lips to hers, his free hand circling her waist while his other one continued to cup her face.

Their first kiss had burned bright and hot, the culmination of years of separation and longing. It had shaken Gwen’s carefully guarded heart apart. This second one filled her, mending the lost and lonely corners inside her. With Easton, she was never alone. With Easton she belonged.

She wanted it to go on forever, but he broke it off, his chest heaving with sharp breaths as he leaned his forehead against hers.

“Gwen,” he whispered for a third time, and this time it was warm and loving. She wanted to hear him say her name like that every day for the rest of her life.

Awareness rushed back in as she remembered the unsettled matters between them, the unspoken topics that needed to be discussed. She had already known Easton felt enduring affection for her and also desire. But she needed to know if that was enough for a future. She didn’t have the luxury of choosing her career, and neither would her husband. They would both be chained to a demanding role that they could never put down, never rest from.

Gwen gently pushed him away, knowing she needed distance if she was going to manage the conversation that had to happen. Easton’s brows drew together, his expression bereft. He reached for her, but she shook her head.

“Easton, I have to know,” she said. “And I’m trusting that you won’t lie to me.”

His jaw flexed. “I would never lie to you,” he replied, and she believed him.

“I know. I trust that.” She drew a deep breath. “And that’s why you have to tell me the truth—even if you think it will hurt me. Even if you think others might suffer for it.”

“Gwen, you’re scaring me.” He tried to step toward her again.

She shook her head, and he froze, watching her with concern.

“I know you care about me, Easton.” She hated the wobble in her voice. “But that doesn’t mean you should be forced into marrying me—forced into becoming king—before you’ve even had a chance to properly consider the matter. We hadn’t been reunited for even a full day before you were being asked to commit to me for life. That’s too much! I know it’s too much. And I’m afraid you’ll say yes because you know how much it matters to the kingdom. But I can’t bear to see you tied to me because of that.”

“That’s what’s been bothering you?” He laughed, relief and something less certain in the sound. “Gwen, I knew I wanted to grow up and marry you when we were thirteen. I just didn’t think anyone would let me, given you were the princess. I’ve spent ten years wishing there was a way to come home to my family—home to you. You are home to me, Gwen, and I care about that far more than I care about what I do or what role I fill. If you needed me to build a house for you and bring home wood every day for our fire, I would do it without a second thought. And if you need me to put on a crown for you, I’ll do that with equal gladness. One thing the years in Ranost taught me is that I can find experiences to enjoy and fulfilling tasks anywhere and in any job. But without the people I love, they’ll always feel a little empty.”

He gave a low laugh. “You’re asking me to become royalty, Gwen! It might be a burden, but it’s not a hardship. I love this kingdom, and I would gladly serve it even if it wasn’t you asking it of me.”

A weight lifted off Gwen, and she felt so light she wondered at the fact she didn’t float straight out of the door and bob around on the ceiling of her bedchamber.

“It’s you I’m worried about,” he said in a low voice, bringing her back to the ground. “You answered the count so quickly, so certain of your feelings for me, and I can’t help but wonder…”

He hesitated, and she waited, having no idea what he could be concerned about. Her feelings for Easton had never wavered.

“You loved me when we were children, but you barely know me as a man! The queen kept you so isolated that it’s no wonder you clung to the memory of our friendship. How do you know your feelings aren’t just childish leftovers that will wither and die under the pressure of daily life?”

Gwen wanted to instantly protest, but she forced herself to consider the question. It was a valid one.

“You’re right that we missed a lot of years,” she said softly. “And there are so many things to relearn about each other—things I want to know about your life in those missing years. But even one day was enough to see that you were still you. And I never loved you just because you were the only boy I knew. Back then you were honest and loyal, and you still are. You’re still brave and outspoken—but you won’t hesitate to apologize when you know you’re in the wrong. I’ve watched the court for enough years to know what a rare combination that is. You’re confident without pushing yourself forward, and you’re always thinking of me.” She gave a cheeky smile. “I’m only human. I can’t help but find that attractive.”

Easton laughed, the sound freer than it had been before. “If you keep going with that list, you’re going to make me blush.”

“How about you kiss me instead?” Gwen suggested, her eyes sparkling. “Because as far as I’m concerned, this is the true moment of our engagement.”

Easton wrapped both arms around her waist, but he continued to lean back, gazing down at her face.

“You’re really sure, Gwen? It still feels a little hard to believe. You really want me?”

She nodded, emotions rising up to clog her throat.

“In that case,” he murmured, “will you marry me, most beautiful of princesses?”

“Of course,” she said on a shaky laugh.

“There,” he said with satisfaction. “Now we’re truly engaged.”

She wrapped her hands around the back of his head, standing on her tiptoes and dragging his lips down to hers. He came without protest, and for a long time they stayed lost in each other.

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