Page 417 of Born of Blood and Ash

“She does.”

My gaze roamed over the tall, dark-haired male as he liftedher and spun, sending the hem of her gown billowing. I sensed the man was agod, but I stopped myself from seeing more. “Who is she dancing with?”

“Some jackass.”

I looked at him. “Then why aren’t you dancing with her?”

“Because I’m a worse jackass.” He grinned, and the dimple onhis right cheek winked into existence. “I’ve been thinking.”

“Oh, no,” I teased lightly, even though I had a good ideaexactly what he had been thinking about.

Attes’s smirk was halfhearted. “Ithink it’s time.”

I drew in a breath that stung my throat. “When?”

“Tomorrow.”

My eyes fell shut. Tomorrow?

“I’ve stayed longer than I planned,” he continued. “Lailahis ready. So is Theon. Vathi will be in good hands.”

“Until you return,” I added, my voice hoarse as I opened myeyes.

His stare met mine. “Until I return.”

This time, I breathed through my nose. I wanted to tell himthey weren’t ready, but that wouldn’t be fair to the twins, and it would alsobe a lie.

“Don’t.”

I blinked rapidly. “What am I not to do now?”

“Be sad.”

A shaky laugh left me.

He lowered the bottle. “I’m not dying, Sera. I’m just goinginto stasis. I will be resting.”

“I know, but…” My chest rose as I forced in a deep breath.“But I was hoping you wouldn’t be ready.”

Attes said nothing to that.

I lifted my gaze to his. “I will miss you.”

He smiled and looked away. We stood in silence for severalminutes, each watching Lailah and the others dancing.

“Attes?”

“Yes, my Queen?”

“You’d better not take too long. I feel as if we will needyour aid when it comes to keeping track of these two,” I said, patting mystomach.

“Not sure if you really want my influence.”

“And I’m pretty sure I do.” I stretched up and kissed hischeek. “You’re a good man, Attes.”

His cheeks pinkened, and I could’ve sworn I heard a lowgrowl coming from the floor. “And I think you’re trying to get me murderedbefore I can even go into stasis.”

“He would never.” I patted Attes’sarm, reluctant to leave his side. “If you need anything between tonight andtomorrow…”

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