Page 26 of Heir of Draga

Adelina took her hands in her own and stared up into Nadyah’s sapphire eyes, unblinking. The way she looked at her had Nadyah’s heart pounding and a blush rose to her cheeks. “I wanted to tell you this marriage changes nothing about my feelings for you.”

Tears pricked Nadyah’s eyes but she blinked them back. It was not the time or place for such silly things.

“I love you and always will,” Adelina confessed, dropping her voice to a whisper and taking a step closer to Nadyah. “I still want you, and I dread the moment you will have to leave me. Just know nothing can change the way I feel about you, not even marrying Varan.”

Nadyah pulled Adelina in for a tight hug. “I know, my love. And I want you to understand that I couldn’t be happier you’re marrying Varan and that he makes you so joyful. A courtesan couldn’t possibly wish for more for her pupil.”

Adelina held her face gently and stood up on her tiptoes to press her lips against Nadyah’s. The kiss was sweet, but so full of passion and promise it made Nadyah’s knees a bit weak.

The scent of jasmine filled her senses. Nadyah smiled and pecked Adelina’s lips before stepping back. “Your happiness is all I could hope for,” she told Adelina before slipping through the doors.

Nadyah took a deep breath out in the hall to steady herself, running her hands over the sapphire silk and lace of her dress. They all had time to figure out the new dynamics once they were up in space and on their way to the Drakesthai dragons. She had time to understand her own feelings and decide for herself what she wanted.

Destiny and fate were fickle. Nadyah didn’t believe her path was already chosen for her. And as such she would take the time to find out what exactly it was that she wanted.

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