Page 73 of The Sorrow of Shadows

“I know you don’t feel anything romantic for her, but I can see how she is around you. She obviously cares for you,” she continues, spiraling out of control.

I slide my palm over her mouth to silence her rambling. “That’s enough of that nonsense. Come on, let’s go.” I sit up and slide out of bed, pulling her to her feet with me.

“Where are we going?” she asks, quirking an auburn brow at me.

“To settle this once and for all.” I pull on my discarded clothes from the floor.

She slides on a long nightgown, then wraps a robe around herself right as I finish putting on what clothes I can. She had ripped the buttons off my dress shirt in her lust-fueled frenzy last night, and now I have no choice but to let it hang open, baring my chest.

I’m pulling her out of her chambers and further down the royal wing at a pace that forces her to jog to keep up with my long strides.

Recognition of where we’re heading registers on her face. “Aurelius, why are you taking me to my mother’s chambers?”

“Because you need answers and refuse to ask the questions yourself. You’ve left me with no choice.”

I bang on Genevieve’s door three times, then say, “Gen, open up. It’s me.”

The door opens to reveal a sleepy Queen Genevieve, her hair mussed and eyes rimmed in red.She’s been crying again.

“Aurelius, what is it?” she asks and opens her door wide, inviting us inside.

I drag Breyla in behind me, our hands still clasped together.

“Gen, I need you to clear something up for us.”

She gives me a questioning look, but nods for me to continue.

“Do you love me?”

“Of course I do, Aurelius. I’ve always loved you.” She states it as if it’s obvious, and Breyla tenses next to me.

“But do you havefeelingsfor me?” I continue, trying to clarify what I mean.

Instead of responding she breaks out into a full-belly laugh. The way she laughs more freely fills me with hope for her future happiness.

“Yeah, they range somewhere between you being the little brother I never asked for and you being my best friend despite that fact.” She grins widely at me.

“Haha, very funny,” I say, rolling my eyes at her.

“What’s the reason for the questions? You know all this already.”

“Breyla didn’t get that message, apparently. I have a point to prove to her.” I think it’s then that she first notices our linked hands and gives me a questioning look.

I have to be careful how I word the next question. “And is the reason I agreed to marry you to protect Breyla and keep youfrom losing the throne or being forced into a less-desirable match?”

She yawns, “That’s the gist of it. Is there a point to this?”

“I’m getting there. Now, do you plan to ever go through with our wedding?” This question has Breyla’s attention. Her eyes flare wide in anticipation of what her mother will say next.

“Not if I can help it. It’s a political move, but I thought we already established this.”

“Fantastic, now don’t kill me for what I’m about to do.” Before she can say anything more, I yank Breyla to me and wrap a hand around the back of her neck, fingers tangling in her auburn curls. I pull her lips to mine and kiss her in a way I hope shows my complete obsession and dedication to the fierce female in my arms.

A startled gasp leaves Gen, but it doesn’t sound like she’s angry. More like she’s surprised I would be as bold as to kiss her daughter right in the middle of her bed chamber.

As I pull back from Breyla, I catch the subtle pink that stains her cheeks, and it might be the most adorable thing I’ve seen on her. She can’t seem to form words but directs her gaze to her mother, gauging her reaction.

Gen just chuckles. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. The energy between you two has always been something that toed the line between wanting to murder or fuck the other.”

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