Page 161 of What Lies Within Blood & Heirs

“You have nothing to offer remorse for, clever girl. It is not your apology I seek. But if you wish to deliver comfort to the memory, I selfishly admit … I would not deny your hands. They feel.” He paused, and she released a knowing, warm breath.

“Really nice?”

Garrik’s mouth twisted with amusement. “Really nice,” he repeated with a breathy chuckle.

Alora brushed her hands over his impressive shoulders, gently squeezing before she placed a kiss on his neck. Garrik smiled at that, too. “There’s nothing selfish about desiring comfort,” she whispered near his ear, massaging her fingers on his tense shoulders that seemed to have instantly melted by her touch. “And I couldn’t be there to help you then, but I’m here now.”

Garrik’s mouth opened as if to speak. Then met her eyes before he closed his lips and shuddered.

Alora squeezed the hard muscle at the base of his neck, leaning forward, and asked, “What?”

He deepened a breath and forged a smile. “Nothing.”

“Why don’t I believe you?”

Another breathy chuckle, and then he closed his eyes, saying nothing more.

“I will get the answer from you one day, mighty prince. I will know all your secrets.” She massaged down to his shoulder blades, feeling the tension roll from them in waves as he writhed into the blankets.

“One day,” he murmured between a groan and a sleepy, elated smile.

Wavingsunlight was the first sign of morning. As if she were underwater, the light behind her eyelids stirred in an unnatural movement until her curiosity wasn’t easily ignored.

Greeted by Smokeshadows, they gathered and coiled in front of the white curtains swaying in the breeze of an open window.Blocking enough of the sunlight, she assumed, so she and Garrik could remain sleeping.

Alora smiled at those beautiful shadows and mouthed,Thank you. Her cheeks swelled to her eyes the moment a tendril brushed one. Its own kind of answer.

She looked at Garrik. His hair was a mess, skin glowing with every slow and even breath. Perfectly calm on his stomach as he slept, as if he hadn’t moved at all in the night. Sheets pooled around his waist where she’d left them.

Her hands hadn’t left his body until long after he had drifted into a deep sleep. And she was perfectly content to bring him comfort until her eyes were too heavy that she fell into a pillow and drifted away.

A sharp gasp had her jolting to a sitting position.

Miwa stood there, eyes wide and mouth gaping. Amber eyes darted from the pile of clothing on the floor to the empty vials of oils on the bedside table.

To Garrik’s scars.

The shadows gathered around him as Alora moved with imperceivable speed. Rounding the bed to her maidservant before she swiftly collected the sheets at his waist and covered him. He didn’t stir, no sign he knew she’d left the bed.

Miwa’s eyes widened when Alora gripped her wrist and pulled her to the balcony doors.

But before they could step outside, she whisper-blurted, “There is anaked High Princein your bed.”

Alora’s cheeks heated. “He’snotnaked.” Mouth dry as she fought the urge to tighten her thighs at the thought. “We’re just friends.”

Arching a brow, Miwa’s gaze flickered to the mound of blankets and shadows covering Garrik. “Doesheknow that? Because in my experience,friendsdon’t sleep in the same bed.”

“Well, we do—did.” Alora shook her head and drew out a long sigh before looking at him. How could she begin to explain her relationship with him when she couldn’t barely understand it herself?

The blankets slowly rose and fell with sleeping breaths. And for a moment, her eyes softened, watching him sleep… Knowing he was at peace.

Her gaze found Miwa, who surveyed her with a calculating stare. “Please. Don’t tell anyone,” Alora whispered.

A palm gripped hers. “Knowing you will keep my secrets.” Miwa’s gaze warmed as she squeezed Alora’s palm. “I promise to keep yours.”

Alora’s voice faltered as she said to the white-stoned floor, “It’s not only my secret.”

It was Miwa’s turn to draw in a long breath. A revelation settled in her eyes before her smile mischievously grew. “Oh, girl.” That feline smile twisted higher, swelling Miwa’s cheeks. “You love him.”

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