Page 70 of A Sun Scorched Bloom

"You’ll be amazed by what you see here," Gray pointed toward a trellis full of purple flowers that continuously bloomed above the bath, dropping fragrant petals into the tub below. "Magic isn’t controlled here. It’s bountiful, celebrated. Those with different abilities contribute to the kingdom. This is a small bit of water magic."

"It’s a miracle," Lea breathed, subconsciously placing her palm on her breastbone where her own magic lived. "Do you think we can really do this?" she asked. "Do you think that Desia could be like this someday?"

"It was once," Gray said almost sadly, pain pinching in his chest as he pulled Lea into his arms. "We’ll do everything we can to make sure that it is again," he promised in a deep, rumbling timbre. They remained in each other's embrace for several minutes, allowing the warm water to wash away not only the dirt, but the sadness and confusion muddying Lea’s thoughts.

They didn’t need soap or shampoo; the water was spelled to clean them completely, but near the large bath was an assortment of oils in short, clear, glass bottles. Gray pulled Lea onto the steps, grabbing a bottle at random and dumping the entire contents into the bathwater. The scents of honey and orange mixed with something earthy that Gray couldn’t quite place wafted through the room, the sea breeze carrying it throughout the open space.

The water shimmered from the oil, and Lea didn’t hesitate to sink down into it, dunking her head and scrubbing at her face. She was already clean, but Gray understood the urge to rub at your skin when life was hard, to try to wash away everything unpleasant that sat heavy on your shoulders.

Gray followed Lea into the pool, pulling her against his now wet chest and wrapping her legs firmly around his waist. He pushed the wet hair from Lea’s forehead before leaning in and kissing her softly, pressing his lips to hers in a whisper of thanks. He had been terrified, if he was being honest, about his plan of escaping with the rebels. What if she hadn’t wanted to join them? What if she hadn’t been willing to flee the kingdom? And yet, here she was. She had followed him a kingdom away without a moment's hesitation.

Lea didn’t hesitate to deepen the kiss, spearing her hands through Gray’s long chestnut hair and opening her mouth wide for him. It was all the invitation Gray needed as he lifted her higher and walked them deeper into the water, staying just on the inside of the bath before the ceiling opened up to the sky. There wasn’t a cloud in sight, and so to join together under the sun would seal half of the mate bond. Gray knew he would need to talk to her about it at some point, the fact that he wasn’t willing to complete the bond until the war was over. But Lea had lost so much already. She was facing enough challenges and sorrow. He didn’t want to add to her burden. Not right now. Not tonight.

As Lea bit down on Gray’s lip, his hands roamed her body, his thumb finding the underside of her breast and squeezing roughly. Their bond was full of need, their magic desperate to join and find release together. It had been days, far too long, especially for a newly mated pair. But with Lea, Gray couldn’t focus if she so much as touched him. It hadn’t been safe for him to explore her the way she deserved in the Wicked Wood, but regardless, that had been all he’d wanted to do at night as they’d slept together underneath the thick furs and starry sky.

The starry sky.His magic twisted in his chest at the thought, telling him he was wrong, that he was foolish for refusing to forge the bond with his mate. Almost as if reading his mind, Lea untangled herself from him, standing up so that her full breasts were exposed. She grabbed his hand and looked up at the sun, walking backward with a devilish smile on her face.Fuck. The things he wanted to do to that mouth.

Gray took a step forward, almost giving in to that primal urgency, but he forced his legs to stop moving.

"Azalea, I—"

"You don’t want to seal the bond."

Dammit.Gray sighed. She saw right through him.

Lea dropped his hand, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Of course I want to seal the bond," Gray said, his heart aching at the pain in the lines of her face. "It’s all I can think about. I need you as mine in every way, but—"

"Then why won’t you do it? We’re safe now. We’re here, in a room, alone. Far away from your family. So tell me why."

Gray hung his head, reaching forward and pulling Lea back into the shaded part of the tub. "I won’t risk your life," Gray said firmly, almost sharply. "I am leading this rebellion, and I can’t ask my soldiers to sacrifice their lives if I’m not willing to do the same. If we’re mated, then your life is tied to mine. And if your life is tied to mine and I’m killed…" he trailed off, unable to even say the words.

Lea reached up to cup his face. "If I died, would you not want to follow me beyond the veil?"

"Of course I would, but this is different."

"How?" Lea pushed back from him, anger finally bubbling through their bond. No, not anger. She was absolutely furious. "How is it different, other than you’re a stubborn man, determined to get his way no matter whatIwant?"

"The rebellion—No. Theworldneeds you. Not just to win this war, but because you’regood. At the very center of you, you are full of light and all things joyous andgood,"he repeated. "Who knows what waits for me on the other side of the veil? I’mnotgood, Azalea. I have done not good things. And I refuse to let you die and be dragged to wherever I must repent for those sins."

"Where you go, I go, Gray." Lea’s voice was choked, tears welling in her eyes as she crossed her arms over her exposed body.

"No. I won’t allow it," Gray snapped.

"You’re not listening to me." Lea lifted her chin. "Where you go,Igo."

"It’s not that easy, Azalea. I—" he sputtered. "Look, if I could make sure we were safe, guarantee that you would live, no matter what… Nothing would stop me from making you mine right now. This very second. Can’t you understand where I’m coming from?" he asked earnestly, opening his palms toward her and pushing all of his fear and worry and desperation through their connection to show her what the thought of losing her did to him.

"No. I can’t understand. Do you plan on dying in this war? Are you so certain it will happen?"

"That’s not fair. I can’t predict what will happen, but I made a vow to you. To protect you with everything I have until my last breath leaves my tired body. I will not break that vow, Lea. And to seal the bond, that would all but ensure your death."

"You also bound yourself to me. Body, mind, and soul. Do you not understand that there are bigger things to fear than death? I refuse to live a half life, whether you are alive or dead. That is what you are doing to us by not allowing us to join. Don't you feel the ache? Here?" Lea dug her fist into her chest. "It hurts me, Gray. It feels like there's a piece of my heart missing. Do you call thatliving?"

"If your heart isbeating, then that has to be enough. Just for now." Anger bubbled in Gray’s gut. It wasn’t fair. Not to him, and not to his mate. Had he done something to deserve the ire of the universe, or his father, or the gods? He faced an impossible choice. But still, he had made it, and there would be no changing his mind. "I won’t do it, Azalea. I won’t risk you."

Lea pressed her lips together tightly, wiping her eyes with the heels of her hand before walking back toward the stairs. "Then I guess we have nothing else to talk about. Let’s get ready to meet the king." Lea kept her gaze away from him as she grabbed a plush towel from a stack on the floor and wrapped it firmly around herself.

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