Page 106 of An Honored Vow

I cleared my throat.

Gerarda spun around, her face half shocked, half horrified.

I ran my tongue across my teeth like I had been presented with something sweet. “Myguiding star?” I raised a brow. “I never considered you a romantic, Gerrie.”

Gerarda’s lips were as thin as her blades. “I’m not.”

“Liar,” Elaran said, wrapping her arms around Gerarda and pulling her back against her chest. “You should hear the poems she writes me,” she cooed over Gerarda’s shoulder.

I laughed. This was better than cake. “A poet too?”

“That was one time.” Gerarda shoved herself free of Elaran’s arms.

“Dozens,” El mouthed, though she covered it with a smile when the tiny Fae whipped around on her.

“If this is how tonight is going to be, I’d rather Keera hit me over the head.” Gerarda tied her weapons belt around her waist and readjusted her chest piece. “I gave you the courtesy of being unconscious when I abducted you.”

“My captives would never dare run.” I grinned. “No need for extra work.”

Gerarda answered me with a deadpan stare.

I waved them out the door. “Hurry, we’re going to be late.” I looked out to the skyline.

Gerarda clocked it immediately. “We’re traveling by portal then.”

I dug a vial of dried blue flowers from my pocket and handed it to her. “Just one.”

Her eyes narrowed at the flower. There was only one portal nearby that preferred blooms to berries. We made our way through the Dark Wood in silence, though Gerarda watched everything Elaran and I did for some unspoken clue.

We made it to the gardens of Sil’abar when Elaran started recounting a line from one of Gerarda’s poems.

“I will go back home and burn every letter if you utter another word.” Gerarda’s short, sharp ears were flushed the same color as her cheeks.

Elaran spun around and tapped Gerarda on the nose. “I have them memorized,aamozhi.”

“Honey tap?” I snorted and collapsed at the middle, holding my stomach.

Gerarda shoved me onto the grass and stalked into the giant tree without looking back.

Elaran stretched out her hand for me to take. “You will pay for that later,” I mused. “Ger is not one to forget.”

Her amber eyes glowed and for a moment the ends of her hair turned black. “I like her a little feisty. Keeps things fun.” She looped her arm around mine and walked me into the palace. “Not that she will remember any of that once she realizes what’s about to happen.”

“I don’t think I’ll forgethoney tapeven if we live a thousand years.”

Elaran elbowed me in the side. “The story is better than the name, I assure you.” Her playful smile fell as we stepped into the palace and the live grain split to reveal a staircase sinking into the ground.

My heart hammered with anticipation. I had barely been able to contain myself since Syrra brought the idea forward.

Gerarda eyed our joined arms suspiciously. “If this is just some ploy to make me—”

“Jealous?” Elaran finished for her with a slow tilt of her head. She even raked one of her fingernails down my arm.

Gerarda almost looked bored. “Keera doesn’t have sophisticated enough taste to be enamored with you, my sweet.”

“True.”

I dropped El’s arm. “I don’t know if I should be offended or relieved.”

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