Page 106 of A Court Bright and Broken

“You lost your mum, too,” I said, feeling guilty for being weak when he was so strong.

“That’s how I know how much it hurts.”

Stellon’s own eyes glistened, looking deeply sorrowful. They also looked tired, underscored by shadows.

“You haven’t been sleeping well on the settee,” I said.

It wasn’t a question. There was no need to ask because the answer was evident.

He gave me a soft smile. “I now have definitive proof they werenotconstructed for six-foot-five men.”

“Itoldyou to letmesleep here. I fit just fine.”

“You’re healing from an injury. What sort of friend would I be if I let you sleep on this hard, uncomfortable thing?” he asked.

Friend. The word struck me oddly for some reason, but I guessed wewerefriends by this point.

My throat grew tight, feeling thick as I swallowed down the upsurge of guilt. What sort of friend wasIto have let him sleep on this—or try to—for the past week?

“Sleep in the bed tonight,” I said.

“No, I just said—”

“With me.” Hastily I added, “I mean, on the other side of the bed. It’s so large. There’s plenty of room for both of us.”

For a moment, he just looked at me, longing clear on his face.

“Are you sure? I’ll sleep atop the covers—fully clothed of course.”

“I’m sure. The mattress is so solid, I doubt I’ll even notice you’re there.”

That turned out to be a lie.

We both said good night and blew out the candles on either side of the bed. And then I laid there, feeling more awake than I ever had in my life.

I was acutely aware of every movement Stellon made, every small sound coming from the other side of the bed.

My mind kept creating scenarios to worry about. What if he inadvertently rolled close to me during the night? Or I to him, unconsciously seeking warmth?

What if our bodies touched? There was an uprising of flutter-by wings in my stomach.

At this rate I wouldneverfall asleep.

Chapter 27

With Whom

Raewyn

Stellon didn’t seem to be having any such problem. After only a few minutes, I heard his breathing slow and even out.

Moving carefully, I rolled over to face him. He was definitely asleep. His face in the moonlight from the open window was peaceful.

And fiercely beautiful.

Now that I didn’t have to worry about him noticing it, I allowed myself to stare and drink in the sight of him the way I held myself back from doing when he was awake.

He looked younger in his sleep, relaxed in a way I’d never seen him. The weight of the crown must have been heavy indeed.

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