Page 65 of Ties of Death

There’s a desperation to the question, like the answer is a lifeline. It makes it easy to answer, despite how vulnerable it makes me feel. I do try to lighten the weight of my words with a small laugh. “Basically forever?”

The last thing I see is unbridled delight steal over his face before his lips crash into mine, and his other arm circles my waist—and it’s like my world has ended and begun all at once.

I’m spinning, but I’m safe, because Daenn will never let me go. I cling to him, unable to process anything except thatDaenn is kissing me.

He pulls away before I’m ready, and I lean forward, trying to follow, which only earns me a husky laugh.

“I guess this means maybe you’re fond of me too?” I ask lightly, trying to disguise how much I need his affirmation in return to balance the field between us.

Of course he can see right through me. He cups my face in his hands, and the gesture is a cocoon only outmatched by hiswords. “My sweet Emi. I have loved you since before I knew what love was. I wanted you, ached for you, longed for you. I begged my father to change the terms of the treaty when I found out. I would have given them anything else—everythingelse—rather than you. When you were gone, you were my constant thought, and when you were here again, it took every strip of my will not to pull you into my arms like this. I needed you for your magic. But I want you for you, just like I always have.” He brushes a thumb down my cheek. “And while I may want children, that’s not why I love you. You are more than your ability to give me heirs. I want you even if we never have any.”

I’m heady on the euphoria of his words, of his touch, or maybe it’s the euphoriaheis feeling, spinning my head like a rich liquor. I don’t know. I can’t tell, and it doesn’t matter. Because Daenn loves me. Our emotions tangle across the bond, multiplying as they play off each other, and it’s overwhelming.

I have no words, so instead, I hook my arms around his neck, crawl into his lap, and kiss him again.

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