Page 36 of A Vow of Wrath and Ruin

She nodded curtly.

“It is a dire wolf pelt. When a wolf dies, the pelt is given to its rider. This one’s rider fell in battle alongside their wolf. So the king had it fashioned into this cloak for you.” She fastened the heavy garment around my neck before taking a step back. “You look like a queen.”

My breath caught in my throat at those words. I hadn’t been a queen in a long time and hadn’t been very good at it. Could I be the kind of queen Tharan needed me to be? Could I bear the weight of ruling again?

Pushing my thoughts to the side, I headed out. As I walked down the magnificent spiral staircase, Tharan came into view. Back to me, his burgundy hair shone in the flames of the chandelier. He wore a green vest and white undershirt. With hishands behind his back, I could see the laurel cufflinks on his wrists. Atop his head sat the Alder Crown of Antlers.

I couldn’t help but smile.

He turned to face me, and his verdant eyes brightened. A blinding smile cut his handsome face in two.

Heat flushed my cheeks at the sight of him. Pure power radiated from him like an overflowing fountain. He reached out a hand to guide me down the last few steps. Electricity roiled through my veins at his touch.

“You look stunning,” he said, kissing my cheek.

“And you look very handsome as well.” I entwined my arms around my neck.

“I’ve been known to clean up from time to time.”

“A humble king.”

“I try.” He leaned in and planted a kiss on my lips. His mouth tasted of blackberries and bourbon. The scent of clove cigarettes clung to his skin.

“Trinity, I love your scent,” I whispered in his ear.

“I love you,” he growled in my ear.

Goosebumps pricked my skin. I hadn’t told anyone I loved them since Caiden. And if I was being honest with myself, I wasn’t sure I’d truly loved anyone. Looking back, I doubted my love for Caiden. Was I just young and infatuated? No.Who am I kidding?I loved him. Loved him enough to set him free. The love Caiden and I shared was forbidden and exciting, while the feelings I had for Tharan were warm and stable, like a steady thrum underneath my skin.

“I… I…” I couldn’t say the words—I wasn’t ready, and I hated to disappoint him. Tharan was safety. Tharan was stability and a home—something I hadn’t even known I’d been missing.

His fingers laced with mine.

“It’s alright. You don’t have to say it. I know you’re not ready.”

My eyes flitted to the floor.

“I’m sorry.”

He lifted my chin so that our eyes met.

“Don’t be. I don’t want you to lie to me. I want you to tell me when you’re ready.”

Pressure built behind my eyes.

“Thank you.”

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

“Of course.” He patted my hand. “Now, I’ve got something to show you.”

Tharan led me out of the palace to a waiting sleigh pulled by two snow-white horses with bells, and holly braided into their manes. Lanterns gilded the carriage in a golden light.

“After you.”

I climbed into the sleigh and settled into the plush seats. Tharan covered us in a thick wool blanket.

“Are you warm enough?”

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