Page 163 of Feathers of Ash and Hope

I can only imagine how much hatred he has endured because of it, and I wish one day he will confide in me and tell me what position he gave up to earn it.

I hope he knows that in my eyes, it shows strength to choose his path instead of taking the one laid out for him. But it also reminds me that we still have left so much unsaid.

Guilt bubbles up at the thought that I haven’t told him about my betrothal yet. I no longer plan to go through with Mother’s plans, not now that I have him, but still…

I will tell him… tomorrow.

I kiss the scar on his neck next, and he stiffens again. I decide that I will keep doing this until he understands that I love all parts of him, even the ones he doesn’t.

Love?

My stomach somersaults, and I stiffen. I’m trying to deny it, but just looking at him makes my heart flip in my chest again.

Panic constricts my lungs, making it hard to breathe.

What if he doesn’t want me after I tell him?

Concern crinkles Tate’s brow.

“What is it?” he asks, his gaze searching my eyes. I force out a smile.

He will understand. He won’t back down because of a faceless man my parents picked, right?

Even if it’s the crown prince?A little voice taunts me, and I panic.

I can’t lose him.

So instead of answering him, I take the coward’s way out and distract him, distract us both by feeding the insatiable need between us, and it’s only later, when I lie on his chest, our heartbeats a pounding rhythm between us, our breaths quick and labored that my thoughts return.

I love him.

“You certainly are good for my ego,” he teases, kissing the top of my head.

“Oh, I was sure I was stroking something else,” I quip, making him chuckle again. I love this light and playful side of him, the way his eyes twinkle. Gods, what would I give to stay at this moment with him forever.

Somehow, the realization that I love him makes what I have to tell him even worse. I shudder.

Instantly, Tate’s magic settles over us, warming me, and I bite my cheek to hold in a sob.

“Better?” he asks.

I nod, my face buried against his chest.

How the fuck am I supposed to tell him?

Chapter

Forty-Eight

TATE

I look down at her,snuggled up against me in my bed. She’s perfect, and it’s still hard to believe that she’s here, next to me, safe and bonded, and mine. I smile to myself.

Mine.

We never did talk, but her actions were loud and clear.

Dawn is painting the sky a pale gray, and I’ll soon have to get up. Maybe I’ll skip the extra training just this once.

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