Page 110 of Children of Virtue and Vengeance

She winks at me as someone approaches from behind. I glance up and Tzain’s smile steals the air from my lungs. Jeers ring as he takes my hand, leading me away from the crowd. Na’imah’s soulful voice croons over our heads as we move to the dance floor.

“Òòrùn mi, ìfé mi, èmí mi—”

Khani harmonizes with the Tamer’s rich tones. Together, they sound like songbirds. Tzain laces his fingers with mine and we sway, getting lost in the song. I place my head against his chest, disappearing into the warmth of his arms.

“I’ve missed this.” Tzain dips his chin and kisses the top of my head. He places his hands along my waist, making my skin tingle when his thumbs brush a sliver of bare skin.

“I have, too,” I whisper, closing my eyes. Dancing with him takes me back to the fields of the divîner festival, back when it felt like tomorrow was ours.

I look up at him and he stares at me with a tenderness I don’t deserve. It’s then that I realize I don’t want to spend tonight with prophecies and palm wine. Tonight, I want him.

“What’s wrong?”

I lace my fingers through his and pull him toward the door.

“Come on. Let’s get some air.”

“WHEN YOU SAIDAIR…”Tzain laughs as I push open the door to my quarters. I grin and take him by the hand, stepping into the cool breeze that passes over the balcony. We slip our legs through the bars, danglingour feet over the curved ledge. Staring out at the sanctuary makes something deflate in my chest.

“I’m going to miss this place.” It’s strange to admit after all that’s passed inside these walls. Since the day we arrived, I don’t know if there was a moment I didn’t feel ostracized. But for all that went wrong, this place was still home. It kept us safe. It’s where I found my voice. Where I found the path to my throne.

“There’s been so much—” Tzain brings a fist to his mouth and coughs. “I just want to say I’m proud of you. I don’t think you hear that enough.”

My hands move before my mind can catch up. I grab the sides of his face, pulling it to mine.

“Ow!”I groan when his chin collides with the bridge of my nose.

Tzain grabs his belly and falls back with laughter. “Skies, my queen. I never pegged you for such an animal!”

“Shut your mouth!” I smack his arm as my ears heat. “How can I lead a battle if I lack the coordination required for one measly kiss?”

Tzain takes my shoulders and guides me down to his chest. “Here,” he murmurs. “Let me help.”

My fingers curl the moment his lips meet mine. I sink into him, tasting the sweet remnants of palm wine. But as he runs his hands through the waves in my hair, a pit of guilt sinks into my stomach. While we sit here, Zélie’s probably floors above. Grief-stricken and alone.

“Where’d you go?” Tzain asks. I blink as he pulls away.

I pick at a hole in his tunic, not wanting to meet his eye. “Do you think Zélie will ever forgive me?”

“If my lips are on yours, can you try not to think about my sister?”

I smile as Tzain touches my cheek. “I’m sorry. I just hate knowing how much I’ve hurt her.”

“She needs time,” Tzain sighs. “Space. But you’re doing the right thing.Not just for her. For Orïsha. The kingdom you’re going to build… it’s something that needs to be fought for, even if she can’t fight anymore.”

He takes my hand and it erases the entire world. My stomach flutters when our lips meet. His stubble scratches my chin as I press into him. I think of how many times I’ve imagined this moment. Imagined being here with him. My pulse races as I slip my fingers under the hem of his tunic, but Tzain stops me, grabbing my wrists.

“Am I doing something wrong?” I ask.

Tzain shakes his head, staring at the lines in my palm. “I don’t want you doing this just because you’re scared.”

“Scared of what?” I pull my hands back.

“Dying.”

He looks the other way and I exhale. That word is a tidal wave, washing away every escape he brings. The battle ahead of us taints the air as we sit back up.

“I’m sorry.” Tzain pinches the bridge of his nose. “I didn’t mean to ruin the moment. But I can’t let you do that. I care about you too much.”

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