Page 77 of Turret

“I’ve spent a long time practicing for this moment. Even when I knew I’d lose my post as your guard, I was determined to find a new role that would keep me in the palace so that I could remain close to you.”

I laid my head on his shoulder. “There’s one role I’m eager for you to fill that will allow you to remain with me forever.”

He blushed, but unlike the many times I’d brought up this subject before, this time he finally didn’t insist we were impossible, which nourished my hope.

“Is there a profession within the palace you had in mind?” As much as I welcomed the thought of him assisting me, surely he had another way he wished to spend his time.

“Actually…I’ve spoken to the Master Carpenter, and after seeing some of my work, he offered me a position, beginning next week.”

I snuggled his arm. “Oh Quinn, that will be perfect for you.” I could not only imagine his beautiful work adorning the homes of nobility but the joy that would come from hours of creating his carved masterpieces.

He seemed touched by my excitement. “Thankfully, my skills can rely more on touch than sight, allowing me to keep another of my passions.”

“Which is your first?” I asked, and with the sly grin he gave, I knew the answer he didn’t speak out loud:me. The thought warmed me through.

We exited the palace and entered the vast gardens, strolling the paths slowly so Quinn could experience the surrounding beauty in his own way. I searched his expression for any sign of discontent, but he seemed perfectly at ease, which dispelled my own lingering worries.

“You brought me here to share a secret?” I asked after several comfortable minutes of strolling when my curiosity couldn’t be contained a moment longer.

He led me to the fountain, another feature of the garden he spent a lot of time near considering he could enjoy it fully through his sense of hearing. For a moment he simply listened to the gentle rush of the water with a soft smile before taking my hands gently in his.

“You’ve been concerned about me losing my position as a knight, but in truth I only became a knight because of you. While knighthood is a common profession for younger noble sons, I entered it not for my family but with the hope that one day I’d be able to serve you. I worked hard to rise in the ranks not for myself or even for the sake of honor, but to one day qualify to become aroyalknight, all for the sake of one princess.”

I gaped at him. “But…why?”

His expression softened. “I’ve always admired you—the strong princess who persevered even through adversity, the kindness you showed me before you became bedridden when I was still a squire. Each smile, each moment of kindness, and witnessing your bravery as you faced the trials dealt to you left a lasting impression on me. I wanted nothing more than to serve you and protect you—to not only act as a shelter from the storms you continuously faced but come to know the princess who possessed such admirable resiliency no matter her trials. So I worked long and hard to be worthy of the position as your protector.”

For a moment I was at a loss for words, too touched to speak. “How can I be the only reason? I know you love being a knight.”

His look was soft. “I’ve found joy in the profession, but much of my happiness comes from serving you. Even though I’ve lost it, so long as I have you…have I truly lost anything? There is nothing I want more than to be with you forever, Gemma.”

My heart stirred, aching to lift in hope at our conversation’s sudden change in direction, but fear of disappointment kept it grounded. “But I thought you feared being with you would make me unhappy?”

“That was before I’d seen the strength you’ve exhibited these past several weeks and had time to fully consider what my denying you would mean. It’s not fair for me to allow my fears to take away your choice in the future you desire. You’ve spent your entire life being trapped by how others see you, and I could never force you to endure that again, nor could I ever be the one to dictate how you should live: onlyyoucan determine that.”

My heart swelled at his words…and the possibilities they promised. “Do you finally believe me when I tell you that my only choice isyou, no matter what?”

He took a shaky breath, his smile almost shy. “I will strive to see myself as you see me and believe that somehow I could ever possibly be enough.”

I took his hands and held them close. “I see the most remarkable man, one who is kind and fiercely loyal, who possesses a beautiful love for life, and who has always been there for me, my best friend and the man I love. I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side. Please, Quinn.”

He took another steadying breath. “That’s what I hoped you’d want.” Still holding my hands, he knelt down and tilted his face towards mine. “I love you, Gemma, and am yours forever if you want me. Will you do me the greatest honor and be my wife?”

For a moment I couldn’t speak, too overcome to find my voice. But words weren’t necessary. I knelt on the ground and embraced him. For a beautiful moment, I simply basked in the feel of his warm and adoring hold enfolding me, the same arms that had always been there to protect, comfort, and love me.

I reached up to stroke his cheek. “Yes. I want you forever.”

I leaned up to softly kiss him, a kiss he readily returned. Even when our kiss ended we didn’t pull away, the moment too special to end just yet. He only stirred when he felt my tears from my cozy position against his shoulder. He reached out to trace my tear-streaked cheek, his brows drawn in concern.

“What is it, Gemma?”

I guided his fingers to my lips so he could feel my smile. “I’m just so…happy. Are you happy?” I needed to be sure, needed to assure myself that the contentment I’d seen from him these past several weeks wasn’t a charade performed solely to keep me from worrying.

But the light filling his eyes gave me reason to believe that despite my fears and his own heartaches, he truly was. “I am happy, Gemma. I promise.”

And I finally believed him—that it was truly possible to find joy even in the midst of affliction. And with this knowledge I was no longer afraid of the uncertainties still filling our future from Quinn’s blindness or my own lingering illness, for I knew that no matter what came, I’d be at peace.

My warm, beautiful feelings swelled, causing another tear to trickle down my cheek and fall to the ground. The spot where it’d fallen began to glow the moment it touched the earth.

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