Page 95 of Decoy

His eyes rounded. “You’ve been seeking this object all of these years…only to sacrifice it forme?”

“It’s no longer my purpose. It’s been my family’s goal from the beginning, one that only distracted me from my need to move on from the past and build my own future. But things are different now.”

ForIwas different. He’d changed me, and by his smoldering look connecting our locked gazes, I knew I’d changed him too. Perhaps that was what love truly was—not the emotion I felt for my family that had become distorted as it pushed me to become the worst version of myself, but a pure love that allowed us to grow into better versions of ourselves in order to seek a brighter future.

I wiped away a strand of hair falling across his damp brow. “What future will you create now that you’re free from the shadows’ dictates?”

He fumbled for my caressing hand to hold it close. “Even before the curse broke to finally provide me the freedom to choose, ever since we met I’ve only had one guiding desire: it’s always been and forever will beyou.”

My heart swelled. “And you’re mine.”

He managed to sit up enough to embrace me. “I can’t believe that after everything, it’s finally over. Thank you, Blair.”

“You saved my life in more ways than one, so it was my turn to save yours. I love you.”

His hold tightened around me as he nestled against my hair. “As I love you.”

In his arms I envisioned a new path unfolding before us: a life with this dear man by my side, free from the curse and regret that had bound us for so long. Such a future was much brighter than either of us could have imagined prior to our meeting, filled with all of the love and joy that had previously felt out of reach.

It was a different freedom than the pardon I’d fought for had given me—this one didn’t save me from death, but allowed me to finally truly live. I would do it to my fullest now that both he and I had that chance spreading out before us just waiting for us to fill it with a new adventure, which we’d embark on in the way it’d always been meant to be:together.

EPILOGUE

Islunk through the shadows closer to my target standing guard near the entrance to the royal armory, seeming entirely oblivious as I slowly closed in. Determined to finally surprise him, I kept my movements extra cautious. Just a little bit farther…

At the last moment, Luke spun around and caught hold of me by the waist. “It appears I’ve captured an enemy spy. Won’t Their Majesties be pleased.” He backed me against the wall to gently pin me in place, leaving me entirely at his mercy.

I sighed. “No matter how hard I work, I’m no match for your reflexes.”

“It’s infinitely amusing watching you continue to try. While I’m quite attuned to others’ presence, I don’t even need to concentrate with you—I sense you no matter where you are.” He chuckled at my pout and pressed his hands against the wall behind me, trapping me like a cage. “It appears I’ve won this round.” His eyes glinted with mischievous purpose as he leaned down.

“Claiming your prize even while on duty?”

He paused mere inches from my lips before withdrawing with a reluctant sigh. “Beguiling seductress.”

I smirked in triumph at having emerged from this interaction with a victory of my own. “You taught me well.”

“I might have pretended to pass on my wisdom, but in the end you proved the master; you were always superior in the art of seduction, working your charm on me with little effort.”

“Finally you admit it.” I gave his chest a playful poke, but he merely seized hold of my hand to press a tender kiss to the back before lacing our fingers and turning his attention back to the watch I’d interrupted.

“I know I shouldn’t distract you while on duty, Mr. Captain of the Guard; I just wanted to keep you company. I know you sometimes get restless on days you serve at a post.” In penitence I tried to pull away, but his hold only tightened, keeping me in place.

“I can subdue anyone one-handed.”

He likely could, but it was my wifely duty to keep him humble. “Perhaps I should linger for the chance of witnessing a potential demonstration to see if such confidence is warranted.”

“I’m relieved my skills are finally proving useful beyond mere ego-stroking; I’ve been seeking an excuse for your assistance in order to keep you near me.”

I smiled. “I am your partner, after all.”

“In more ways than one.” His gaze smoldered as he pressed another tender kiss across my fingers. “My darling wife.”

My chest swelled at the cherished words, though I couldn’t resist teasing him as had been part of our relationship since the beginning. “Don’t you mean yourdangerouswife?”

He leaned towards my ear. “You’re more dangerous than you know. From the moment we met on that sacred rooftop, I was a goner.” He pressed a gentle kiss along my earlobe before straightening into his rigid guarding pose. I remained by his side, keeping our hands intertwined as I helped Luke study the corridor.

Security was higher today considering it marked Crown Princess Evelyn’s return from her wedding trip with her new husband, Prince Ryland of Brimoire. Luke’s attention remained unwavering, his fidgeting with his dagger the only sign of his restlessness considering he was still growing accustomed to his new guarding post.

---