Page 96 of A Witch and Her Dragon
I give them a small smile, then step back. Grandfather and Sir Larsen seem to notice the scar on my neck at the same time.
My claiming mark. Raelan’s claiming mark.
A burst of nervousness goes through me, but I’m not sure if it’s mine or Raelan’s. I turn to look at him over my shoulder. His muscles look tight with apprehension. I reach out a hand. It hangs there in the space between us, beckoning him forward, into the circle of people who care for me, who love me.
He belongs here too. Right beside me.
Finally, muscles in his jaw flexing, Raelan puts his hand in mine. I guide him to my side, holding his hand firmly.
“Mother, Grandfather...” I look into Raelan’s eyes, which are still flecked with gold, then turn to face them. “I...” I reach up with my free hand and push my hair fully away from my neck, ensuring the scar is clearly visible in the morning light. “I’m his now.” My gaze flicks to Raelan’s. “And he’s mine.”
A moment of tense silence passes between us. Mother and Sir Larsen both cast sideways glances at my grandfather.
But Grandfather is looking at me and Raelan. His blue eyes are soft, and as each second passes, his lips pull up a little more in one corner.
“I figured,” he said. Then he holds up his hands. “But please, spare your grandfather the details, hmm?”
Immediately, my mouth stretches into a wide grin.
I should’ve known he would understand. Of all the kings who’ve ruled these lands, I think he must have the biggest and most compassionate heart.
Grandfather reaches out a hand for Raelan. Slowly, Raelan’s fingers slip from mine, and he steps forward to give Grandfather’s hand a firm shake.
“Your Majesty,” he says.
“Sir Ashvale.” Grandfather pumps his hand once, twice. Then a mischievous glint comes over his eyes. “Tell me, did you ever think you’d be king one day?”
Behind my grandfather, Sir Larsen crosses his arms and shakes his head. Mother hides her smile behind a hand.
But Raelan’s face goes completely white, all the blood draining from his cheeks.
“K-king, Your Majesty?”
Grandfather reaches for me, and he pulls us both in, crushing us in a warm bear hug. “Well, what do you think happens when you marry the princess, son?”
“Marry?”
A wave of dizziness comes through the bond. Raelan looks more out-of-sorts than I’ve ever seen him, like he just took one too many falls from his horse.
“Well, you do intend to marry her, don’t you?” Grandfather continues, one of his bushy brows arching up sharply.
Now Raelan looks down at me, his mouth frozen open in surprise.
“Don’t let him bully you,” Mother says, loosening Grandfather’s hold on us and starting to pull him away. “There’s plenty of time forthatin the future.” She gives me a look, her lips lifting into a smile. “Now come on, both of you. You’re a mess. And Headmistress Moonhart will be waiting to hear from us. Not to mention Yuki and your roommates, Alina. They’re all worried sick.”
Warmth tingles through my veins as Mother and Grandfather start back toward the castle. Sir Larsen waves an armored arm for us to follow.
And right there in front of everyone, in front of all the knights and the people who’ve slowly trickled back into the courtyard, I push onto my toes and press a kiss to Raelan’s mouth. He softens against me, and his chest relaxes with a sigh.
“King Raelan, hmm?” I whisper, then delight in the fear that flashes in his eyes.
“Please, I couldn’t.”
Taking his hand, I tug him after my family, pausing only to say, “I think your sisters would quite enjoy living here. Don’t you?”
Chapter 43
Raelan
