Page 54 of Cherished By the Gargoyle
My gaze flicks back, seeking Thalric instinctively. He is there, watching us with unreadable intensity, his powerful form reassuringly close as he follows.
Beside him is another Fae that I assume must be Ryllen’s personal guard.
Ryllen descends gracefully, setting me carefully upon the ground. Before we start down the path he introduces me to his personal guard—Lorys—and I introduce him to Thalric.
Thalric bows his head respectfully, but I notice he doesn’t look in my direction. I ache with the want to run into his arms, and I can only imagine this must be as difficult for him as it is for me.
After the introductions, Ryllen turns back to me, offering me his arm once more. “Shall we?”
I take his arm, and we step onto the gravel path. If not for my nerves, I’d probably appreciate the gardens. It truly is lovelywith an array of colorful blooming plants with red, yellow, pink, and blue flowers scattered throughout.
“I cannot imagine how overwhelming this must all feel.” Ryllen’s gaze meets mine. “I’ve known of our betrothal my entire life. But I understand that you only discovered who you truly are just days ago. And now to face a sudden marriage… it must feel utterly surreal.”
I blink at him, startled by his understanding. “It’s been… a lot,” I admit. “Everything is happening so fast.”
He inclines his head. “Then forgive me if anyone has rushed you. Fear tends to turn urgency into a virtue. No one should be joined to a stranger, regardless of a curse. If you wish, we can delay the wedding by a few days. Perhaps give ourselves a chance to know each other better?”
I’m stunned by his offer; he’s not what I expected. Something loosens in my chest at his sincerity. “That is… generous. Thank you. I would like that.”
Ryllen nods. “Then, that is what we will do.”
We continue on the path with our guards trailing behind us. Although they are far enough away that I doubt they can hear our conversation, I can still feel the intensity of Thalric’s gaze like heat at my back.
Prince Ryllen seems like a good man. And because he has been so open with me, I decide to be completely honest with him even as guilt slices through me. Taking a deep breath, I turn to face him. “I have to be honest with you. My heart already belongs to someone else.”
He goes very still. For a heartbeat his expression is unguarded. A mix of surprise and hurt flit briefly across his refined features. “Oh,” he murmurs, then composes himself quickly, offering me a faint smile. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. You’re lovely, Aurora. I’m sure you’ve had no shortage of suitors eager to win your heart.”
Warmth flushes my cheeks at his gentle words, and I nod awkwardly, searching for the right way to explain.
I open my mouth to speak, but Ryllen lifts a hand. “Before you answer further,” he murmurs, “I ask that you please give me a week. A single week to get to know me, to let me show you who I am beyond our betrothal. Perhaps you might change your mind.”
Softly, I bite my lower lip as conflicting emotions swirl deep within. I do not doubt my feelings for Thalric, I’m simply trying to figure out the nicest way to turn down Ryllen’s offer.
Ryllen notices my hesitation and continues gently, “If there were any other way, Aurora, I would gladly step aside out of respect for your heart.” His eyes search mine. “But this curse… it could cost you everything.”
From the genuine concern etched in his face, I realize he isn’t trying to manipulate or hurt me. He’s merely trying to protect me the only way he knows how. But still… I don’t understand. We’ve only just met. How can he care so much?
“I—” I hesitate a beat, unsure how to begin. I meet his gaze evenly. “Does it not… feel odd to you that we should be bound so soon and we barely know each other?”
“As I mentioned earlier, I grew up knowing of you,” Ryllen explains. “Not so much as a princess, but as an innocent person whose life was threatened by an evil curse. My father told me that the measure of a male is how he honors those he’s bound to protect. So when I learned that we were betrothed… that you were destined to become my mate, how could I not care?”
Ryllen is not what I expected. He’s a good person. Kind and honorable. Perhaps in another life, I could have fallen for him.
Even so, my heart still yearns for Thalric. But I know he’s committed to his duty, and that means he will protect me at any cost, even if it means giving me up to another.
But if I accept Ryllen’s proposal, it gives us time to figure out a way around this curse without rushing into a marriage neither of us truly wants. “Alright.”
“Good.” The tension leaves Ryllen’s shoulders. “Thank you.” He offers his arm again, and I take it. “Perhaps we might partake of midday meal together after our walk?”
“Of—of course,” I reply a bit awkwardly.
As we continue on the path, Lorys steps forward to fall into place. Thalric moves as well, seeming to detach from the shadows, and for a heartbeat, our eyes meet.
My heart clenches fiercely, longing to walk beside him instead. But for now, all I can do is pray we can somehow find a way to be together, despite the curse.
Sighing heavily, I force myself to look away as the Fae prince leads me through the gardens.
CHAPTER 34
