Page 135 of Enchanted Kisses
“Not since the coronation. My father has sentries hunting for her. He wants her captured and punished by their laws.”
The king had admitted to Raysa that Bianca helped him access the Realm of Life to prove her worth. In exchange, she’d return to the Realm of Death with Caiden if granted absolute pardon, so they could live without retribution—something the king would never have agreed to.
“Do you think they’ll find her?” I asked Caiden.
“Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, it’s not my problem anymore.” He tucked me under his arm and hugged me to his side. To Raysa, he said, “Is the balance realigned?”
She closed her eyes and took a moment.
Caiden had said in one of his stories the Queen of Life could sense the balance.
He closed his eyes as if he were trying to feel it, too. Could he? As the blood-related son of the Queen of Life, I imagine the power might be within him.
Raysa released a calming breath. “I daresay it is.” She opened her eyes. All the stress from the last month was gone from her expression.
It was nice to see her at peace.
Caiden opened his eyes. “I believe it is, too.”
“You know what that means?” Raysa said with a scheming grin. “We should celebrate.”
“With cupcakes and poker?” I asked, radiating excitement.
“Of course.” Raysa waved a hand at the gazebo and murmured, “Conceal.”
The structure disappeared and once again we were surrounded by nothing but woods and the lake.
“I have so much to plan.” Raysa pursed her lips and walked toward the manor.
“Do you want my help?” I called out.
“No, no. Stay with Caiden. I like taking care of everything.”
I knew she did. “Okay. But if you change your mind, I’m ready and available to help.”
She blew me a kiss over her shoulder. “Thank you, dear.”
Caiden folded his arms around me and kissed me.
A breeze blew the lake water in our direction, carrying the scent of cattails and primrose.
Tendrils of my hair fluttered about my face.
He tucked the wayward strands behind my ears and cupped my cheeks. “Have I told you how much I love you today?”
He had this morning when we woke up and before he left to see Dagan. “I’m not sure,” I teased. “Have I toldyouhow much I love you today?”
“I can’t remember.” His eyes narrowed as if he were trying to recall.
“Should I tell you now?” I pressed up on my toes and kissed his perfect cotton-candy tasting lips. I hoped that flavor never changed, either.
“You know what’s better than telling?” He brushed the tip of his nose with mine.
“What?”
“Showing.” He swept me up into his arms.
I giggled and my skin shimmered with white and silver.
