Page 44 of Crown of Thorns
“What’s there that you don’t understand?” he replies to my comment with another question.
“I don’t know which you is the real one.”
“What do you mean?” he asks.
“This sweet and attentive version,” I answer. “Or the one who’s quick to punish. Are you the man who loves me like I’m his whole world or the king who chose a bride as a means to political gain and global power? Who are you really?”
“Who says I can’t be both?” he asks me thoughtfully. “Why do I have to be only one thing to you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Aye, I am a lot of things,” he says. “I’ve lived forty years with the knowledge that I would one daybe king, that I would rule my people with all the love that I have for them and this country but also ruthlessly protect them and our homeland. So, one could assume that when I chose to become a husband I could also be a lover and a fighter.”
“I suppose that’s true,” I agree hesitantly.
“But one thing is to be certain, hen.”
“What’s that?” I ask.
“I do no’ want to be just one boring thing to you,” he says.
“Okay…”
“I want to be everything.” And with my held breath searing my lungs and my eyes locked on his, I believe every word, but can I be brave enough to let him?
“Knock, knock,” Maeve calls out as she actually knocks on the door.
“Come in,” Rhys calls out and she pushes open the door with a smile on her face.
“I’ve come to get our blushing bride ready for her garden party,” she says, smile morphing to a smirk. “But I figured it would be safest to call out before I entered the lovebird nest.”
Rhys laughs and answers, “Aye, I appreciate the thoughtfulness too.”
“You remind me so much of your father when you smile like that,” she says with a bittersweet look on her face.
I wonder what her relationship to the late king really was. Interesting, since he was married to Rhys’smother and then Saoirse, shortly after the late queen passed away in a car accident.
“Thank you,” he says quietly before lifting me off of his lap. He stands from the small table. “I’ll let you ladies do your primping and prettying while I make some calls in my office.”
“Thanks,” I reply just before he places a quick kiss on my lips.
“Remember what I said, hen.”
“What was that?” I ask. “I remember you had much to say this morning.”
“Everything,” he replies, making my heart beat faster. And then he walks out the door, letting it close quietly behind him.
“Is it just me or is it a bit warm in here,” Maeve asks, and I laugh.
“Something like that,” I answer.
“Would you like anything else?” she asks. “More tea before we get started?”
“I’m fine. Would you like some?” I ask her. No matter what her relationship to the family is or was, this woman has only ever been kind to me and looked out for me as best she could. I will always show her the same kindness and respect.
“Oh no.” She laughs. “I was so excited last night; I could barely sleep a wink. Not to mention, I’ve had enough coffee this morning to serve a whole army.”
“Yikes.” I laugh.
