Page 8 of A Court of Schemes and Secrets

My heart races. I stare at my toes. I’m overwhelmed by his sincerity, and I hate to admit the emotion in his voice tugs on my heartstrings. “There’s nothing. You can’t go back in the past.”

“I refuse to believe that.” Thalore closes the rest of the distance between us. I don’t step back when his fingers lift my chin, bringing my eyes up to his. “I have apologized for deceiving you. I will continue to apologize every day until you forgive me. In the meantime, tell me what I can do to mend the divide between us. Tell me how we can go back to being friends.” He says friends, but the way he stares at my lips—the heated desire in his gaze—tells me that is not all he wants.

“Let me work with the guard. Give me a purpose here.”Help me pass time while I try to think of a way out of this mess.

Genuine remorse covers his expression. “I wish I could, Andie. But the queen won’t hear of it. You are Lady Gathlas now. You cannot be a guard.”

I shake my head at the title, but I don’t pick that fight. I focus on one at a time. “What about Elini?”

He stiffens. His fingers release my chin. “What about her?”

“Isn’t she still in danger? And Alora? Does the queen not care about their safety anymore?”

“Of course she does. But with Alora’s engagement, Ulla believes the threat to her daughters is over. Whoever arranged for my half-sister’s abduction did so because they disapproved of the queen’s claim to the throne.”

“And Alora’s engagement to Clifton changes that? You think they still won’t try to overthrow the queen?”

He frowns. “I do not know.”

“All the more reason for me to remain acting as Alora’s decoy. I can continue the investigation and?—”

“Absolutely not.” Thalore grabs my arms. His grip doesn’t hurt, but it’s firm. I could dislodge it easily, but I’m distracted by the warmth only ever caused by his touch. “If a threat continues to hang over the princesses, you must keep your distance and be safe.”

“I’m a Guardian, Thalore. I can handle myself.”

“But I cannot lose you.”

My mouth falls open, and my heart pounds in my chest.

Thalore releases my arms and spins away, stomping out of the bathroom. He’s back one second later. “You will not act as Alora’s decoy, Andie. Not anymore. You may stay in these rooms for the time being, but do not think for one second I will not fight to prove to you our connection is real. You are my mate. I belong to you, and you belong to me. Forever.”

He turns back around and leaves. This time, he does not return.

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