Page 108 of To Save a Kingdom

He studied Aliya’s face, searching for any hint of the thoughts behind her question, but there was none. Her face was expressionless.

Blasted nobles and their ability to obfuscate their feelings and intentions.

“We were friends as kids, until someone pulled us each aside and explained social and class differences to us. Since then…” he shrugged, “she’s been my superior, the person I reported to during and after all of my missions, and the one who determined when I could or couldn’t use her scrying mirror to speak with my mother.” Meeting Aliya’s eyes, he leaned forward, as if proximity alone could force her to believe him. “Of all the sun elves, Princess Tsara was the one both influential and headstrong enough to punish my mother for my misdeeds.”

Aliya raised an eyebrow. “Roland wouldn’t have?”

“Oh, no. He would have, but before he did, he would at least consider the ramifications of doing so. Tsara had a temper, and she is…” he swallowed, “was impulsive. She tended to act prior to thinking things through. Her threat to exile my mother was deliberate and she meant every word of it.” Even though it had been the shifter making the ultimatum, the action was still well within Tsara’s personality.

“I still wish you’d come to me.”

He nodded and sighed, his body aching with the need to pull her close. “Yes, I’m aware. But I know you. You would’ve thrown away everything you had to help me, including your alliance with the elves and the wellbeing of your subjects. I know that’s not the kind of queen you want to be, so I didn’t want to force you to make that choice.” He swallowed past the thickening lump in his throat. “I was looking for the right time to tell you, to explain and give you warning, when she announced the marriage in front of everyone. Believe me, I would’ve done anything to spare you that pain.”

Aliya raised her eyebrow. “Anything?”

He opened his mouth but paused. “I’m sorry. I will bring decisions involving us to you so we can discuss them, rather than making the call on my own.” Dropping his voice, he stepped closer, capturing her hands in his. “It was a mistake, one I promise to never make again.” If she took him back, he’d never risk losing her again.

Shaking her head, Aliya said, “It’s your job to protect your family and those you care for. And I realize the Enorathils have spent years, decades, psychologically manipulating you into defaulting to them. But if we are going to maintain any sort of relationship, friendship, or whatever, you have to communicate with me as if we’re partners. I need to be able to trust you to include me on decisions involving me, or us.”

And so many, many other things. Taking a deep breath, he sighed. “You’re right.” He flashed her a quick grin as something unclenched in his gut. “One thing this past week has taught me is that the Larimars are as remarkable as my mother told me they were.”

Aliya scoffed but he cut her off.

“No, I mean it. You’re strong, not only physically, but inside, where it counts. Your empathy and ability to put the wellbeing of others ahead of yourself is something I’ve never seen in another aristocrat.” He shook his head. “And don’t even get me started on your intelligence.” Dropping her hands, he cupped her cheeks. Her eyes were bright, brimming with tears. “You are the most amazing, beautiful person I have ever met. And I would be honored if you would allow me to spend the rest of my life showing you how much I believe that.”

“El…” Her voice faded as the tears spilled over. “You mean it?”

Nodding, he brushed the wetness from her skin with his thumb. “With every fiber of my soul.”

Her eyes were rimmed with silver as she gave him a watery smile. “Kiss me, you idiot.”

With a chuckle that thawed the last bit of ice from his chest, he pulled her lips to his.

She melted in his arms with a groan that had his balls tightening.

“Woo-hoo!” Zadé’s cry carried on the wind from below.

Tearing his focus from Aliya but being careful not to pull away, he managed to catch Zadé as she pumped one fist in the air at the sight of them embracing.

At least he knew whose side Zadé had been on.

Aliya’s hands fisted his tunic, pulling him closer. Reaching down, he lifted her so she could wrap her legs around his waist.

At the sudden change in position, Aliya broke the kiss, but she didn’t go far, her lips a breath away from his. “Now what?”

One corner of his mouth curled up as he sent her a mischievous grin. “Now, I think I’ll take you back to your room and show you exactly how sorry I am.” He leaned in, until his breath brushed her ear. “What do you say?”

Heat flared in her eyes as she squeezed her thighs. “Yes.”

Chapter 40

Aliya

Elessan shut the door to Aliya’s suite behind them as she tugged him into her room. The bed came into view as he pulled her to a stop. Burrowing his lips into the junction between her neck and shoulders, he kissed the sensitive skin there.

Aliya shivered, goosebumps rising up her arms.

“Hold on, My Queen,” he rumbled in that deep tone he had to know was her undoing. “I still need to do something about all these…” His fingers roamed up and down her waist. “Layers.”