Page 72 of Trapped By Clocks and Hearts

Sighing, Allie fiddled with the beads on her skirt. “I don’t suppose it’s yours either.”

I didn’t bother to respond as the statement stood for itself. Given our short period of acquaintance, she certainly knew me well enough.

For a few moments, we both simply watched the goings-on of the festivities below us.

She leaned her elbows against the balcony. “I have to say this is significantly more enjoyable than the last banquet I attended.”

I cringed. She was referring to the Veridia wedding where I had massacred everyone.

I, the monster.

Tamping down the urge to tear my own hair out, I resolved to accept the inevitable. Or if I couldn’t accept it, perhaps I could be honorable enough to at least acknowledge it. “Have you thought about what the Queen said? Did any of the other kingdoms seem appealing to you? Somewhere you might find your place?”

She pursed her lips in thought. “I don’t know. I sort of got the feeling that the Queen seemed intent on marrying me off, but really, I just need somewhere to live. I suppose that caterpillar was right. I would get used to life here eventually.” She shrugged. “Honestly, I’d be happy in any kingdom that gave me a workshop, a small space to build my machines and experiments.”

The heart in my chest skipped a beat.

Because I could give her that. My clock tower already had that space for a workshop for her. Not a kingdom, but…something.

“You know,” Allie went on to venture. “Somewhere quiet, somewhere away from everything…” She added offhandedly, “I don’t even care if it’s a bit cramped, as long as it’s a nice, cozy place with a great view, perhaps somewhere high up…”

A bit puzzled, I met her gaze.

Wait—was she actually describing my clock tower?

I furrowed my eyebrows. “What are you saying? Are you saying you want to—” I stopped. “Allie, are you saying you want to stay with me?”

At the incredulity in my tone, her face fell. “I know I’m a nuisance, a bother—”

“No.” I stopped her right away since it wasn’t mocking in my tone, just perhaps a sheer sense of relief or perhaps disbelief.

My eyes caught the faint red glow of magic carpeted above the ballroom.

The truth spell.

Allie may have been immune to my spells but perhaps she wasn’t immune to this. I replayed what she’d said in my head. I wanted her to say it again so I could be sure.

Her gaze dropped, she fidgeted on her feet. “Earlier, in your chambers, I thought…I could feel you.”

I blinked, stunned.

All this time, because I carried her heart, I had been feeling her feelings. But perhaps it had only seemed one-sided because I’d never had real feelings for her to feel in return before.

“Oh god, maybe I was merely projecting my own want onto you. Maybe I just imagined it.” She averted her gaze, an almost embarrassed flush on her cheeks. “But I thought I could see myself…in the way that you were seeing me. And—it was…lovely.”

I couldn’t help the blooming warmth of release spreading inside me at her words, at the soft smile on her face.

The heart in my chest started to beat faster. I shook my head, murmuring, “You didn’t imagine it.” Perhaps Allie had no idea how beautiful she was. Her spirit. Her curiosity. That stubborn-ass courage. “You are more than lovely.” I couldn’t help the husky rasp in my tone. “And the only thing that’s wrong with you is…you said you weren’t mine.”

Allie visibly swallowed, almost as though she was concealing her elation. Her forehead creased in a slight uncertainty, she gazed up at me in wonder. “You want me…?”

The heart in my chest pounded harder as the truth sank in. “And…you…” I almost couldn’t believe I was about to speak the words. “You want me…”

She let out a nervous laugh, leaning back against the railing, unintentionally exposing more of that beautiful bare neck. Her voice shook to remark, “Feelings, huh?”

This woman… I had to resist the most powerful, savage impulse to swoop down and taste that neck, to claim her right then and there… Or perhaps throttle her right then and there. This woman…

Scrunching her nose up at me, Allie lifted her hand. “You’ve got a bit of confetti in your hair—”