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“Yeah. Thank you.” Daven turned to smile at Ryneth, and Ryneth couldn’t help but smile back.

It hit him strangely then, not how beautiful Daven was, but how dangerous he looked everywhere else and how careful he had been with him tonight. The contrast made something low in Ryneth’s chest pull tight.

Ryneth watched as Daven let out more smoke. “Sometimes I wonder who I am,” he rasped.

“What do you mean?” Ryneth asked.

Daven shrugged. “I don’t know. Don’t mind me. I’m just tired.”

“No, don’t talk over it. What do you mean?”

Daven blew out more smoke. “Sometimes I wonder what I love. I’ve never really given it much thought.”

“Neither have I,” Ryneth admitted. “We never had much time to think that through. But you⁠—”

Have.

He didn’t say the word.

He didn’t have to, because Daven chuckled. “You think I’m a lazy prince who can do whatever the fuck he wants? You’re right, I guess. But that doesn’t make it easy. But earlier, when I found your drawing, I just kind of decided.”

Ryneth frowned. “Decided what?”

“That I’m going to find out what I love. With you.”

“With me?” The words caught oddly in Ryneth’s chest.

Daven nodded. “With you.”

Ryneth looked at him for a second too long. “Okay.”

Daven’s mouth curved like he knew exactly what that look meant. He took Ryneth’s hand again, turned it over, and pressed his thumb over the faint mark in his palm. “Deal.”

23

RYNETH

Ryneth woke to a sharp knock on the door.

He checked his multi-slate, only to find a message from Daven.

Went for an early run. Needed to get my mind clear.

That asshole Vandor will pick you up to take you to breakfast at Archer’s house. I can’t be there, but you’ll be safe with him.

Ryneth thought of the conversation they’d had in the bath the night before. Of the flower. Of Daven’s quiet promise in the dark. And of the fear that still hadn’t quite left him.

Sometimes I wonder what I love. I guess I’ve never really given it much thought.

He replayed Daven’s words in his head. They made his chest flutter.

I’m going to find out what I love. With you.

Ryneth wanted that very much. An arrogant, possessive Daven was hot. But a smiling, talking Daven?

Yes, he wanted inside. Into Daven’s head. Into whatever he kept buried under the swagger and control. He wanted to understand what sat underneath the Dariux, the upbringing, the need to always perform.

Ryneth read the message again.