AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I could choose to let this moment make me feel small, but I refuse.
Nobody in this world is going to determine my fate butme.
I slowly walk forward, my footsteps soft on the frost-limned stone.
He’s still staring at me likethat, and I swear I see it again.
A faint crimson glow, radiating from his gaze.
This is magic.
Everyone knows that magic exists; that beyond the civilized borders of Ruen there are monsters and ancientinhumancreatures, but few have ever actually seen it.
In Rahava, magic is taboo.
They say that magic comes from the blood of the gods, and humans aren’t worthy of wielding it.
“Finley…” He says my name like a caress. “You look absolutely beautiful.”
A warm flush that enters my cheeks. Nobody has ever paid me a compliment like that before.
If I’m not careful, I could lose myself in him.
“I thank you for your generous gifts, Your Highness.” I offer him a respectful little bow. “Opening all those carefully packaged and finely chosen garments was a welcome distraction this afternoon.”
He frowns. “Finley, I told you before, it’s just Corvan. No honorifics, please. Not from you. Although it pleases me immensely that you like the things I selected.”
“Youselected them?” My heart flutters. To think he would have gone and taken the time to personally pick out things he thought I’d like? “I assumed it was all Gerent’s doing.”
“I know you much better than Gerent does.”
“Youbarelyknow me.”
One eyebrow arches, his expression turning a little wicked. “I wouldn’t presume to know your tastes, but I can take a guess. I’m sure there were some things that weren’t to your liking.”
“Surprisingly, only a few.”
“Good. I have a feeling you’re the practical type, but as my soon-to-be wife, you’re going to be spoiled whether you like it or not.”
Wife.The word hits me with resounding finality.
On the first night, once wed, we’re supposed to…
My flush deepens, heat spreading into my ears and down into my neck.
What’s wrong with me? It isn’t as if I’m inexperienced with men. Unbeknownst to father, I’ve had trysts with young, handsome stablehands and fanciable squires. I drankquirostea to prevent myself from getting with child.
I always knew I’d eventually be given into marriage.
My plan was always to prick my finger in the night and smear the sheets with blood. That’s what most women do, isn’t it?
“Corvan.” I reach his side, turning to look out across the darkening hills, which are shifting from crimson and purple into an inky shade of blue. “May I be blunt with you?”
“Please.”
I take a deep breath. “I have to say that I find it all very strange. The fact that Emperor Duthriss would agree to our marriage in the first place. The insistence that I reach you before winter’s end. And you didn’t even know of our betrothal until after I’d arrived?”
“It was my father’s doing,” Corvan says quietly. “He obviously has his reasons for wanting us to meet.”
