Total pages in book: 169
Estimated words: 156210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 781(@200wpm)___ 625(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 156210 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 781(@200wpm)___ 625(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
“Thank you for bringing it,” I whisper when I put my boots and breeches on a bench. I inconspicuously take the ring I made for him out of my pocket and slide it on my thumb, because my dreams of marrying him are still fresh and I can’t risk losing it.
I don’t know how much time we have and don't want to talk about what should have beens.
I still remember the sting I felt when Kyran told everyone he never planned to let me go, and while at this point I intend to stay at his side, it hurts to know this man I’ve fallen for so fast might not see me as his equal. Pretty words mean nothing in the face of his power, both political and tangible, but it’s so difficult to think straight when he closes the robe around me and hugs me from behind.
“I was so worried. I’d rather die than let anything happen to you,” Kyran whispers, nuzzling my ear with a fondness no lover has ever showed me.
“It’s all fucking Anatole’s fault. He asked me for a dance just to bait you.”
I take the chance to take in our surroundings, and for a moment, the Sanctuary takes my breath away. The greenhouse is massive, with a glass ceiling high above us and a whole mixture of dark plants. So many of them are black, but a dark blue or burgundy peeks out here and there, with midnight blue roses featuring in a large number. Among all the lush greenery are paths leading past plinths adorned with carvings of fantastical creatures and seashells. They’re topped with crystal domes under which skulls glisten in the glow of the red lights dotting the airy interior.
Some of the skulls occupy their spot alone, others in the company of one or more others, but all are laid out on decorative cushions, and some even bejeweled with gold, silver, and precious stones.
This garden of beauty and macabre is the gothiest thing I’ve ever seen. It reminds me of a baroque church.
Kyran pulls me away from the balcony and down a path leading to a wide aisle laid out with dark marble.
Raindrops drum against the roof and all the walls, filling the space with insistent music, but how can I focus on their rhythm when Kyran’s chest is right next to me, drumming too?
“And I was foolish to fall for each one of his tricks. I’m so sorry,” Kyran mumbles, and avoids my eyes when I try to meet his gaze. “You must be so embarrassed.”
“No, I’m just glad he didn’t hurt you.” I turn around abruptly when I notice a melancholic melody reminiscent of a pipe organ. “What is that? Anyone there?” I call out in panic. The last thing we need is Kyran getting in even more trouble for stealing me away from the tower.
He kisses the side of my head. “It’s just a music automaton. It’s powered by rainwater.
I have to hold on to him when my knees feel a little unsteady with relief, but his presence can’t erase the doubts in my heart, so I meet his eyes and ask, “Kyran, did you take me for granted? Did you assume you’d do with me whatever you like, whether I fell for you or not?”
He squeezes my hands and leans in to have my absolute attention. “No. Of course not. I mean… I assumed I’d convince you eventually, because… why would you run when I can give you everything? But if you hated it here, hated me, then… we would have worked something out,” he finishes, dropping his voice.
I hate myself a little for accepting his answer, but at this point, I do love him. I want to trust him. “I want to stay with all my heart. I just want to know the choice is mine. It’s important to me.”
Kyran’s lips twitch, as if he’s fighting the urge to say something he doesn’t want to. His face reflects absolute agony as he descends to one knee and rests his forehead against my stomach. “I would have used every trick under the sun to convince you. From the start, having you at my side meant I’d have the right to claim my title, that I’d have the power to stand against Heartbreak and any other dangers that might befall the Realm. I need this, Luke. It’s been thirty-five years, and I need to permanently get rid of my shackles. The title of Lord was my only shot at true freedom. Believe me, the irony of needing to entrap you for that purpose is not lost on me.”
I wrap my arms around his head and bend over to kiss it. He might be a prince, but he’s the one on his knees in front of me. I sense the pain of his vulnerability. “I understand. Extreme situations make us do extreme things.” I swallow, unsure if I should tell him about this, because I never told anyone, but he is the one person from whom I don’t want to keep any secrets. “To get out of that terrible school where they hurt me, I seduced one of the teachers, then blackmailed him, threatening that I’ll make sure everyone knows, unless he gets me kicked out of that place permanently. I would have killed someone if that’s what it took.”