Page 105 of Untamed

The artist wouldn’t even have had to embellish those soulful eyes and curled lashes. His chiseled jawline would make him seem strong, and the perfect curve of his nose and lips would make any maiden swoon in this generation or the next.

He took me in his arms, wrapping his hands around my waist. “You are beautiful.”

“You didn’t answer my question.” I placed my hands on his shoulders.

His head tipped back, and he sighed. “You know I never wanted this.”

“I know. That’s why you’ll be great.” I traced my fingers along his smooth jawline.

He caught my hand and kissed my palm. “Do you still want to marry me after all this? You know being queen won’t be the same as us running off together in the woods.”

“People have always had expectations of me.” I touched the other side of his face and kept my focus on him. “Yes, I want to be by your side like I was at the funerals, even on the day of your coronation and throughout your reign. Though I’d still like to occasionally escape to the waterfalls and pretend we haven’t a care in all Agata.”

He kissed my knuckles, warm lips pressed against my skin. A wicked grin cocked into the crooked smile that melted my knees every time. “First matter of business will be for the king of Himzo to finally sign the treaty with Giddel.”

A warm tear spilled down my nose.

“Then our double wedding and the never-ending list of things to do.” He let go of my hands and pressed his palm against the small of my back.

“Please don’t remind me.”

“I must, beloved, because I take my vowsveryseriously.” He leaned down and pressed his forehead to mine.

My heart galloped. Our breaths mingled, and I longed to rock onto the balls of my feet to kiss him. He swiped the tear that had made its way to my chin and tilted my head upward. “Did I not promise you a kiss upon my return?”

“You promised a treaty, then a kiss.”

His mouth stretched to reveal his perfect teeth as he inhaled sharply. “That’s a shame. We’ll have to put this kiss on hold until tomorrow.”

I slapped his chest playfully. “You wouldn’t tease me like that.”

“Who said I was teasing?” Zichri straightened his posture.

“Prince Zichri of Himzo,” I reprimanded. “You come back down here.”

He chuckled, a full hearty sound. It had been too long since any joy had tumbled from him into my senses like a spear of light breaking the darkness. And though I did not like how he teased, I knew this betrothal wouldn’t last long. I’d get my promised kiss eventually.

The chain around my collar suddenly felt heavy and I pulled it out. “It seems the Himzo relic will make its way back to Himzo.”

His expression grew serious. “The kings of Himzo have always kept the relic nearby. They claimed it kept us safe by showing us the future.” He dragged his finger down the slick metal cover and opened the pocket watch. The small contraption rang, sweeping us into its haunting melody.

Shimmering light shone about us as if we’d stepped into a strange vision. The furnishings within the palace had shifted, and I couldn’t see Laude and Jaime in the corner talking anymore. Zichri pointed to the right where a couple in fine garments entered the stately room. The lady could have passed for Mamá in the way she held herself upright, but her facial features were shaped just like Papá’s. She was me, about ten years older. Children burst through the doors behind them, and the man spun a boy and girl in his arms.

I met Zichri’s wide eyes. “What is this?”

He smiled proudly. “Beloved, it’s our future.” He closed the pocket watch and lifted my chin with a gentle touch. “I can’t wait to live life with you.”

THE END