Page 91 of Journey to the Elderoak
He stayed quiet for a moment. “Nothing. We can keep doing as we’ve done.”
“Is that what you want?”
“It doesn’t matter what I want,” he said.
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Of course it matters. Why wouldn’t it matter?”
“I’m not the one adjusting to a new world. I’m not the one who was stolen from their life, brutalized and hurt, and thrown into a war they never even knew existed. What you want matters more.”
There was so much newness, and she was overwhelmedwith every aspect of this life. But she loved it here. And she wanted to be with him. That, she knew for certain.
“I’ll wait as long as you want. I would wait for centuries if it’s what you needed. And if you don’t want anything at all. That’s okay too,” he added, which made her cry harder. He reached for her face and wiped away her tears. “Why are you crying?”
“I don’t know,” she sniffled.
He leaned forward and gathered her into his arms, pulling her to straddle him. She nestled into the crook of his neck as he brushed her hair out of her face and kissed her forehead.
After a few minutes, she gathered herself. “I’m scared.”
“I know.”
“I’m scared of everything. I’m scared of the journey. I’m scared of facing Andras and Deidamia. I’m scared of another horrible battle I know will be even worse than the ship. I’m scared of my magic. I’m scared of this…of us.”
He lifted her chin and looked at her, placing a delicate kiss on each cheek where the tears had dampened her face. “Why are you scared of this?”
“Because…because everyone I’ve gotten close to has eventually died…and I’m afraid of losing you too.”
“Oh, Mi’ra Vässa,” he breathed, looking at her with a world of compassion. “I know what that feels like. We’ve both lost our families. But does the fear of the unknown mean we shouldn’t try to be happy?”
“No,” she said with a sigh. “No, it doesn’t.”
“It’s okay to be scared. I’m scared too.”
“Is that why you’re a cranky brute?” She gave him a small smile.
He grinned widely. “That’s exactly why I’m a cranky brute,princess.”
“That’s the second time you’ve called me dear one, you know.”
“Who told you what that meant?”
“Raine.”
“Of course. He can’t keep his mouth shut.” He cupped her face before kissing her nose. “It’s because you’re dear to me.”
Her heart warmed. “You never told me what you wanted.”
“Yes, I did. Yesterday,” he said.
“Yesterday you basically told me you wanted to take me to bed.”
His eyes darkened. “I do.”
“Is that all you want?” she whispered.
“No.”
“You want more than sex.”
