Page 231 of The Crown's Awakening
And, if I am honest, the way my body feels now. I move to stand, reaching for a robe. Before I can take a full step, he is there.
I laugh softly, the sound escaping before I can stop it. “I forgot how fast you are.”
His hand finds my waist. “Where are you going?”
“The pools,” I say. “Go back to sleep.”
His brow furrows slightly. “Your wound is healed.”
“I know,” I reply, glancing back at him. “But I am sore from last night.”
Something shifts in his expression at that, something quieter.
“Do not worry,” I add, tying the robe loosely. “I do not think Kentan will be there. He said his injury was nearly gone.”
Colsar reaches for his own robe.
“I do not give a fuck about Kentan.”
I laugh again, softer this time. “Then why come? You said before you did not want to. You have been busy. You should rest. Or work on the rescue.”
“The rescue is already in motion,” he says simply. “There is nothing left for me to do except ride south when they break through. Everything else can wait.”
I turn fully then, studying him.
“Colsar,” I say quietly, “I want you. But I do not want you stepping away from what matters because of me. I do not want to be in your way.” I hold his gaze. “I just want to matter.”
Before he can answer, a sharp ache pulls through my chest, reminding me the children should feed soon. Although Cambra is a help, I prefer to do the morning feedings myself.
I press a hand lightly there, exhaling. “I need to go,” I say. “I should be back soon. They will need me.”
His expression shifts again, something softer now.
“I want to go with you,” he says. “When we were in the countryside we went every day.”
I hold his gaze for a moment, then nod. “Then hurry.”
A faint smirk touches his mouth. “Do not tell me to hurry when we both know I am faster than you.”
“You are not.”
“I am.”
Before he can say anything else, I slip out of my slippers, gathering them in one hand, and take off down the corridor.
The sound of my own laughter surprises me as it echoes through the halls, light and unrestrained in a way I have not felt in weeks. Servants glance up as I pass, startled, but I do not slow.
I reach the pools?—
and stop.
He is already there.
Sitting in the water.
Looking entirely unimpressed.
“You cheated,” I say, breath catching.
