Page 94 of To Dance with Death

We were wrong to fear him.

He was wrong to fear himself.

Besides, what if that fear is the very thing that would otherwise make the prophecy come true? If I leave him in Moranya’s clutches, he might eventually agree to what she wanted. But as of now, he has not lost his humanity.

I have to get him away from her, have to convince him to return.

I believe in him, wholly and completely. Him, rather than the distant beings who sent a Fate to destroy us. And it’s time I act on that faith.

My hope is not in restoring his memories, though I wish to. I don’t know if the curse can even be broken. But that doesn’t matter anymore.

The Anton I havenowis more than enough.

Chapter Thirty-One

Anton was our best hope then, and he’s our best hope now. Imustconvince him to reclaim his crown.

I saw the way he looked at the innkeeper. He still cares about Miridran, no matter how he tries to deny it. His love for his country is there, deep down, buried and sealed over like a treasure long forgotten—until someone finds the right key.

Tomorrow is my chance to unearth it. When we return to his palace, he’ll have no choice but to confront everything he’s been avoiding. Already his heart has softened—whether he likes it or not.

As for tonight, I can only hope to soften it more. Massage it, the way one works loose a knotted muscle—slowly, one gentle press at a time.

The creaking stairs signal his return.

Quickly, I shove the pages and pendant under the mattress just in time for Anton to nudge his way back inside. In his hands is a tray of fresh oat bread, seafood chowder, and a single yet very large slice of pie. He sets it all on the bed, and I waste no time in joining him, tearing into the bread and spooning chowder into my mouth.He does the same, except he starts with the pie, which comes as no surprise.

Just when I’m about to poke fun at him, a knock rattles the door. Then two uniformed maids breeze in, delivering us everything Aimes asked for along with a bottle of wine. That, they open and pour into two glasses. In the span of a few blinks, the tub is full of steaming water, and before we’ve finished the pie, they’ve scattered peony petals all along the floor and up the two small steps leading to the tub, andinsideit, and all the while, even Anton—Anton—is telling them such efforts aren’t necessary tonight.Fates.

Then we’re alone.

Before I can react, though, he sets a finger underneath my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze.

There’s a glint in his eyes—a grin. “Vasalie, allow me to make one thing clear. No matter how much you beg, I won’t be sleeping with you tonight. I won’t even be claiming the kiss I am owed.”

“What makes you think I’d resort tobegging?”

“Please,” he says, rolling his eyes playfully. He unbuttons his vest, his eyes tracking the swallow that bobs within my throat. “You look at me like I’m the pie you’re keen to finish.”

“I most certainly do not—”

“Yes, you do. But no matter your wild, reckless desires, you need to feel safe tonight. My decision is final.” He flicks my nose. “Respect it, please.”

A flush scrawls across my cheeks at his insinuation, but my attention snags on one particular phrase.

You need to feel safe tonight.

My fists, which had clenched of their own accord after seeing the tub, relax.

Even so, I long to tell him that Idofeel safe with him, especially considering he’s trying to earn my trust as surely as I want his. More so, he’s putting my needs above the friction—the desire—that blazes between us.

I almost wish he wouldn’t.

But I can’t deny the pain notching my muscles, the fatigue already settling in. The fear, too, when my heart is already a scabbed, barely beating thing. For all that I love him, for all that I’ve decided to put my faith in him, I am still afraid for my heart.

A kiss was one thing.

To lie with him means to drown, and I’m not certain I would ever surface again.