Page 52 of The Fractured Prophecy

I pried my hand from Torvo’s grip. “I am Leuruna of Centos,” I said reaching out to him. “I apologize for everything that has befallen you and your people and am in your debt for your fighting my father’s evil. Whatever I can do to help, I offer.”

In my periphery, Rivven stiffened, hand falling from his own sword hilt. I’d surprised him. I filed that away for later and refocused on Hymer. Then I did as I’d always been taught when in the presence of royalty. I curtseyed. He was a legitimate leader, so if he didn’t deserve the respect, who did?

All around me, murmurs rose, and people shuffled, lowering their weapons. I’d sent a current of confusion and surprise through their ranks. It almost made me smile. I waited until Hymer nodded, releasing me from the position,. Then I rose, and he clasped my hand in both of his. His skin was rougher than I expected, but his grip was firm.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” he replied with a twinkle in his remaining eye. “I may take you up on your offer.”

The only one who appeared unmoved was Torvo’s sister, who stood behind his shoulder, hand on hip and a scowl firmly in place. She looked a lot like her brother but had a more petite frame.

“We did receive word about a week past that there is a reward for the head of our prince and the safe return of the princess,” Hymer mused.

I stilled, gathering my magic.

“Which only serves to back your claim that you are on our side. You are safe with us.” Hymer raised his hands, and all around us, cheers broke out. “Rest for now, and we will discuss plans later.”

Like a taught string being cut, the tension in the air snapped, and our small group was swallowed by the others offering refreshment and comradery. Torvo pulled me to the side when Devira turned her back on us and marched into the woods.

“That was incredible,” he said, taking my face in his hands.

Could he feel me blush?

“You continue to amaze me, Princess.” His fingers stroked my skin, sending tingles down my arms. “I’m glad you found your way back to me.”

“You are?” I asked and sucked in my lower lip. I still wondered if he wouldn’t prefer to have Nyah by his side and not the emotional disaster that was me. He’d even admitted to once having feelings for her.

“You’re worrying about Nyah again, aren’t you?” he asked softly, tipping my chin up so I had to look at him.

“I trust you—it’s just, how could you want me more than someone like her?” My voice cracked with the emotion I couldn’t keep out.

“Perhaps this will convince you.” Torvo lowered his face to mine.

The kiss started tentatively, softly, like our first. But the moment I opened to him, inviting him in, he deepened it, exploring my mouth with both intention and fervor. I couldn’t help but feel every sweep of his tongue claimed me as his. Zaps of electricity whizzed through my body then landed low in my stomach. When he pulled back, I leaned forward, like I’d been caught in his gravity. I had been since I met him.

“I’ve never kissed Nyah like that,” he said.

“That’s hard to believe,” I admitted, fighting the feelings of inadequacy that always rose to the surface. All the years of my father telling me what a waste it was for me to have inherited so much power replayed in my mind.

“Believe that I want you, Rune. And only you.”

I wanted that to be true. I needed that to be true.

“But she’s the strong one⁠—”

“Yes,” Torvo cut me off, and my heart fell to my feet. “She is strong, and courageous, and ready to fight.”

I lowered my eyes.

“But she would not have stepped up to lead like you just did. She may not have diffused a potentially volatile situation so easily.”

I raised them again.

“She may have meant well, but there’s a decent chance we’d be fighting these good people right now instead of making friends. Rune, you are special, whether you see it or not. You are good, you are smart, and you understand how to handle others when you let yourself.”

“I…” I couldn’t speak. If I said more, I’d start crying.

“Leuruna of Centos,” Torvo said, loudly enough to garner looks from those in the vicinity. Then he did something I expected even less. He dropped to one knee, took my hand in his and bowed his head. “Will you join with me as partners?” He raised his head and locked eyes with me. “Will you marry me?”

It was a good thing he held my hand, or I may have floated off the ground.