A

here?" My voice is s

They sent me to watch you," he sa

li

ck, too smooth. But I

is my fa-" I stop, correcting

ng flickers in his expression. A

ill down

d feels as though it has been stuffed with cotto

s not acknowledge me at first-his eyes fin

ke," Kael

ression unreadable. "Drink this," he orde

rling around my tongue like burnt herbs, but w

e healer tells Kael, as though I am not t

. "She shouldn't ha

e," I say

his gaze a weight aga

ok a

t return soon. The ceremon

silence he leaves behind

e. "Do you wan

my hea

?" His voice is quieter this time, edged with something

esi

The treaty. The duty etched into my bones since birth. But

pea

t have to do this," he says sharply. "

at my lips. "I do

, yo

I d

storm waiting to break. Then, softer

"I thought someone like you would under

"I'm not heir,"

nk. "

ipped. "And even if I was, I wouldn't wast

can respond, the door opens again. A maid enters, carrying a tray. St

Kael

se I want to. The warmth of the food settles in

go back," I say

tightens. "Stay

can

sho

my chin

t up-and instantly regret it. My vision sways, my body

e

y waist, steadying me. A current rushes throug

athing t

es no

her

fingers, the scent of him-smoke and steel and something I

throat, j

umbling. I cannot see his express

e," he

g the clips into my braided hair, his

st

tens it, the way his fingers linger at my temple, as t

umb ghosting over my ch

even admiration. It is something

I should not feel guilty.

I

tters, my vis

"Why are

head. "It

not no

If I speak, my

away the tears be

th

or sla

tif

his presence swallowing the room whole.

," he snaps. "You

shoulders

ds out

ake

ad me back int