These words, spoken in a perfectly polite tone, could be interpreted in so many ways that the former version of Lannahi cringed. Her siblings could dismiss the ironic dig at familial feelings with a smile, but not necessarily the insulting claim that Ashared preferred to run in the forest rather than their company…
…unless they treated the man like a crude shapeshifter.
Then Lannahi remembered her own behavior from a few moments ago and the fact that neither she nor Ashared was defenseless anymore, and realizing that her lover had deliberately used provocation, she felt something akin to grim amusement. It’d been barely a month since their magic had awakened, and they were already acting with the arrogance of fae confident in their power for years.
“Running is a healthier way to deal with emotions than overeating.” Letiri smiled sweetly. “Even better if it helps you master your new power. I hope to see you in the arena soon.”
“I wish,” Ashared said. “However, I’ve been disqualified by the Arbiters.” He needn’t explain that the Arbiters were concerned that Ashared couldn’t control his new power. Everyone still remembered the chasm he created.
“It’s a shame. We intended to cheer for you.”
The corners of Ashared’s mouth lifted slightly. “I guess that you haven’t done so before because of Amal from Glasstower?”
Lannahi couldn’t hold back a smile, but her siblings, amused by Ashared’s boldness, paid her no attention.
“Admirable insight,” Maal commented, not hiding the irony.
“It’s useful in a fight,” Ashared replied in a similar tone.
A strange feeling overcame Lannahi. It was a combination of unease and fascination. She looked at her sibling as if seeing them for the first time.
We are the same, she thought.
It wasn’t a comfortable thought, but it was hard to fight with. After all…
“You wish to claim Goldenshadows?” Ashared asked after returning to the palace a few hours later.
Lannahi expected that question but felt a knot in her chest anyway. When the man had taken the Knight Oath, he’d been positive that he’d been tying his future to a small, insignificant city on the edge of the map. He hadn’t intended to be a defender of the kingdom whose history stirred the imagination of many ambitious fae.
“Do you think me arrogant for wanting it?” she asked.
“Do you think me arrogant for wanting you?” He smiled seeing her puzzlement. “We want what we want.”
When he leaned in, she thought he was going to kiss her, but he caught her by the waist and hefted her up in his arms as easily as if he were picking flowers. She made a startled sound and reflexively clutched at his shoulders.
“We want what we want,” he repeated smugly, “but we won’t get it unless we are arrogant enough to reach for it.”
She smiled, amused. “I appreciate the demonstration.”
“I’m glad. Now tell me you will be my wife.”
Because of the contrast between his light tone and the weight of his words, for a moment, Lannahi was only able to stare. “Why? Why now?”
His eyes glinted wildly. “I didn’t like the way the enchanters looked at me. It was as if I was something you were just amusing yourself with, a toy to be discarded.”
He adjusted his grip, hoisting her higher against his broad body. Surprised, she embraced him tighter.
“Maybe they don’t know that mixed-blood shapeshifters age more slowly,” she said, mentally comparing the disdain in Turral’s gaze when they’d met two months ago and the thoughtfulness with which the man had looked at her today.
“Their mistake,” Ashared murmured, brushing her neck with his lips. “But if you are my wife, it will discourage them from committing another. If not and one of them tries to seduce you, it will give me the right to throw them into a chasm.”
Lannahi chuckled.
Ashared leaned back to look at her. “What do you say, Lannahi? Will you make me your husband?”
“You gave such practical reasons.” She ran her fingers along his face, starting with his eyebrows and ending with his jaw. “But you didn’t specify the duration of the marriage contract.”
He smiled, but there was a warning glint in his eyes. “Either a termless contract or none at all, lady.”
