Still, I need him to hear my regret. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you, Hector. But I am here now. You cannot ignore me.”
His gaze lifts to me again, settling.
“We need each other.” I hold my hand out, showing him my binding tattoo. “It’s what you chose for us, but…” A quick breath escapes my lips as I muster the courage to voice my desire, “…I want you to want me despite that.”
“Do you think I don’t?” he asks, his voice tinged with raw sincerity. “I don’t exist without you, Sol.”
My heart quickens as a rush of warmth spreads through my chest. “How much do you want me?” I dare to whisper, dare to hope, dare to believe that in a moment I’ll be on the bed, and he’ll be on top of me. “Tell me.”
“Go and gather your things, then I’ll show you.”
“I have no things.” I pat the bag Tersah gave me. “This is all I have.”
“I’ll have clothes brought for you.” He stands and moves to the tent opening. “Praxis, come here.”
My heart jumps to my throat as I hurry after Hector and collide with his back. He turns and catches my upper arms.
“Praxis…” I whisper, “…is here?”
“Yes. Where else would he be?”
Praxis steps from a nearby tent and approaches us, a grin forming on his mouth as he stops in front of Hector. “Why do you always shout my name like you think I’m deaf?”
“Because you never respond until I shout.” Hector nods at me. “Go to Tersah and get clothes for Sol.”
Sunlight dances in Praxis’s brown eyes as he smiles at me. “Hello, Sol.”
“Hello,” I say, my voice breathless.
Praxis sends a curious glance to Hector, who shrugs.
Even though I know I will shock both men, I step closer to Praxis and throw my arms around him, embracing the man who took an arrow for me, who died for me.
“You’re alive.” I grin at him, not caring that I probably look foolish.He’s alive!
After a moment, Praxis steps back, a mischievous twinkle lighting up his eyes. “I knew I was your favorite. Just wait until I tell Luc.”
“You are my favorite,” I say with certainty. “After all,Ihealedyouin Astarobane.”
“I know. Besides, Luc kidnapped you, so he’s not your favorite, and Cenric…” He shakes his head. “Cenric is Cenric.”
“Indeed, he is,” I say.
Turning to Hector, Praxis claps him on the back. “See, I told you she’d return to you.”
Emotions swirl in Hector’s eyes as Praxis turns his attention to me.
“I’m happy you’re back. Sol. I missed you.” Praxis nods and slips away, disappearing into the rows and rows of tents.
When Hector returns to his desk, I follow him, needing answers.
“How?” I ask.
Hector glances up. “You told me to tell him to wear armor when he walked with you through Karra, and he did.”
I press my hands to my stomach and smile, relieved that it had worked, relieved that the high gods didn’t strike me down for interfering with Fate. Maybe I should have tried to change more things like Mother’s death and Kassandra’s.
No. I couldn’t have messed with Fate that much. The truth stings my ears. It could have destroyed the life I’m living right now.
