“Our children?” A small smile plays at her lips.
I grin at her. “Yes. Ten should do.”
“Ten?” She shakes her head. “Two seems more reasonable.”
“Eight then.”
“Three.”
“Seven.” I pull her closer. “Final offer.”
She tilts her chin up, meeting my gaze. “You drive a hard bargain, chieftain.”
“I always get what I want.” I brush my thumb across her lower lip. “And I want a family with you. A big one.”
“Four.” She presses her palm against my chest. “And that’smyfinal offer.”
“Six.” I capture her hand and bring it to my lips. “Because I know you’ll want more once you see how perfect our children are.”
She wraps her arms around my neck. “I love you, Jasce.”
“Good.” I pull back just enough to see her face. “Because you’re stuck with me.”
Her smile returns, brighter than before. “Promise?”
“On my life.” I seal the vow with a kiss—not gentle, not asking—but claiming what’s mine.
Chapter Sixty-Five
Aleksander
The fogin my mind thickens, then clears. Thickens. Clears. Thickens. Clears.
I blink, trying to will clarity, but it keeps fading.
You’re the fool, Alek.
The spare who doesn’t matter.
No! Father’s wrong. I’m not second best. Never was.
My fingers curl around something cold. Metal?
Have to break free.
Have to...
Jasce. Always Jasce. Perfect, golden Jasce. Even now, he holds me captive, keeps what’s rightfully mine.
The throne belongs to me. I’m Lady Dinah’s eldest son. Jasce’s mother is from House of Silver.
Why can’t anyone see the truth? Why won’t they acknowledge that I’m the rightful heir?
The fog returns, building behind my eyes—blinding me.
Why is everything so fucking dark?
I grit my teeth and curl my fingers into fists.
