“Yes, just like that.” The ecstasy was blinding, and before I knew it, another orgasm rippled through me. I was wailing at the same time Silas bellowed, needing only a few more pumps before finding his own release and pouring himself inside of me.
A few moments passed before he collapsed beside me and pulled me so that I was cradled against his chest, us both sweating and struggling for air.
“That,” he breathed, “was fantastic.”
It was by far the best sex we had. And with how many times we fucked over the past year, that was saying a lot. I leaned up and kissed his cheek, and he faced me with eyes twinkling like starlight.
“I am so in love with you, Lena,” he whispered, then kissed me gently.
“I’m so in love withyou,” I whispered back. He stroked my hair and rested his chin on the top of my head.
I was so relaxed I could pass out. But while the sex had given Silas a distraction, I knew there was dark, heavy emotion still within him. I moved over a bit and tilted my head up, causing Silas to look down at me.
For a moment, we just took each other in. And then I could see his tears forming, his jaw clenching once more, and then a single tear traveled down his cheek. The sight broke my heart.
I dragged my thumb softly along his cheek, wiping the tear away. His lip then began to tremble, and as I pulled him in close, he finally let go and sobbed into my chest.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
SILAS
Ihadnevertrulycriedin front of anyone since I was a little boy. It felt pathetic. My father certainly didn’t enjoy the sight—he would call me weak for it. But I couldn’t hold it in any longer, not after losing the only other person I had a close relationship with. I wept into her chest, and Lena held me, running her hand through my hair and murmuring over and over that she loved me. I was comforted by her soft whispers and her heavenly scent, a mixture of eucalyptus and spearmint.
She was the best thing to ever happen to me.
I didn’t much believe in fate. With all those years trapped in this castle, I assumed life would always feel bleak and empty. And then I found her my first day outside the walls. Like destiny was demanding us to be together.
Mother had liked her a lot, too. Who couldn’t?
Once my breathing began to steady and the tears lessened, I drew back to look up at Lena, whose own face crumpled. I never wanted her to look like that again as long as I lived. I pulled myself together and sat up.
“Do you want to talk about it? Do you know what happened?” she asked gently.
I sniffed, then pulled her back against my chest. “We know who did it. Mother’s aide, Amatta.” I sighed through my nose. “I’ve known her since I was a little boy. It just doesn’t make sense. Then again, I must not have known her very well…” My mind flashed back to all the signs I potentially missed before snapping back to the present moment. “I should’ve sensed something was off. Should’ve done something.”
“This isnotyour burden, Silas. This isn’t your fault.”
“Father claims she is a witch…”
I felt Lena tense against me. She’s scared of them. Rightfully so. But I would never let one near her. Ever.
“What makes him think that?” she asked quietly.
“I guess he walked in on it right after it happened. Magic radiated from her palms. He said he was able to contain her before the guards whisked her away to a cell. I guess she put up a decent fight. But thankfully, no one else got hurt.” I chewed on the inside of my cheek.
“What do you think her motive was?”
“No idea. Mother was the most honorable person in the entire castle. Even when it came to witches, she was reluctant to throw them out of our kingdom. Her kindness…her ability to see good in people who didn't deserve it…that was her weakness. And now she is gone.”
“Your mother was a wonderful person.” She stroked my chest, and I resisted the urge to cry at hearing her say “was” when talking about Mother. “You…you aren’t in danger, are you?”
“I don’t know…”
“There has to be a way to ensure you’re safe,” she demanded.
“I’m more worried about you sneaking up here.” I pinched her cheek playfully with a smile I knew didn’t meet my eyes. “Mother should’ve been the only one who knew about you…but still. If Amatta was working with anyone, perhaps they’ve been watching the castle, and—”
She was visibly tense but forced a smile for me. “Please, don’t worry about me. You have too much to worry about to fret over a peasant girl.” She pinched my cheek back. I gazed into her golden-green eyes, and my eyes trailed down to her full lips.
