Page 107 of Of Curses and Courtship

She chuckles lowly. “I can’t get enough ofyou. Whether or not your magic is included in our time together, I will savor each moment.”

She doesn’t know how much those words mean to me.

“Thank you.”

“We don’t have to do anything that tires you out, or anything you don’t enjoy. You know that, right?”

“I know.” I look up at the ceiling. “It’s complicated. Nothing brings me greater pleasure than using my magic like this, but there have been times when…” I shake my head.

“Go on.”

“When I worry that I have nothing more to give than my magic.” I shake my head harder, as if I can push away the thoughts. “It doesn’t matter. There are greater concerns than my feelings.”

“To me, there are no greater worries.” She leans forward, pressing her forehead against mine and forcing me to peer deep into her eyes. “I’ll find countless ways to make sure you know how much you are worth to me. It can’t all be done in this night, but it will be done.”

“Will it?” I smile softly, not doubting her, but curious.

“Yes. It will.” She sits up, able to move off the bed as if she hadn’t just been fucked within an inch of her life. “Starting now. I’ll sneak off to the kitchens to fetch us a snack. Doesn’t that sound lovely?”

I start to sit up, but my bones are too weak. “You don’t have to?—“

“Yes.” She gives me a firm look. “I do.”

Even though that stony look is the last thing she leaves me with, the warmth is still there in my chest. The cursed Sun Palace is brighter now than it has ever been, and it’s all her doing.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

EMYR

The guard dining halls aren’t the place for a prince, but no one thinks twice when I slide into a chair across from Tibalt. This is one of his rare moments of alone time, and he has no duty to me, but I’m not here as a prince. I’m here as a friend.

“I require your assistance.” It’s not the first time I’ve gone to Tibalt for help, and I’m positive it won’t be the last.

He looks up from his plate and lifts a brow, saying nothing as he takes a large bite of a chicken leg.

“Well?” I press. “Will you ask what I need help with?”

He grunts, and his fork clatters onto the plate. “Shouldn’t you be busy with your new betrothed?”

“Why do you sound as though you are jealous? If you’d wished to marry me, we could have. I waited years for you to ask me.”

He glares. “This is precisely why I won’t marry you. You are a cursed fool, and entirely too high-maintenance for my taste.”

“That is too bad.” My lip tugs up at the corner. “Ididcome here to speak about her, if that gives you any hints, for yousee… she is technically not my betrothed. Not yet.” I clear my throat. “I’ve yet to ask her.”

“And why haven’t you?” Tibalt crosses his arms and leans back in his chair. “Ophelia is too good for you. You’d better ask her before she finds something more worthwhile to do with her time.”

Tibalt jests, but he plucks at my insecurities as only a best friend can.

“I’m sure you are right.” I look down at the table and smile. My fingers twist together. “That’s why I need your help.”

OPHELIA

It had not been nearly so intimate last time we were in a carriage. That ride ended horribly, and I can only hope it will not now. Our life is moving down a better path, and soon we will break the curse.

There is a buzz of excitement that I have not allowed myself to feel in some time…

Since before the death of my father.