Page 28 of The Prince's Sacrifice

“Your brother could unbond us. That could kill us.”

“He wouldn’t risk it.”

But Pel caught it, the tiny hint of doubt in Tor’s eyes.

“You could become weaker,” Pel pointed out.

It was part of why people were more likely to bond within the same magical levels. When their magic bonded, there was a magical transfer, though it was usually small. When you were already of similar strength, it didn’t make a noticeable difference. But if you were very different? It could make Pel stronger—at Tor’s expense.

“I don’t care,” Tor said flatly.

“Maybe I care,” Pel argued, frustrated. He brought his hands up to cover Tor’s where they cupped his face. “I don’t want to be accused of using you.”

“You’re not—”

Pel continued, “And I don’t want to be used as a weapon.”

Tor flinched. He swallowed visibly. “I don’t want to use you as a weapon. I just want to bond with you. I love you.”

Pel’s breath caught. He exhaled shakily, tried inhaling again, and then repeated it for good measure because it would be utterly mortifying if he passed out.

When he was pretty sure he was neither going to pass out or cry, he smiled, hoping his lips didn’t wobble as much as he was afraid they did.

Tor drew Pel into a kiss. Pel let his hands fall to Tor’s waist, fingers somehow curling into fists in the fabric of Tor’s tunic, like he couldn’t risk letting Tor go.

Torlovedhim. He wanted to bond with Pel, even if it was a terrible idea. It felt almost as though they were still Tendrilling, a rush of emotion tumbling through him, exhilarating and terrifying.

Tor pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth, then to his chin, his eyelids.

“I love you,” Tor repeated, murmuring against his skin. “I want to bond with you. I’ve wanted to for longer than is probably wise. But I mean it, Pel. I love you.”

Pel blew out another breath. “I love you, too. Even though I’m terribly afraid that you’re a fool.”

Tor just smiled at him.

Pel swallowed, licked suddenly dry lips. “I’ll only bond with you under one condition.”

“Name it,” Tor said promptly.

Pel forced the words out. “With your brother’s approval.”

Tor’s face fell. “But—”

“Hear me out.”

Looking like he still wanted to protest, Tor nevertheless nodded.

“No matter how much you want me, you know that your brother isn’t going to approve, certainly not at first.”

“Pel,” Tor protested.

Pel shot him a look, but Tor shook his head obstinately.

“Sorry, yes, you can say what you want in a moment,” Tor told him. “But if Varex doesn’t approve of you, then that’s because he can’t see what’s right in front of him. You’re kind, hard-working, and completely dedicated to Tond and its people. I also happen to think that you’re extremely sexy and incredible in bed, but I realize he’s probably not judging by those criteria.”

Spluttering a laugh, Pel said, “Yeah, no, we’re definitely not talking to your brother about any skills I may or may not have in bed.”

Tor went on, “You have so many wonderful qualities. Please don’t discount yourself.”