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“Take as many as you’d like.” His hand swept over the space. “I’m afraid that I am not very familiar with this section, preferring histories myself, but I’ll wait for you to finish and show you back to your room so you can enjoy them.”

I smiled. “Thank you so much. This is the most wondrous surprise.”

“Anything to see you smile like that.”

My heart fluttered. When he said things like that, I could not help but believe he had taken an interest in me. But that would be ludicrous. We’d known each other only a few short days, and I had little to offer a faerie like him.

Putting aside the odd thoughts, I perused the shelves. This library had more stories than I’d ever thought imaginable, and I ended up with an armful. But one more caught my eye—one about a lady pirate dwarf.

It rested high on the shelves, so I stood on tiptoes and shifted the other books into one arm, trying to reach the book. To no avail, however. I stood too short, and the book rested too high on the shelf.

“Need help?” Roar asked.

“Please.” I nodded. “The blue one with the sword on the spine.”

He came closer, and I breathed in, appreciating his scent that reminded me of fires lit in a castle and riding a horse in the forest. Roar plucked the book from the shelf and offered it to me.

“A treasure.” As they’d done in the ballroom, his eyes dipped to my lips. We were so close that I could count his lush lashes.

“Neve,” he whispered, and in that moment, I knew I’d been right before. He had wanted to kiss me.

“Yes?” I pressed my back to the the shelf, creating space because I was unsure of what I wanted. Roar was attractive, enticing even, but I didn’t know him well at all.

As though my position was an invitation, his eyes widened, and he leaned closer, his full lips parting. My heart began to hammer and tingles rushed through me. An instant before his lips would have touched mine, he paused. He was close. So close that I could feel his breath on my skin. And though there was something undeniably sexy about our situation, it just didn’t feel right.

In that moment, I chose.

“Roar,” I whispered. “I can’t.”

He stiffened, pulled back. “You’re right. This is improper and not part of our deal. I’m so sorry, Neve.” He straightened, though not without obvious effort. “Come, I’ll show you to your quarters.” Without so much as another glance my way, he took most of the books and walked out of the library.

I followed, in shock and wondering how I would have felt if I’d have made the opposite choice.

Chapter 14

When Clemencia arrived at my door the next morning, I was ready and waiting. Actually, in a novel turn of events, I’d already been up for hours. Most of them I’d spent reading, though I’d also spent a lot of time gazing at my ring.

“You always smell wonderful.” I inhaled her floral scent as she swept into my room, shutting the door behind her.

“Snow lily perfume.” Clemencia’s cheeks took on a pleased pink hue at the compliment. “The perfumer in town makes it just for me, but I can get you some, if you like?”

“Only if you have time.” I waved my hand and my lady-in-waiting flashed a grin at my ring. I’d shown it to her last night, and she’d nearly died over the gem. “Or perhaps I should make my own signature scent?”

“Every lady needs one,” she said in all seriousness.

“I’m sure,” I replied, though I’d never thought about that once in my life. Slowly, I went to the windows, peered outside. Roar wasn’t practicing weapons or riding today. I wondered what he was up to. “So, what are our lessons today?”

“First, we must visit Althea. I saw her earlier and she asked that I bring you by.”

My heart leapt. Maybe the healer thought today would be the day to remove the bandages. And if so, how soon might I be able to try flying?

“What are we waiting for?” I hastened to the door. “Let’s go.”

Clemencia gave a little chuckle, but humored me as we left my room. Excitement sailed through me as we traveled the corridors. As my wings felt fine today, I couldn’t help but hope for good news.

“I’ve never seen you walk so fast,” Clemencia said when we made the last turn to the healer’s quarters.

“I’m excited to see them.”