Page 39

He looks down at his hands. “Because I was afraid you would not want me.”

“Because of your scar,” I murmur, more to myself than to him. Reaching up, I cup his cheek. “But I’ve already told you: that doesn’t matter to me.”

“I know that now, but I didn’t then.” Guilt mars his features. “And it’s not the only truth I withheld.”

Unease prickles my flesh. “What else have you not told me?”

“I am not just a simple Fox Shifter, I’m the second prince of Cambryn.” Shock ripples through me as he continues. “Even though I feared your rejection, I worried that if you knew that I was royalty…” His voice trails off.

“That I would choose you because of your title,” I finish for him, and he nods.

“But then we kissed. You chose me for me.” A sad smile crests his lips. “You actually wanted me for me. And for a moment, I lost myself. My inner Fox already considers you ours, even though we’ve not officially bonded. I worried that if we went any further, he would claim you and mark you as our mate before I could even explain to you what it would mean.”

“What would it mean, Ren? Tell me.”

“We mark our mates by biting them, creating a scar that alerts others of the claim,” he explains. “The mark is then sealed with a mating.” His amber eyes meet mine evenly. “And Foxes mate for life. I’ve never wanted anything as much as I want you, Rapunzel.”

My breath catches, warmth blooming deep within.

“Please, forgive me,” he pleads. “I should have told you the truth from the start.”

Even though it hurts, I understand why he withheld the truth. And if I’m being entirely honest with myself, my heart has already forgiven… from the moment he first confessed.

But it doesn’t matter anymore. Not now that I know there may be someone out there waiting for me. How can I give myself to Ren when I don’t even know who I really am and when it may mean betraying a vow I made to another?

The truth of Theron’s existence is an invisible wall between us, a boundary that I don't yet know how to cross.

“I forgive you, Ren.” Sadness tightens my chest at the hope that fills his eyes. I want so much to be his, but I cannot. I hate knowing that my next words will only hurt him. “I want you too. More than anything. But it’s not that simple. Not anymore.”

“Because of Theron,” he murmurs, devastated.

I nod.

“What if we’re wrong, Rapunzel? What if you aren’t his missing betrothed that everyone believes is dead?”

I’ve considered this, but until I go to Sylvalis, I cannot know for sure. “But, what if I am? I cannot simply ignore the possibility, Ren.” I search his eyes, pleading for him to understand. “He’s not just a dream anymore. The man in my drawings is real. And now that I know who he is, I must find him.

“He’s a connection to my past. And even if I cannot fully remember it, I can’t pretend it’s not important. There are people I left behind, people who might be searching for me even now. I might have loved him. And if my memories return, what if those feelings return as well?”

I blink back tears. “What if I regain my memories, and I find myself a completely different person? That this version of me is not who I truly am? How can I give you my heart when I don’t even know if it’s still mine to give? How can we build a future when I don’t remember my past?”

A terrible ache builds in my chest as I speak the words I know must be said. The last thing I want is to cause Ren any pain. Fates curse me, I’m already halfway in love with him, but Icannot ignore what I’ve learned of Prince Theron. If I am his lost betrothed, I can’t allow myself to fall for Ren.

Until I discover the truth of my past, I must do whatever it takes to guard my heart… for both of our sakes. “I’m sorry, Ren.” I shake my head. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“It’s all right,” he murmurs, voice rough with emotion. “I understand.”

Sadness tightens my chest. “I know I’ve no right to ask this of you, but—”

“What is it?”

“Will you please take me to Sylvalis?” I ask. “Will you help me find Prince Theron? To learn the truth of my past.”

“Of course,” he replies solemnly. “I will always help you, Rapunzel.”

Sadness lances my chest. I open my mouth to speak, but I cannot seem to find the words.

Before I can say anything, continues, “Besides,” he adds. “I think you’d miss my company if you had to travel on your own. Especially my singing.”