Page 48

RAPUNZEL

T he wind whips through my hair as Ren races away from the gardens. My hands are fisted in the thick fur of his neck, my long braid trailing behind me like a banner.

“Ren!” I shout, breathless. “Where are we going?”

“Away from Prince Theron,” his voice hums in my mind.

“Why?”

Instead of answering, he sprints faster, weaving through the trees, leaving the castle far behind us.

Ren finally stops when we reach a clearing. A hidden glade with a gentle stream, lined with weeping willows. He moves beneath the closest one. The long branches hang like a silken curtain, shielding us from the outside world.

He lowers himself, and I slide off his back.

In a whirl of wind and scattered leaves, he shifts back into his two-legged form.

With his shifter ability, he conjures the appearance of pants, but his upper body is bare, revealing his broad shoulders, the thick bands of muscle that wrap around his arms and the sharply sculpted contours of his abdomen and chest.

He turns to me, amber eyes blazing. “Do you love Theron?”

I blink at him. “What?”

He takes a step closer, his jaw tight as he asks me again. “Do. You. Love. Theron?”

“No… I mean, yes, but only as a friend,” I reply, flustered. “Not romantically.”

“Thank the gods.” He breathes out a sigh of relief. “I knew I was right.”

“About what?”

“That you were bewitched, ” he replies matter-of-factly.

My head jerks back. “ What are you talking about?”

“I believe Theron cast a spell upon you. A dark enchantment to woo you into his arms.”

“Ren…”

“He conjured a flower for you,” he adds. “A classic sign of a bewitchment spell.”

“It was a rose.”

“Exactly. And no doubt made of sorcery… probably laced with illusion and moon-magic, or…” He waves a dismissive hand. “Whatever magic wielders use to create such spells.”

“I don’t understand.” I frown. “Why exactly do you think he bewitched me?”

“Because I was resolved to hate him.” He shakes his head.

“Determined to loathe his very existence. But then I met him, and I found myself thinking he’s a likeable male—a good person.

” He pauses. “He charmed me, Rapunzel. And I’m a fox.

We are literally known for being charming.

So, tell me: how does a Stag outcharm a Fox? ”

“Did you ever think that maybe you just liked him?” I offer.

“That’s how I know it’s a spell,” he counters. “Because why in the seven hells would I actually like my rival for your affections?”

I stop short of rolling my eyes. “He’s not your rival, Ren. You are the only one I want.”

His ears perk up, his expression a mixture of disbelief and hope. “I… am?”

I cup his face with both hands. “I told Theron about my feelings for you, and he has accepted it.”

“You did?” He frowns. “But… he seemed so happy. Why was he not upset?”

“Because we are good friends,” I explain. “We have been best friends since we were young. So, our marriage was arranged, and it would have been one of convenience and mutual respect, but not of love.”

“Truly?”

“Oh, Ren. You have nothing to worry about.”

“I… don’t?” he gives me a skeptical look.

“No, you ridiculously jealous Fox.”

A sly smirk curls his mouth. “I think you meant to say, ‘ridiculously handsome Fox.’”

“Of course.” I laugh. “My handsome and charming Fox Prince.”

The smile slips from his face as his expression turns serious. “There’s something I must say.”

“What is it?”

“I’m so sorry I broke your trust.” Regret fills his foxfire eyes. “I hurt you and it kills me knowing that I’ve caused you so much pain.”

He clenches his jaw. “I know I’ve no right to ask for your forgiveness, but if you will let me, I’ll spend the rest of my life endeavoring to be worthy of you.” Sadness reflects in his gaze as he touches my face. “I am yours, Rapunzel, and I have been from the very start… even if you are not mine.”

Happiness blooms in my chest. Stretching up on my toes, I wrap my arms around his neck. “And I am yours as well, my charming Fox Prince.”

He stares at me in shock a moment before a handsome smile spreads across his face. Gathering me in his arms, he captures my mouth in a searing kiss.

“I love you, Rapunzel,” he breathes the words into my mouth.

His hands are everywhere, exploring the curves of my body as his lips mesh repeatedly with mine, kissing me like a man possessed.

Pleasure spirals through me with every stroke of his tongue against my own.

He growls low in arousal as I run my fingers through his hair, brushing the sensitive tips of his fox ears.

“Tell me again that you are mine,” he whispers between kisses. “My beautiful amira.”

My heart pounds as I melt against him. “I’m yours, Ren. Completely.”

His grip tightens as if he’s afraid to let go. And as he deepens our kiss, I realize that I don’t want him to. Not now. Not ever.