Page 40 of Frozen Star (Star Touched: Fae Bound #7)

When we break apart, I rest my forehead against hers, tracing the lines of her face with my thumb, never wanting to forget this moment.

“I love you,” she whispers, her eyes shining with tears.

“Even when things were darkest, I loved you. But right now, it feels like I’m seeing you in the sunlight for the first time.

And I’ll keep loving every new version of you, every change, and every step forward, because every single one of them will still be you. ”

My heart swells with her confession, and I somehow feel even fuller than before.

“And I love you, Sapphire Hayes Fairmont Solandriel Draevor.” I savor each word of her name—especially that last one. “Not because fate demands it, and not because magic compels it, but because I choose you freely and completely, every day for the rest of our lives.”

A tear tracks down her cheek, and I brush it away with my thumb, lingering on the softness of her skin, treasuring every detail of her expression.

“I love you,” I say again, needing her to understand the depth of what I feel now that I can express it clearly, “but we’re not running away to a magical star world now—or ever. Because we have a kingdom to protect, a witch coven to beat, and an ancient power-hungry vampire to kill.”

Her eyes widen slightly, surprised by the sudden change in topic.

“Not to mention,” I add, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead, “it’s about time you meet your father, and that I get to know mine. My real father. The one I fought like hell through multiple realms to get back.”

Her smile grows, understanding lighting up her eyes. “I think he’d like that very much.”

I nod, a quiet pride blooming within me. “I also imagine I’d get bored up there in that star pretty quickly. Although…” My voice turns playful again as I tilt her chin upward, studying her beautiful face. “I think it could make for a nice honeymoon, don’t you?”

“We never did get one of those, did we?” She takes my hand and toys with it, a mischievous glint crossing her eyes.

“I think we’ve more than earned one.” I trace the wedding mark that appeared on her ring finger when we got married in the Summer Court, admiring it with fresh eyes.

“Once this war is behind us, I’m going to steal you away somewhere beautiful.

Somewhere no one can reach us, just for a little while. ”

She laughs, the sound bright and clear in the jungle air, and it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve heard in weeks.

“The Winter Prince planning ahead for something other than battle strategy?” she says. “Who are you and what have you done with my husband?”

“I’m still your husband.” I pull her closer, reveling in how perfectly she fits against me. “Just a slightly improved version that’s able to love you like you deserve.”

She smiles at me in a way that makes me want to drop everything and join the Mystical Jungle Club.

“I’ve always loved you exactly as you are, but I’m eager to thoroughly test-drive this upgrade,” she says, her fingers trailing along the frost patterns on my arms, sending pleasant shivers rippling through my body.

“I promise this upgrade comes with unlimited demonstrations,” I tell her, and when I kiss her again, I pour all of myself into it—the love, the passion, and the unbreakable promise that every day after this will only get better.

It’s extraordinary, really. For the first time since the dryad took my love, I feel like myself.

There’s no emptiness gnawing at my heart, and no soul-deep dependence like after the Tides.

I’m whole again, stronger than I was before, because Sapphire believed in us enough to fight for every piece of me.

“What are you thinking?” She studies my face with those perceptive eyes that always see into my soul.

“I’m thinking that I’ve never felt more myself than I do right now,” I tell her, the truth flowing easily.

“After the dryad, I felt hollow, like something essential had been carved out of me. After you brought me back in the Tides, I felt consumed. But now, I feel whole. Complete. Like every piece of me is exactly where it should be.” I take her hand and place it over my heart, wanting her to feel its steady beat beneath her fingertips.

“My love for you is still here, but it doesn’t define my existence anymore. It’s just the best part of it.”

Her smile is radiant, water dancing at her fingertips where they rest against my chest. “That’s how it should be,” she says. “Love that enhances who you are without erasing it, that gives instead of takes.”

“Exactly.” I brush my lips against her forehead, lingering there as I breathe her in.

“And I have to say, Starlight, I quite like who I am when I’m with you.

The man who can be both Winter Prince and devoted husband, warrior and lover, ruthless when needed and tender when it matters.

You bring out the best in every part of me. ”

“I’ve always seen that man, even when you couldn’t see him yourself.” Her hand rises to cup my cheek, and I lean into her touch, the connection between us stronger than ever. “I’ll never stop believing in him or loving him.”

The emotions surging through me steal my breath away. Gratitude, wonder, and a love so deep it smooths my ice instead of melting it.

The jungle hums around us, a gentle whispering of life, and Sapphire leans against my chest. Her heartbeat is steady against mine, our breathing perfectly synchronized.

Wrapping my arms around her, I memorize every detail of this perfect moment.

The softness of her skin, the warmth of her body, and the peace I’ve found in her embrace.

And for the first time since I can remember, there’s no pull toward darkness, and no desperate dependence. There’s just calm, quiet certainty.

I glance up at the sun filtering through the leaves and let myself smile.

Because finally, I know what freedom and happiness feel like.