Page 122 of Kings & Queen

A soft laugh escaped Ivan. “He is of the belief that every single person on this planet has their one true love. The person who is destined for them. He also believes that once that soulmate is gone from your life, another will not come to replace them. You get one single, solitary shot in this life.”

“So he’ll never love or get married?” I asked, my heart hurting for him.

“Not according to him.”

We walked along the winding path, enjoying each other’s company. I’d never given the term or idea of a soulmate much thought. The more I thought about it, the more it rang true.

“That breaks my heart, but I understand. When I leav—”

“None of that. Not today, anyway,” he chastised.

“Let me finish, please,” I said sternly.

“Sorry, go ahead,” he grumbled.

I sighed as he led me through the family garden. Everything was stunning and seemed to dance with life. It was like another world. Flowers of all kinds bloomed in a riot of colors and fragrances.

“You were saying?” he prodded.

“Sorry, I got distracted. Anyway, I was saying I can understand Bash’s behavior.” I stopped him and put my hand on his tattoo. “In two weeks when I disappear, the only old part of myself I’m taking with me is my memories of you all here. And like Bash, I will never love another the way I love you, Alek, or Nik.”

“Then maybe you shouldn’t leave.”

“If it were only that simple. I suppose you could lock me up in a tower somewhere far away. It wouldn’t be very fair, though, for you all.”

“I think I like that idea. I might have to call a family meeting, and we can put it to a vote.”

“Be serious with me. You have to admit that what we all have is special. Do you foresee yourself loving another? This is where you lie to me, my beloved, and tell me you will be like Sebastian and pine for me even after I’m long gone.” I dramatically laid my arm over my forehead, and as he chuckled, I straightened up. “But in reality, don’t do that. I want you to love again. To have babies with aqua-blue eyes.”

I danced away from his grasp as he grew serious. He caught me easily and tilted my face. Something about being surrounded by flowers and the love of my life seized me. I shivered as goose bumps broke out across my arms.

“The only woman I willeverhave babies with is standing right in front of me. And they shall have your eyes. You’re the only one for me. I need you to knowhow sorry I am for everything. The words I said—I know I may never be able to erase them from your memory, but I can assure you they will never leave my lips again. I would rip my own tongue out—”

“You will do no such thing,” I gasped, horrified at the seriousness of his statement. The expression in his eyes told me he meant it.

“Nevertheless, every day for the rest of our days, you will feel my love in small gestures.”

“Will I, now?” I asked, trailing my hands up his large body. He groaned.

“If you keep looking at me like that, our lunch is going to go bad.”

“We can’t have that, now, can we? I’m suddenly ravenous,” I whispered as my hand rubbed the bulge in his sweats.

He steeled his gaze. Before I could slip my hand under the waistband, he reached down and clamped his hand around my wrist. “Be thankful I don’t have my belt on me, or I’d hobble you right here and now,” he growled.

I squealed as he whipped me around. His arm reached around me and drew my body close. The next thing I knew, he was blindfolding me once more. My heart quickened with a mix of anticipation and curiosity.

“Ready?” he asked, his voice low and gravelly yet reassuring. I nodded, my other senses heightened in the darkness behind the blindfold.

He led me out of the garden. My senses told me when we were leaving it behind. The air was less fragrant, and the ground beneath my feet changed from cobblestones to grass. A gentle rustling of leaves filled my ears, and I sighed. He pulled my hand, his stride confident. He had a purpose, and I was along for the ride.

His touch was soft, and each step I took was filled with wonder and happiness. I pushed any and all thoughts of leaving away and decided to enjoy the moment. I’d need something to sustain me during the lonely times. We were making a memory, a special one.

My head tipped to the side; I could hear the gentle lapping of water, and I took a deep breath. The scent of fresh water and earth filled my nostrils. Finally, he stopped and situated me. And as he helped me down, my hand brushed against a soft material. I stretched my legs out and leaned back against my palms. As I tilted my face up, the warm sun caressed my skin, and the gentle breeze blew my hair back.

“Little love, remove your blindfold.”

I shivered at the tone of his voice as it reached into my core and struck a match. I shifted and reached around the back of my head and untied it. I blinked, and the world came back into focus.