Page 112 of Spirit Trials

“I know; I just—” My words trail off; I’m not even really sure what it is I’m trying to say.

He studies my face. “You want to make it official.”

I laugh softly. “I think you understand me more than I understand myself.”

He smiles. “Nah, you’re just really easy to read. Your emotions are always all over your face.”

I frown. “I need to work on that.”

“No, you’re perfect the way you are.”

“You’ve said that before,” I remind him.

“And I’ll continue to remind you of that fact,” he says pulling me close. “Here in the Wolf Kingdom, when two people want to get married, they stand before the king. But we’d stand beforeTerron, and his gryphon would bind us together forever in a bond that can never be broken, because I’m a royal.”

Like his parents.I don’t say it out loud; I don’t want to ruin the moment. I stare up at him, trying to get a read on him. I summon my courage and lay it all out there. “I want to do that Rysden, but if you’re not ready...” He laughs, surprising me and cutting me off. I frown. “What?”

He takes my hand in his. “I’ve been ready since you pointed your arrow at my heart the first time you met me.”

I roll my eyes. “We both know that’s not true.”

He tugs me close. “I don’t think you’re fully aware of how you’ve tipped my life upside down.”

I raise a brow. “I tippedyourlife upside down?”

He stares down at me with that intensity that’s all Rysden. “If you want me to apologize for bringing you here, I’m not going to do it. You’ve turned my life upside down in a good way. Nothing is the same.”

“I don’t know, Rysden; you’re kind of giving me a complex here.”

He doesn’t smile. “I thought my life was good how it was, all in shades of black. I knew what my duty was, what to expect. And then you came into my life.” His eyes flash to my hair. “Literally, a splash of color and have opened my eyes to…everything. I’m no longer happy living my dull life; I want a life of color. With you.” He reaches up and tugs on a curl. “If you told me you wanted to leave here and go back to your village; I’d do it today. I just want to be wherever you are and keep that beautiful smile on your face.”

“Rysden, you can’t leave. You’re a prince.”

“I’m nobody if you’re not at my side.” His words knock the wind from my chest.

“You really mean that,” I breathe.

He nods. “I can learn how to farm.” I laugh. I don’t mean to. “How is that funny?”

I smile at his eyebrows knit together. “I think you’re suited for more than farming, Rysden. You’re a powerful prince, and you’re going to change the way this kingdom is run.” I wait for him to challenge me, but he doesn’t. “You’re not going to argue with me? I mean, usually, that’s your thing.”

He cocks an eyebrow. “Am I going to win?”

“Absolutely not.”

He smirks at me. “I’ve already started making plans to bring the banished back.”

My eyes go wide. “Seriously? Does your father know?”

“Am I still alive?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Then no, doesn’t know. And it’s got to stay that way for now.” His eyes meet mine. “But I will change things.”

“I know. You’re one of the good ones.”

“You’re the only one that thinks so,” he says softly.