Page 94 of Taming the Eagle
She then stepped toward him.
XXXIV. NOTHING TO FORGIVE
“MORNING, JUSTIN.”
THEY weren’t the words she’d intended to greet him with, yet Fenella’s composure was on the verge of unraveling as it was. It was a miracle she’d been able to croak anything at all.
“Fenella,” he replied softly. “This is a surprise.”
“Aye.” She cleared her throat. “I went looking for you in Ardoch first … but found it burned.”
He nodded. “The emperor ordered us to abandon Caledonia.”
Their gazes held, and Fenella’s throat started to ache. Gods, there were so many things she wanted to say to him, but she didn’t know where to start—and nor did she want to utter the wrong thing.
Courage, Fen, she counseled herself.You’ve made it this far, don’t crumble now.
Curious stares stabbed down upon her from above. She imagined the soldiers all craning their necks over the ramparts, ears straining to catch their words. But she didn’t care. Her attention never wavered from Justin.
He stepped closer to her so that no more than four feet stretched between them, his throat bobbing. “Fenella,” he began. “I—”
“I love you, Justin,” she cut him off. “And Idotrust you … more than I have anyone.” There was only one way to do this. Enough with hesitation. “I thought freedom was what I wanted … and it is … but leaving you ripped my heart out. All I can think about is you.” She broke off, wetting her lips as fear threatened to choke her. “I don’t know if you still want me, or if you can forgive me for hurting you … butnothingwould make me happier than becoming your wife.”
His lips parted, his eyes darkening, and suddenly all Fenella could hear was the thudding of her own heart in her ears.
Justin moved closer still. “Two things,” he said, his voice still low, yet husky now. His gaze seared hers. “Firstly, I do still want you … and, secondly, there’s nothing to forgive.”
Fenella stared back at him, her breathing shallow now. “I’ve missed you so much,” she whispered.
Justin stepped forward and bridged the final gap between them. Reaching up, he cupped her face with both hands. “My arrogance was my undoing.” He looked down at her, his eyes glittering. “You taught me a valuable lesson, Fenella. I can’t believe you’re actually here, but I thank the gods you are.”
And with that, he pulled her into his arms, his mouth capturing hers. Standing on tip-toe, Fenella wound her arms around his neck, hanging onto him. Tears streamed down her cheeks, but she barely noticed them—her heart was too full.
Meanwhile, Justin kissed her passionately, wildly, uncaring that all his men were still watching from the walls.
“Kahina … Aedan!”
Fenella hurried under the shady portico and into the courtyard beyond. The space she stepped into was vast—at least thrice the size of the one at Ardoch. A squat well sat in the heart of it, while urns of herbs dotted the pavers. Stone benches lined the edges, and a man and woman sat upon one on the opposite side. A brown and black striped cat lay curled upon the woman’s lap.
They’d been talking, but, at hearing their names called, both Kahina and Aedan glanced up.
The surprise on their faces made Fenella skid to a halt.
It occurred to her then that they might not be pleased to see her. After all, she’d departed without saying goodbye to either of them.
Resuming her path toward the pair, although more cautiously now, Fenella gave a hesitant smile. “Justin tells me you’re both free.”
“Fen!” Kahina croaked. “What are you doing here?” She clutched Electri so hard that the cat gave a loud meow of protest and started to struggle in her arms. Kahina put her down so the cat didn’t scratch her arms to ribbons.
Fenella’s smile turned rueful. “I had a few things to say to Aquila.”
“And have you said them?” Aedan’s expression was no less surprised than Kahina’s, although his eyes gleamed.
“Aye,” she murmured, “we are to be wed.”
Silence fell in the courtyard, while Electri stalked over to Fenella and wound herself around her ankles, purring loudly. The uncomplicated affection made Fenella’s throat thicken. Her attention flicked back to Kahina. “I hear congratulations are also in order for you and Marcus.”
Kahina smiled, her long eyelashes lowering in sudden shyness.