Page 157 of The Nymph Prince

Kellan and Fletcher’s home wasn’t big enough for all of us, but we made it work. It might’ve been a tight fit, but we were surrounded by friends and having the best time of our lives.

At sunset, Lorcan and I walked toward the sea.

“This is the sort of place I want us to find,” Lorcan said as his hand found mine. “To build a home.”

The breeze ruffled his silver hair and with it came the smell of the sea and roses.

“Maybe we should stay,” I suggested, gently turning him to face me. His big green eyes and long lashes never failed to take the breath from my lungs. I touched his cheek, and he pressed his face closer. “We’ve been searchin’ for the perfect place to settle down. I feel in my heart that this is it.”

“I feel the same,” he whispered.

“Why does your brow furrow then?”

“I fear even speaking the words,” he responded, winding his arms around me.

“Speak them anyway.” I tilted his face up to mine. “Let me be your rock.”

“It’s just…” He swallowed and closed his eyes. “I’m happy.”

I laughed and tugged him as close as our bodies would allow. “As am I, sweet prince.”

“Something is bound to go wrong,” he murmured against my neck. “What if King James breaks the treaty? What if Ezra survived and is plotting his revenge? There’s still the matter of merfolk rebelling against the crown. The death of Haman solved the biggest threat, but there are others. And—”

“Stop fretting, rosebud,” I interjected in a gentle tone. “You cannot live your life in fear. If you let your fears consume you, you forget to live.”

“That’s funny coming from you,” he responded with a light snort. “You were the king of ‘Oh, I can’t say this out loud because it’ll jinx it.’ I feel that way now.”

“I understand your concern, but worrying solves nothing.” I cradled his head and pressed my face into his hair. “Loving you has taught me so much. I spent too many years livin’ in fear, hiding from everyone, even while in plain sight. Fear got me nowhere. There are bad people in this world, rosebud, and there will always be threats. But we can’t stop livin’ because of ‘em.”

Birds flew overhead and another breeze came off the sea. The grass in the field swayed and insects buzzed. The sun warmed my skin, but not nearly as much as Lorcan warmed my heart.

“Let yourself be happy,” I said. “I think we deserve it after all we’ve been through.”

Since the day we met, our lives had been one challenge after another. We’d fought hard for our love. For our future.

“Wehavebeen through a lot, haven’t we?” Lorcan’s arms tightened around me. “It’s only made us stronger. Every time we’ve been beaten down, we’ve rebuilt ourselves with stronger stones.”

I smiled against his hair. “Aye, that’s the spirit.”

“Know something else? I love you more today than yesterday, and I’ll love you even more tomorrow.”

“Are you sure your small body can hold so much love?”

He nudged me. “Ass.”

“Well, this ass loves you,” I said, smiling as I heard his chuckle. “Do you hear that? The wind rustling the grass, the seagull’s call, and the nearby stream flowin’ into the sea? That’s life, nymph. Our lives…right now. Don’t let your worries take you from this place. Stay in this moment with me.”

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

We watched the sun sink below the horizon, and as the stars began to show in the night sky, we walked toward the water.

I used to dread the ending of the day. I’d pray for the sun to hold on just a bit longer; pray for the light to return.

On theCrimson Night, I’d stood at the bow and watched the day turn to night, feeling alone in the world. The darkness had been a reminder of my life, just one endless night with no sun or warmth. My very existence had been a crime. Even before I knew of my bloodline, I’d felt the wickedness inside me.

And then Lorcan had come into my life.

He showed me love. Acceptance. He taught me to be brave and to face my fears instead of running from them. I no longer feared the passing of days, for I knew he’d be right there with me when the sun disappeared.