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“That depends on whether the situation with Yaroi is resolved,” Karl replied, his leading statement half joking and half curious. Plus, while he appreciated the chance to see his family, getting them to finish telling him everything they wanted to say would allow him to see Ama sooner.

“Of course, it’s resolved!” Braxton puffed out his chest again in a “what do you take me for?” move.

“Both groups were apprehended, including the old lady. Prince Lyric helped write the strongly worded missive we sent to Yaroi about it all. I suspect Toval will have some difficulties with trade deals with Yaroi and some extra tariffs on our goods traveling through the Eiroi Strait, but it’s reached a point where they really can’t continue trying to kill you both.

At least, while you’re within the borders of Toval and Namin.

I suggest you settle into the life of a baron, maybe have some kids with Ama—”

“And I’ll finish refurbishing that lovely bakery, where you almost died, for when you’re allowed to leave Healer Grigori’s clinic. You’ll be able to bake all you want too,” Char added, shamelessly cutting Braxton off.

“So don’t worry about anything,” Fen finished. “Focus on healing. Okay?”

Karl nodded slowly. “I can do that. Thanks for coming out here.”

“Of course,” Char replied. “Although I’m not sure Healer Grigori realized just who had nearly kicked down his door when Ama brought you here until we showed up the first time.

Oh, Emily and Shan were here this morning.

They both had work this afternoon, so they’ll come see you again tomorrow.

” He gripped Karl’s good shoulder, his touch the comfort it had always been, from the first day Char had taken one look at a homeless waif who didn’t even know how to shower.

“We’ll try to stop by too. Get some rest. We’ll send Ama in on our way out. ”

Fen also patted Karl on his good shoulder.

Braxton gave him a nod that said he had done well.

Caro smiled and waved. And then they were gone.

Not even a minute later, Casmir walked into the room.

His back was straight and his bearing nothing short of royal.

Even though he was only wearing black pants and a gray shirt, he was clearly a noble of the highest level.

Casmir closed the door and between one breath and the next, he tucked away the persona of Prince Casmir.

Ama didn’t slouch, but his bearing was more relaxed and casual.

He was letting Karl see the real him, not the facade of Casmir, nor the old facade that was Ama the spy.

This was more a Cama, or an Asmir, a combination of both, yet neither at the same time.

Now he showed his real self, bared in a way Karl knew no one else except Karl had seen in a very long time.

He took Karl’s breath away every time he revealed himself, and all Karl could do was marvel as Ama walked closer.

Ama’s eyes were blazing with emotion—joy when he saw Karl was awake and looking at him, but also something more, deeper, as if Ama was releasing an emotion kept as hidden as his real personality.

“I guess it was your turn to save me,” Karl said when Ama reached his bedside, desperate to say something in response to the power in Ama’s gaze.

Ama laughed. “I think we should both agree to not make a habit out of needing desperate rescues.” His smile faded as he looked at Karl, taking in the thick bandages around his arm. “I got complacent. I’m sorry I let this happen to you.”

Karl shook his head. “This was no one’s fault except Yaroi’s. I didn’t notice anything was wrong until the very last moment, same as Braxton. If we didn’t know, how could you? Please don’t blame yourself for any of this.”

Ama let out a slow sigh, his shoulders slumping.

“You’ve been kept unconscious for three weeks, and I’ve spent this entire time trying to figure out what clue I missed.

If it hadn’t been for Leslie mentioning offhand that the old lady who ran the bakery died, I wouldn’t have gotten there in time to save you. ”

“But you did,” Karl replied, his tone insistent.

He held out his good hand and waited for Ama to take it.

“When the clues finally did come together, you did exactly what I needed. You have to stop blaming yourself for the impossible and, instead, praise yourself for the good you actually accomplished.”

“I can’t—” Ama cut himself off, taking in a shaky breath and gripping Karl’s hand with both of his. The intensity in Ama’s eyes returned full force, those emotions bursting out, like biting into a berry in a freshly baked muffin—a sweet explosion that Karl desperately wanted more of.

“I can’t lose you,” Ama continued, his voice choked with the same feelings. “I know we’ve only known each other for a few short months, but from the very first moment we met, when you risked yourself to save me, even though I was basically dead, I knew I was going to fall in love with you.”

Karl swallowed a gasp, his eyes tearing as Ama said the exact words inside his own heart.

Words Karl had never thought he would have the opportunity to say because Ama was a prince and so very special.

Why would he want a street rat like Karl?

And yet, the intensity in Ama’s eyes and the strength in his grip said this wasn’t a joke.

“The second I cut you down, back in Yari, you led your own rescue. You were bleeding and in so much pain, but you still smiled and took charge. That bravery was astounding to me,” Karl admitted.

“And then you took that bravery a step further and revealed your true identity. I’ve never been in love before, but I think I realized I was developing feelings for you when you started to fall ill and I felt so helpless to do anything. ”

“That’s how I’ve felt these last three weeks,” Ama added. “Helpless. Wishing you would open your eyes so I had the chance to tell you the truth. I love you, Karl. Would you have me?”

Karl’s answer flew from his mouth, no thought necessary. “Yes! Of course, yes!”

Karl wished his other arm would work because all he wanted was to pull Ama into a hug.

At least he had one good hand, so he squeezed Ama’s hand in return.

Ama bent and pressed a kiss to Karl’s knuckles.

He glanced up at Karl through damp lashes and smiled.

Karl tugged on their joined hands and Ama obeyed, leaning closer until their lips met.

The mere touch was like licking a spoon full of hot honey, perfectly sweet, but with a kick of chili behind it that served to make Karl crave more.

Karl wanted to devour the entire pot, licking each drip like the indolent prince he was supposed to be.

Yet, he was prone on his back with Ama so very carefully leaning over him.

There would be other opportunities—a whole lifetime together to explore the promise in their kiss—so Karl didn’t protest when Ama slowly pulled away.

Alina said Karl’s recovery was entirely dependent on the work he put in.

Well, the look in Ama’s eyes full of want was only echoed in the desire churning inside Karl.

He wanted Ama in a physical sense, but Karl also wanted that promised long future hand in hand with Ama.

Karl would put in whatever work Alina asked of him to ensure he had the hands to do that with.

Karl knew that together, they would both be all right.