Page 177 of The Throne Seeker

“Is that what we’re telling ourselves?”

“At some point, you have to stop thinking about his happiness and start thinking about yours.”

Still, a cloud loomed over her. “He’ll never forgive us,” she said, knowing it to be true.

His mouth tightened. “He’ll forgive you… but he’ll reserve his true hatred for me. I can only hope that one day, he will see it as a mercy. That you are protected and taken care of.”

She hesitated, torn, even though her body screamed for her to accept him. “I still love him,” she whispered pathetically, hating that she had to tell him. Knowing full well it might ruin everything.

“I know,” he said, the fact clearly angering him, but he controlled his voice. “Tristan, you loved before me. I know that. But I’m not noble. I’m not going to deny myself the one thing I’veever wanted because Tristan desires something he can’t have. And if I’m being entirely honest, I don’t care. I’m not the good brother. I’m the selfish one, and I’ll continue to be when it comes to you.”

Rose couldn’t find the words to say. So instead, she stayed silent, staring at him in awe. What he offered was so much more than anything she expected to ever receive. And for some reason, that made her feel guilty, because there were still things she’d kept hidden.

She finally collected her thoughts. “There are still things you don’t know about me. I don’t know if I can reciprocate all of what you offer.”

He shook his head almost instantly. “That couldn’t be further from the truth.”

“It’s true,” she replied sharply, then she added more softly, “My heart has been shattered into tiny pieces, scattered so far and wide, I’m not sure if I’ll ever find them all again. And not just by him—” she didn’t want to say Tristan’s name again, “—but by others, too.”

Roman’s gaze grew gorgeously tender. “That’s just it.” He slowly tucked her hair behind her ear. “I can only hope one day you’ll have enough faith to tell me about each one of those beautiful scars you wear. But I do know that whatever is left of your heart—cracks, pieces, shreds, or whatever you like to call them—it’s still the best heart I’ve ever known. I’ll gladly accept every broken piece you’re willing to give.”

Rose gazed up at him, tears fogging her vision. She’d never heard such endearing words spoken in her life.

She lifted her hand to cradle his sharp jaw as water dripped down them. “You deserve more,” she admitted. It was more than true.

He barked a harsh laugh. “The hell I do.” When her lips didn’t lift, his fell back into a thin line before he grimly added,“You do not know me as well as you think you do, Rosalie Versalles. You are so much more than I deserve.”

Water trickled through the caves as she whispered, “I have absolutely nothing to give you.”

“You honestly think I give a damn?”

Her mouth twitched upward at that, and she stroked his cheek with her thumb in appreciation.

“But I’m selfish,” he said. “I want you to pick me because you want me, not because you have to survive… Which is why I bet a hefty sum on you in the Snorri.”

Her heart stopped mid-beat. “You did what?” Her voice was barely audible.

“One hundred thousand golden medallions, to be exact.”

She stopped breathing altogether, unable to comprehend what he’d just said, blankly staring into his eyes to make sure it wasn’t a joke.

“The winnings alone make you the wealthiest woman in Cathan, maybe in all of Vallor,” he admitted. “Not to mention the bags of money from the tavern. It’s all yours. You can choose to marry or not marry anyone you wish to. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. It was selfish, I just… I wanted more time with you.”

Rose couldn’t speak, couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move. She could only stare up into his eyes, spellbound.

“I know you’ve never truly had a home of your own,” he continued, his voice growing nervous, looking down at her hands. He reached out to take them into his. “I should’ve let you pick, but when I saw it, I couldn’t help but think of you. It’s a large estate south of here. Rolling hills for miles, plenty of land and water. It’s on a beautiful orchard, night skies so clear the stars look like shining diamonds…” His words faltered, his face concerned by her expression.

Her eyes were overflowing with silent tears. She couldn’t help it. No one had ever given her a gift like this. Nothing could compare to what he had done for her.

He’d just given her her life back, her agency, her freedom.

And yet, at the same time, he had completely and utterly captured her heart.

A tear slipped through her defenses as she boldly brought her lips up to his, trying to convey all the love and gratitude words never could.

His lips molded to hers as if they were made solely for each other.

She pulled back with shallow breaths and opened her mouth to say thank you, but no sound came out. So she closed it again as she took in a deep breath. Her heart beat so loud she was sure he could feel it pounding against his chest.