Page 25 of To Sway a Prince (Tempting Thieves)

I blinked, disoriented. Wh—what? I wasn't standing. I lay on something soft.

A finished stone ceiling came into focus above me. A real one. Not a dream.

Ramiel leaned over me, his silver hair falling forward, his eyes wide with relief and exhaustion. His hand trembled as he brushed the hair from my face.

"Dare I ask what you're doing in my tower?" he whispered. Tears shone in his amethyst eyes. He stroked his hand down my cheek, cupping his fingers beneath my chin.

My heart raced faster. I was back. Back and alive, my hands shaking as I pressed my fingertips to his jaw, his cheek, his temple, his lips. "I'd rather not have this conversation while in such a position." My lips trembled.

His smile curled higher. Leaning down, he kissed my chin, then my cheek. His lips lingered. "Is it wise for someone in your position to make such demands?"

The deep rasp of his voice made me melt, the sparking within me now pleasurable. The mate bond hummed. "Oh, you have no idea the demands I'll make of you."

His mouth quirked up. He nuzzled me, the tip of his nose grazing mine. "And I will happily spend the rest of my days granting them all."

A giggle escaped my lips, and I intended to tease him more. But as soon as I opened my mouth, he pounced and kissed me deeply.

It was hard to believe that somehow I had escaped both our curses. Somehow we were both here together.

His kiss stole my breath. His fingers tangled in my hair, cradling my head as if I might slip away again. I clung to his shoulders, anchoring myself to him, to this moment, to life itself.

When we finally broke apart, his eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

"For the most awful moments of my life, I thought I'd lost you," he whispered, his voice raw. "The moment you took my curse—I realized that the curse fulfilling in this way truly was the way that broke me most. I feared—I feared that this was the true fulfillment. That I would lose you forever just after finding you."

I twirled a strand of his hair around my finger, then curled my hand against his jaw. "Yet here I am."

"Here you are." He pressed his forehead to mine. "My brave, foolish mate who risked everything."

"I would do it again." I said softly.

His fingers trembled against my cheek. "I wasn't sure it would work. The binding spell barely took. It was Zephyrus who drew the leviathan back and passed on the message."

"Zephyrus?" My heart leaped. "Is he?—"

"He's more than fine. Angry. Honestly, we should probably go and show all the dragons you are here. They nearly roused the leviathan to rage again, but somehow they told him what we needed. Rather impressive really."

I giggled a little at that, though my heart warmed. "So the leviathan was there to help me?"

"He tracked you and fractured the barrier enough that I could reach you and your magic could reach me. The curse dragged your spirit there. Your body was here, and I brought you up to the tower. Then?—"

I swept my arms around him and kissed him fiercely. His eyes shuttered as he groaned against my mouth, and I melted beneath him. The mate bond hummed between us, no longer painful but gloriously alive. I tasted salt and cedar and desperate need on his lips. And the air smelled of him and…vanilla and jasmine. My heart clenched, and I flung both arms around his neck to draw him as close as I could.

A chorus of deafening roars shattered the moment. Apparently we had waited too long.

He pulled back and dragged his hand across the back of his neck, laughing. "Ahh…we may have waited a little too long in their estimation."

I recognized Zephyrus's indignant roar. The others did not sound too pleased either. "How long was I gone?"

"The curse snatched your spirit two days ago." He kept his arm around my waist as we walked, his body solid and warm beside mine. "I brought you up to the Covenant Chamber and tended to you there while the leviathan searched for you."

The air thrummed around me as Caein appeared. "I am so glad you have returned, Astraia. This tower was far less without you," he said smoothly.

"Thank you, Caein."

"Oh, and if I say welcome home, does that mean I am the first with that honor, or would a certain prince prefer to grant that honor himself?"

Ramiel chuckled and lifted his hand toward the ceiling. "If you would like the honor, it is yours."

"Ah." Caein's voice rose and fell as if he were moving up and down in a rough parody of a bow. "Then welcome home, dear Astraia."

"Thank you, Caein. I missed you as well." I smiled up in his general direction.

Another roar shook the walls.

"He definitely knows I'm awake." Blushing, I brushed my hair back over my shoulders and sheepishly made my way down the curving staircase. The stable doors were open, and the dragons all watched. Warm afternoon sunlight streamed across them, bathing them in golden light.

Zephyrus glowered at me from the doorway, his nostrils flaring. He cocked his head as he looked between us, his tail thumping on the flagstone path.

Shaking my head, I held up my hands. "I'm sorry about that, Zephyrus." My lips twitched in a smile.

He grunted. His gaze flicked between Ramiel and me.

Ramiel folded his arms. "Don't look at me like that, Zephyrus. Of course I spent time with her."

Zephyrus chuffed again, then cut his eyes at me. That and the small trill were the only warning I got. He pounced, his great claw knocking me over. As soon as I got to my feet, he thrust his jaw against my shoulder. Growling and chuffing, he nudged me again. I put my arms around his head as best I could. "It's all right, big guy. I'm fine."

He shook his head and huffed at me again. Indignation flashed in his face along with relief. He bumped me and then turned his head hard, offering his ear. Laughing, I scratched behind his ear and then down his jaw. His happy purr rumbled through me.

It took a great deal of reassuring and soothing Zephyrus to convince him to let up with his mock punishment. He curled around me, nuzzled my shoulder, and nudged incessantly at my wrist as if to ensure that the curse truly was gone. Even then, he insisted on remaining near me as the other dragons came to greet me and evaluate.

Life had changed yet again. The tower did in truth feel like home, though anywhere with Ramiel and Zephyrus would feel that way. And as beautiful as it had been before, it was even more so now.

The Chasm itself appeared to have healed so much, the barrier no longer so murky and far stronger. The purple mist coiled and rolled above it, more peaceful and more like small clouds. Some even rolled on the bridge, varying in shades from pale lavender to rich purple.

There was one matter more that needed our attention. With the mate bond completed, we needed to commemorate our sacred bond. It only seemed right that we do it today. After all, who knew what tomorrow would bring? We had spent enough time apart.

I wore a flowing pink gown similar to the one I wore to dinner. Except this one was sleeveless. Some of the scar remained as not all of my wounds had fully healed, but the mate bond was now clearly visible. A simple mark that showed my connection to the other half of my heart and soul.

It was almost sunset by the time we were ready. Not a trace of a storm cloud on the horizon. The sun's brilliant gold blazed across the horizon, a masterpiece painted in strokes of fire. Crimson and gold streaked the sky, burning against the deep blue canvas that stretched above us. The Chasm caught the light in its purple mist, transforming it into a river of roiling amethyst.

"I never thought I'd see another sunset like this," I whispered as I stood in the doorway, waiting for the signal.

"I pray you are able to see many more," Caein responded.

I glanced back up at the ceiling. "Are you sure that you don't want us to find some way to bring you down to the bridge for the ceremony?"

"I can see from here. I promise I will grant you the full delight of my presence on many other occasions." The air shimmered, and a rough call sounded. "They're ready for you, little knotweaver. Go on."

Heart beating fast and palms sweating, I stepped out and made my way forward. Ten of the dragons lined up, five on each side in a path leading to the end of the bridge. Thalorion and Zephyrus sat positioned at the head in front of a pedestal table that had been carved from part of a grey stone pillar.

On top of that table sat three jars, one with the blue sand, one with the inscription, and one empty. Next to that were two large crystal formations, one of rose quartz that was larger than the ball my brothers played with as children and one turquoise that was about the size of my fist.

What stole my attention was Ramiel, my mate, my groom, my love, my heart. He waited for me by the pedestal, flanked by the dragons. His eyes widened when he saw me, and my heart quickened to see his response.

His amethyst eyes darkened as they locked with mine, and the hunger and need in them made my core tighten. I could drown in those eyes. The smile that split my face in response almost hurt. He stood tall and regal, shoulders squared beneath his formal attire, silver hair shimmering in the fading light. He wore a rich blue-violet surcoat, more luxurious than his usual and yet familiar. Runes had been stitched into the lapels, interconnecting and woven with iridescent thread. He held out his hand to me, only the faintest tremor in his fingers indicating his nerves.

My cheeks warmed at the intensity of his gaze, but I lifted my chin and accepted, sliding my hand to his. His touch sent sparks of delight and desire searing through me, and as he drew me closer, his wonderful scent filled my lungs.

"Astraia," he said, his voice low and rough. "When a Sentinel takes a spouse, they make vows to one another and combine the essence of their magic into a single vessel to honor the bond." He placed his hand over the jar that was half filled with blue sand. "This is mine, created from the first runes I carved into stone and refined with the remnants of the energy of the ones I marked in the air. You may, if you wish, create yours. I brought stones that reminded me of you." He picked up the rose quartz and the turquoise and placed them in my hands.

Smiling, I stacked the two stones over one another and set them above the empty jar. My magic flared against the stones. Gold veins appeared in both like threads. Closing my eyes, I drew into my mind's eyes images of my family. My father. My mother. Sona. Loam. Elim. Not of their deaths but of the life we shared. Of baking peace loaves and weaving runic talismans. Of taking turns telling stories line by line. Of arguing passionately and intensely over the proper ordering of toys, books, plants, and food.

I would never forget them. And nothing would bring them back from the great expanse of eternity. If they could see me, I prayed they shared my happiness and were themselves at peace.

Then I saw Zephyrus. Remembering how he found me at the base of that hill under a sycamore tree, a scared girl grieving and broken. How he'd curled around me and kept me warm. How he'd taught me to hold fast as he flew and rolled. How he'd stood by me through the Resistance and led to my coming here. Our bond was profound, and I was grateful for it. Had he perhaps known of my connection to Ramiel? Or had he simply trusted?

My thoughts shifted then to Ramiel. My impossible, stubborn, powerful, gentle prince and the last of Sentinels. For now. The man who had become my heart.

I remembered his face when he'd first caught me in his trap, that arrogant smirk that had made me want to punch him when all the while he knew what we were to one another. The fierce determination in his eyes as he battled to protect the Chasm. The tenderness in his touch as he'd tended my wounds. The vulnerability when he'd told me about his curse and how he had accepted my help. The passion and affection when he spoke to me of "his mate" and what he would tell her. The selflessness as he had tried to put my future and wellness above his own.

Falling in love—finding a family—all of that had seemed out of my reach. When I scourged myself, I had not believed I could ever heal. Not truly. At best, I could protect him. But now—now even though part of the scar remained, the bond had formed.

No longer was I the broken, scared child who cowered beneath the tree, nor was I the vengeful, petty woman who'd broken into his tower. And he wasn't the cold, isolated Sentinel he'd pretended to be.

I sent a silent prayer of gratitude to the Creator of All. Life had taken so much from me—my family, my kingdom, my innocence. The path had been cruel and hard. But standing here with Ramiel, with Zephyrus and his dragon kin watching over us and Caein with his support and wisdom, I felt only gratitude and hope.

The stones finished dissolving within my hands, turning into shimmering sand. Opening my eyes, I blinked away the tears, then smiled.

When I opened my eyes, I gasped. The stones had completely transformed, crumbling into fine, shimmering sand. Rose-gold and turquoise grains swirled together, glowing softly now and filling half the empty jar.

He took my hand in his and brought it to my heart. "Where your soul goes, mine follows. From this day to final silence and into all that lies beyond, I am yours. And even if your light falls dark, I will love you still. For if you fall, I will catch you. When you rise, I will guard you. You are mine through all that is and all that will yet be, and I am forever yours."

I gazed up into his eyes as I made my pledge to him, his heart beating against my palm. The words came to my mind easily, a blend of crimson and rune fae vows. "In fury and in joy, in passion and stillness. My blood bears the truth: I am yours and you are mine, and no force will tear our souls from the other. When your rage burns, I will be your calm. When your calm breaks, I will be your shield. I will fight for you, bleed for you, live for you, and you will never go alone."

Together we then poured each of our individual jars of sand into the empty jar with the inscription. They melded together, shifting in layers, creating purple and streaks of pink and blue with hints of violet and turquoise. Once they were filled, he took my hand and placed it with his over the mouth. He put his other hand over my heart. I mirrored this pose.

"Natoumai ahme vahre, Astraia," he whispered.

"Natoumai ahme vahre, Ramiel," I responded.

Our magic twined together, sparking between our palms and fingertips, gold and silver.

Our magic swirled between us, gold and silver light intertwining as the sand in the jar shimmered with our combined colors. Ramiel's eyes darkened to deep violet as he gazed down at me. His expression filled with such tenderness it made my very being ache.

He cupped my face with one hand, his thumb brushing my cheek. "My nat," he whispered, the words carrying on the evening breeze.

"My heart," I answered.

He leaned down and pressed his lips to mine, his touch soft, reverent. I greeted him with the same tenderness, leaning against him, my fingers finding their way to the nape of his neck, threading through his silver hair. A small moan escaped me.

His arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me flush against him at that, and his kiss deepened, becoming hungry, desperate—as though he'd been starving for this moment his entire life. I matched his passion, rising on my toes to press closer, my fingers tightening in his hair.

The dragons around us roared, the vibration of their calls thrumming through me as Ramiel's mouth claimed mine. Their wings beat the air as several dragons took flight, circling above us in celebration.

Ramiel finally broke our kiss, his breaths ragged. He caressed my cheek as he held me tight.

"I never thought I would have this," he whispered against my lips. "That I would have you. I'm never letting you go again, Astraia. You are the one my soul sought all these years, and you are the one who makes my life worth living. Even if you do mix my rune stones up when you're angry."

I tried to laugh, but it came out as a half sob and half giggle. "I'm glad. Because you're never getting rid of me."

"I noticed." He nuzzled me again, his voice even softer. "Thank you for coming back."

Another chorus of roars and bellows resounded. Most of the dragons had taken to the skies and flew in a circle. Zephyrus remained at the edge of the cliff, watching me expectantly. Crossing over, I leaned up on my toes and hugged him. He thrust his muzzle down and purred as Ramiel spoke to Thalorion. The ancient dragon inclined his head, eyes half shaded and whiskers trailing on the flagstone as he dutifully listened. Then he nudged Ramiel lightly.

Zephyrus trilled, drawing my attention back to him. He nuzzled once more and chirred in response. I pressed my cheek to his and kissed him gently. "You have been the best friend and family I could have asked for. Thank you for everything."

He huffed at me and blinked slowly, the picture of perfect contentment. Above, more dragon calls sounded. He turned his gaze upward.

Thalorion grunted. He jerked his chin up toward the skies. Zephyrus responded. They walked to the edge of the bridge, unfurled their wings, and leaped into the sky. Within seconds, they joined the dance above.

Ramiel smiled as he turned to me. "The only thing missing is music, my love."

"It's all—" I broke off as he started to cut runes in the air. Each silver line hummed and sang. The mist coiled higher, moving in time to the gentle beat as the sun sank behind the mountains.

"May I have this dance, my lady?" He bowed at the waist and extended his hand to me.

"It would be my honor, my lord." I curtsied. Then, in a breath, I was once more in his arms, melting and smiling.

So easily did we move across the flagstones, runes singing above, silver lines humming with a melody that matched our mood. His hand pressed against the small of my back, warm and steady and keeping me close.

Words couldn't express my joy as he spun me across the bridge, purple mist swirling at our feet. Night descended around us, stars piercing the velvet black sky one by one. The dragons circled overhead, their calls a primal chorus of chirrs, growls, and rumblings. Even from here, I could pick out Zephyrus's deep resonant growls. As I turned my face up to the sky, I watched in wonder, still letting Ramiel lead me. "I've never heard dragons sing before."

"They celebrate the sacred bonds," he said. His lips brushed mine. "And this is the most precious of any bond I have ever held."

"I never thought this was one I'd get to celebrate," I whispered.

"Nor did I." He nodded, his eyes reflecting starlight. We turned again, faster now, our bodies pressed tight. The music from the runes intensified, matching our quickening steps.

I laughed with delight, just shaking my head.

His smile broadened into a great slash of white, and he suddenly grasped my waist and lifted me in the air. He spun me as if I weighed nothing and then held me there as he gazed up at me. "Natoumai ahme vahre, Astraia."

I pressed my forehead to his, utterly content and grateful beyond words. "Natoumai ahme vahre, Ramiel."

Thank you so much for reading. Readers like you help keep this dream alive, and I am so deeply grateful to you.