Soon, it was roasting and the scent of cooking meat filled the air. We ate, leaning together on the back porch, wrapped in the blankets he had in the cabin. I moved to stand and hissed at the shock of pain in my back. "You've pushed yourself too far." He nodded toward the door. "Head in. I'll clea
Violet I shook off the haze and blinked at the empty space beside me. The faint warmth in the sheets was the only evidence that Theodore had been there at all. The unease from my dream lingered, a nagging sensation curling in my chest. Something felt off. Slipping out of bed, I padded toward the
The conviction in his voice was enough to push back the doubt, if only a little. I took a deep breath and slipped out of his arms. He let me go, and I closed my eyes, reaching inward, pushing, and searching for that spark that had once felt as easy as breathing. Please, I thought, willing the conn
Violet I bolted into the forest. Theodore’s answering snarl carried a hint of amusement, and then he was after me, his powerful strides eating up the distance between us. I ran faster, darting through the trees, weaving around trunks, and leaping over underbrush, my senses alive with the thrill of
“It was worth it.” Theodore’s expression softened, and he reached out to brush a strand of hair from my face. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “It was.” The forest around us seemed to glow faintly, the magical flowers casting their light like stars against the darkness. For a moment, neither of us mov
Theodore I didn’t know what to say as it all clicked into place for me. “Violet...” She shook her head, forcing a wry smile. “Look back, the Goddess had to have been protecting me probably for the best, right? A child with him...” Her voice cracked, and I swallowed hard. I pulled her close
“Then what is it?” His thumb brushed over my knuckles, and his gaze softened. “It’s about what’s right. For us. For our lives. I don’t want to give you an answer that’ll make you question yourself more than you already do.” I swallowed, my throat tight. He was trying to protect me—of course, he
Violet Dahlia looked like she was going to blow a gasket. Kincaid was flushed and huffing with fury. I could see how hard it was to restrain himself. He edged himself back. “You don’t get to decide how I feel about it.” Kincaid snarled. “Then tell me!” His words seemed to ring through the ai
The afternoon sun had begun to dip, casting a warm, golden hue over the gathering. By the time the matches concluded, a festive air had settled over the estate. The nobles gathered in clusters, laughing and chatting as the servants began setting up for the reception. Theodore was surrounded, drawing
Violet I turned back at the sound of a sharp clatter and caught sight of Nora dumping the plate of food into a small waste bin by the cot. Her expression was tight with anger as she muttered, “I don’t need your pity.” I didn’t flinch. The action—and her defiance—meant nothing to me. I wasn't going
I shook my head. My conscience would nag at me all night if I didn't, and I had better plans to enact tonight with my husband than worrying about my ex-husband's mistress. I licked my lips thinking about the look in Theodore's eye before he'd stolen that kiss. Yeah. A lot better things to think ab
Violet The combat matches drew to a close rather quickly. No one was dragging it out after Lucas and Owen had been tossed around like helpless chickens for nearly an hour. I won't say that it wasn't entertaining to watch Lucas land hard and fast at the feet of men several times his age. Owen was no
Finally, in one coordinated movement, we both struck—our blades flying from our hands and landing in the grass at the same time. The crowd erupted in applause as we stood there, breathless and staring at each other. “Well,” I said, panting. "What happens--" I yelped as she tossed me over her shoul
Theodore She came in fast and hard, cutting low and quick, faster than I expected. Faster than should have been possible with her still laboring under her bond with Violet. She aimed a solid kick to my shoulder, pushing me enough that my feet slipped and skidded across the ground. The sleeve of my
“You’ve already won most of them over,” she murmured, her voice calm and confident. “Consider this a chance to seal the deal. Having noble allies is always a good thing.” That didn’t stop the knot of unease forming in my stomach. Fighting Violet? In front of an audience this critical? It felt lik
Theodore As we crossed the area towards the seating, around the combat pitch, I struggled to keep a straight face. The scene unfolding was almost too good to be true. Owen’s wife and Nora trailed behind him and Lucas, looking thoroughly out of place and entirely ignored. The nobles, who had been so
My eyes widened. "What?" She smiled. "The Vainthott Events are quite expensive, and it would be to every noble in attendance in accordance to their cost of attendance and any cost that could be proven." I blinked and looked at her. "You'd probably annex Twining River with ease." And I'd do everyt