Chapter 90
CHAPTER 90
Rosalina
B lissfully warm water embraces me. The marble bath sinks deep into the ground, stretching across half of the room. It’s more like a tiny pool than a bathtub. Flickering candlelight casts a soft glow over the royal quarters in the Serenus Dusk Chambers attached to the colosseum. This is one of the few rooms not being used to house the citizens of Summer.
Fragrant rose petals float on the surface of the water, their sweet aroma mingling with the scent of jasmine-infused oils. I lean back against the edge of the bath, my gaze drifting lazily toward the bed, framed by gauzy curtains that sway gently in the breeze. Through the arched window, I can see Hadria, shining under the setting sun. From this high up in the Dusk Chambers, I feel as though I could touch the pink and orange clouds.
There hasn’t been much relief these last few weeks, but tonight I can breathe. I try again to push away all my worries. I know Kairyn and Wrenley will return, and my heart aches not knowing how Ezryn, Kel, Cas, and Farron are. But I must have faith that we’ll be together again.
I reach for a glass of wine resting on a nearby table and take a sip, letting the warmth spread through me.
Closing my eyes, I allow myself to simply be, to bask in the tranquility. The door opens and closes softly, and I don’t need to look to know who’s there. My bond rises like a sunrise beside my heart. Doubt clouded that bond for so long, but not anymore.
I crack my eyes open as Dayton walks across the chamber. It’s like I’m seeing him for the first time, stomach flipping and butterflies fluttering. I knew you belonged to me.
“We first met in a bath,” he says.
“I know.”
Dayton drops his leather armor to the floor. There’s not enough time to drink in the glorious sight of his body before he walks into the water. Candlelight glints off his broad shoulders. “This isn’t quite as spectacular as Castletree’s hot springs,” he says.
I wade closer to him until we’re only inches apart. “We’ll remake it. After Kel and my father rescue my mother, she can help. Your rose will be healed and—”
He cups my face with one of his hands. “We’ll do it, Blossom.”
Warmth swells in my chest as I look up at him.
“When we first met, I asked if you knew how to beg,” he says.
“I remember,” I say. A flush that has nothing to do with the hot water spreads across my cheeks. His gaze doesn’t drop to my naked form but remains solely fixated on my eyes.
“Now, I must beg something of you,” he says, placing his other hand on my face. “Your forgiveness.”
“My forgiveness? How very serious of you.”
“Let me be serious, then. Just this once,” he says, voice low. “Because I’ve never been so serious about anything as I am you.”
“All right,” I say gently.
“Forgive me for ever doubting. You told me we were mates long ago. You said you felt it, but I brushed it aside. I couldn’t believe that loving me wouldn’t ruin you. I think for a long time, I saw love as a cage that trapped everyone in it.”
I place my hand over his. “Now, what do you believe?”
His lips tremble, and a single tear runs down his cheek. “Love is an endless sea, and in its depths, I find your strength.”
Rising on my toes, I kiss the salty tear off his cheek. “You have my strength, and my lo—”
“I love you,” he says quickly.
“W-what?”
“I wanted to tell you first.” He smirks. “It sounded like you were ramping up to do that so—”
A laugh bursts from my chest. “You already told me you loved me.”
“We were fighting,” he says with a grin. “It didn’t count.”
I laugh and wrap my arms around his broad shoulders. “Well, I love you too, Day. Through all the tears, the fights, and the laughs.”
He dips his head, lips parting against mine in a gentle kiss. Almost tentative, even as every inch of his body presses against mine. His fingers tangle in my hair and desire courses through my veins.
“Rosie.”
“Day.”
“I’m so happy you’re my mate,” he says, pulling away slightly, seeming content to just gaze at me. “If I haven’t made that obvious.”
“I can’t wait until we tell Farron.”
Dayton lightly touches the token of Autumn around his neck. “He’s going to be so happy.”
I kiss the skin above the bargain band around Dayton’s arm. We’ll see you soon, Fare.
Dayton strokes the back of my hair, keeping me pressed close. “I want you, Rosie,” he says. “I want to make love to you as your mate.”
I tilt my chin up to him. “I want that too,” I say, though I’m unable to hide the nervousness in my voice.
“There’s something wrong,” he says. “Tell me.”
I can’t help the anxious flutter of my heart. “When Ezryn and I made love, when his bond was about to break, the power overwhelmed him …”
“Don’t worry, Blossom. I’m not afraid anymore. You are the most wondrous woman in all the Vale. I will strive forever to be worthy of you. That means becoming the best version of myself, of accepting all of who I am. Accepting Summer’s Blessing.” He lifts me up, carrying me out of the water. “I’m ready to be High Prince and I’ve never been more ready for my princess. I intend to greet the sunset as a man with you in my arms.”