There was more shuffling in the dark hall behind him, then Orrin and Tavish walked in with wide grins plastered across their faces. Each of them held a crate filled with melons.
“I grew them myself,” Rafe said. “Mostly.”
My mind tumbled. Melons? “You are a man of many talents, King Jaxon.”
Creases deepened around his eyes. “And you, Queen Jezelia, are a woman of surprising strengths.”
I didn’t move.
I wasn’t sure I was breathing.
He reached up and caressed my cheek.
“I know hundreds of miles separate us. I know you have your endless duties here and I have mine in Dalbreck. But we’ve done the impossible, Lia. If we can find a way to end centuries of animosity between the kingdoms … surely … we can find a way for us.”
He bent over, and his lips met mine, gentle, tender, and I trembled against their touch. I tasted the wind, sweet melons, a thousand dreams, and hope.
We parted and looked at each other, a better ending at our fingertips.
A way for us.
Impossible.
But that hadn’t stopped us before.
And I reached up and brought his mouth back to mine.
THE END