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“May I come in?” I asked, fighting back the twitch of amusement that threatened to pull at my mouth.
Maisie was floating there, her hair in loose and wild tendrils. She was staring at me with wide eyes, and I could just make out the tightness in her jaw, as if there was something she wanted to say, but was physically holding herself back from saying it. I wondered about it before she took a stroke to the side to allow me entry.
I went gratefully inside and my eyes scanned the room for danger, an instinct that was hard to fight. I did a sweep along the floor, coming to a stop at the discarded pile of dark clothing in the middle of the room. They looked like commoner’s clothes and a cloak. Another sweep showed me Maisie’s black blade leaning against a wall.
My eyes narrowed.
“What’s going on?” Maisie asked casually after she closed the door. She swam around to face me, the smile pulling at her lips obviously forced.
I’d come in here this morning because all I could think of last night was her. Everything I’d wanted to say and confess to her had me tossing and turning. I’d braved it enough that I decided on telling her my feelings. Even if she didn’t reciprocate them, I’d tell her.
But the words I’d spent hours practicing last night disappeared as a fierce wave of protectiveness nearly drowned me, and the strict words came out of me instead.
“Did you go out last night?” I asked.
Her eyebrows rose and she followed to where my fingers were gesturing at the clothes tossed onto the floor. I tried to gauge her reaction, as her every emotion was so open. Easy to read. Panic, and the sudden fumbling of her mouth, could only mean that she was about to lie to me.
“I—I mean—no—”
“You’re lying.” It was a brusque accusation that had her freezing. I was aware of what that tone did to her. I knew it made her strive for perfection, to be more like the princess I used to compare her with. I tried to soften my voice. “Why did you go out?”
Maisie bit her bottom lip but didn’t speak. Frustration swelled through me at that.
“You still don’t trust me,” I whispered. Her eyes were guarded, but the flash in them spoke more than words ever could. No. And that hurt. “Why?” I asked. My voice was cold steel, so as to not betray the real emotions I felt beneath.
“I—”
I didn’t let her finish before I was taking a stroke towards her, startling a gasp from her mouth. I didn’t mean to frighten her. It was the last thing I wanted. I willed my shoulders to loosen, and when my hands reached out to cup her shoulders, I did so lightly.
“I would do anything for you, Maisie,” I promised. “I said I’d protect you with my life and I will. But how can I keep that promise if you don’t trust me? If you don’t tell me things?” I was sure she could hear the insecurities dripping from me, and I wondered if she was disgusted. For a brief moment, I didn’t care.
Her gaze averted away from me before traveling back slowly. Something in her black eyes glossed over. “I do trust you,” she whispered.
I wasn’t sure if it was a lie.
“I just want you safe, Maisie.” And because I couldn’t help myself, I had to lean forward. Even if she pushed me away, at least her feelings would be clear enough to keep me away the next time. But I took the risk, and pressed my lips to hers. It was slow and soft to give her a chance to decide if she wanted me or not.
Before on the balcony and here in this room in front of Elias and Kai hadn’t counted. The first time had been angry and vicious desire, the second time had been for an audience.
I wanted this time to be more real. I wanted her to feel how much I cared, without anger or anyone else in between us.
So I kissed her, and when she opened her mouth to accept me, my heart thundered and I pulled her close so she could feel it. Our tongues met in the middle. We gave and took in equal measure, a soft exploring of lips that didn’t quell the desire building in my stomach.
I pulled her closer, needing to feel every inch of her. My hand slid up to cup her cheek, and she gripped the lapels of my jacket tightly. She tugged, as if the space between us was just too wide. Like she planned to breathe me into her very soul. If she did, I wouldn’t have minded.
I wanted her.
Maisie Fauna of Lagoona, waitress at Tides’ Tavern, who had yelled at me for knocking her over, who had slapped my hand and swam away, who had led me onto gator grounds and had swung a kitchen knife at me in self-defense. Who had gone from waitress to princess, saved criminals and challenged royals all because she thought it was right.
She was the one I wanted.
I conveyed this as best as I could. Not with the words I had practiced, but with my body, with the movement of my hands and with the touch of my lips. I could only hope she understood. And the way she responded meant she wanted me just as much as I wanted her.
Maisie pulled away and struggled to catch her breath. Her chest rose and fell against mine in rapid little movements. I searched her eyes for regret and there was none. Her hands slid up to my shoulders, and she gave a soft little sigh that made me want to take her mouth in mine all over again.
“I do trust you,” she repeated firmly.
I nodded. “Then please, don’t leave the palace without me. I—” I took a breath. “I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you. Something I could have prevented—”
“It’s okay.” Her hand came up to pat lightly at my cheek. “I promise, it won’t happen again.”
I didn’t ask again why she’d left the palace, as I doubted she’d tell me anyway. Maybe she’d gone to see Elias. If that were the case, next time I saw the Black Blade, I’d have to have a few words with him regarding Maisie’s safety.
“Well, thanks.” I cleared my throat, suddenly feeling very awkward. I wanted to kiss her again, but duty was calling. I took a stroke away. “You should get ready for the day,” I suggested. “There’s much to do.”
Maisie smiled at me, and I didn’t wait for her dismissal or give her a goodbye as I whirled away and left the room. Once I was out, I could finally breathe and see clearer. I hadn’t told her what it was I’d wanted to say, but my actions seemed effective just the same.