Renn traced his fingers along her face, still unable to believe what had just happened between them. It felt unreal, like a dream so beautiful he never wanted to wake from. His heart knew the peace of it, but his mind reminded him that his brothers would soon come, angry and disappointed, maybe even ready to break his door down. He had already prepared himself for that.
It wasn't his fault, he told himself. Fate had only chosen him to be the first, and he couldn't stop himself from feeling lucky. He leaned down to kiss her forehead, watching her sleep, her lashes resting softly against her cheeks. She had been asleep for hours, her body worn out, and he had not dared to wake her because she needed that rest.
When her eyes fluttered open at last, Renn's chest tightened. He cupped her face gently, his voice soft with affection. "The queen is awake."
