And no matter how many times he made me rage, no matter how many times we fought, attempting to navigate this quick marriage and this deep and intoxicating love, I never wanted us to end.

But this apology, he would have to work for.

I rose from my place at the table, surprised when Adrian reached for me. My eyes fell to where his hand held my forearm, and then I met his stare.

“Where are you going?”

“I am tired,” I said.

He said nothing but shifted my hand, pressing a kiss to my knuckles before letting me go. I curtsied and left the dais, but as I navigated the crowd and dancers, I spotted Killian among the revelers, striding toward me. When I smiled at him, he grinned.

“Your Majesty,” he said, bowing.

“Killian,” I said. “I am glad to see you.”

“I never thought you’d say those words again.”

There was nothing hopeful within his eyes as he said it, and it seemed he finally understood I would never be his.

“Have you come to dance?” I asked.

He laughed, glancing at the crowd. “Only if you are offering,” he said. “Though I understand if you wish to retire.”

Despite our differences, there was a part of me that felt so comforted by Killian’s presence. He reminded me of home, the good part, and he was fiercely protective, which was something I admired when it applied to the people of Revekka, whom he had effortlessly and selflessly adopted.

“One dance,” I said.

He smiled and held out his gloved hand. We moved into the processional, choosing a place in line opposite each other. I laughed as I faced Killian, who looked out of place in his black uniform as he bounced on his feet and clapped to the lively music. We skipped to the center of the line to change places, linking our arms as we went.

“Please tell me you are having fun, Killian!”

“Of course,” he answered, amusement sparkling in his eyes before we broke apart.

The song went on, an unending tempo that made sweat bead across my skin, and for a moment, I thought of nothing beyond the fun of this dance, something I had not felt in a very long time. Then a set of hands clamped down on my waist, and I was drawn back against a hard body. Fingers tightened on my jaw and my head jerked back as Adrian’s mouth slammed against mine.