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His voice came out with a deadly precision that made goose bumps rise on my skin. “So what are you saying?”
“Well, I just figured that there was no sense forcing a bond between us when it’s not wanted.”
“I see.” His hands flexed on his thighs. “You feel forced to bond with me, then?”
“What? No. I—” My lips parted, not sure what to say.
How did he come to the conclusion that I was the one being coerced?
“No? You said it wasn’t wanted.”
I rubbed my forehead. “No. I mean, it’s not. But it’s you.”
His head angled to the side.
“You’re the one who doesn’t want it. I just thought I’d offer to give you an out because it’s obviously bothering you.”
Again, his hands flexed. “It bothers me more than you know.”
“Then take the out.”
I didn’t know why he seemed so angry about it.
He pushed to his feet and stepped toward me.
I glanced up at him, taking a step back to put space between us until my back pressed against the cool glass. He rested his arm beside my head.
The moonlight cast sharp shadows across his face, emphasizing his irritation and making him seem more threatening than he ever did during the day—unless he was truly that furious, and I was in deep shit.
“So you want to free me?” His voice carried a bitter edge as he said free, as if the word left a sour taste in his mouth. “Is that what you’re saying?”
“No one should have their life dictated for them,” I whispered.
I wondered if he understood I’d meant more than a bond with me.
He couldn’t escape his father’s plan, but he could escape this.
His gaze left mine as he glanced to the side.
“And you think freeing me from our tether will make things easier?”
“Wouldn’t it?”
“Father has announced to all of Elyrdin that you are my Nyrith. How do you think it will look to our people if the future leader of Elyrdin violates the most sacred gift Fate offers our kind by severing our bond?”
I frowned.
He’d stay bound to me and make life difficult for both of us just to keep up appearances?
“Don’t,” he said, tone harsh.
“What?”
“Your scent soured. You’re misunderstanding me again.”
“I’m not—”
“You believe I’d keep our incomplete tether to please Father and fulfill my duty.”
