Chapter Twenty

Kiran was overjoyed to hear those words, hoping Gwyneth would decide to stay. She had changed so much since arriving, but he couldn’t say if it was enough.

“Hungry?” he asked as they finished practicing the dance.

“I’m sure the kitchen is very busy preparing for tomorrow’s party.”

“So we should go hungry?”

Gwyneth chuckled and shook her head. “No, but how about a walk first? I could use some fresh air.”

“I like that idea.”

Kiran took her hand, and they strolled through the castle before heading outside to explore the extensive garden behind it. The setting sun cast a warm glow over them as they followed a small path.

“I’ve never breathed fresher air.” Gwyneth sighed.

“Is the air different in your world?” Kiran asked.

“It is. It’s contaminated.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s polluted,” she explained. “We often have to wear masks that clean the air before we breathe it in. That’s one of the reasons we need to fix my world. I hadn’t seen a clear sky before coming here. It’s amazing,” she said, gazing up at the dark-blue sky.

Kiran watched Gwyneth, his heart swelling with affection as he witnessed her happiness and curiosity. She was like a breath of fresh air herself, and he found himself falling for her even harder. How could he ever let her go now? The time they had spent together had created a strong bond, and he began to wonder if he would follow her. He knew his responsibilities as king made that impossible, but the idea of it was tempting.

Would it be so bad? his wolf asked, obviously ready to depart with her. But Kiran had to remember his duty.

We are a king. We have a people who need us, Kiran reminded his wolf.

Don’t we have a mate who needs us?

His wolf made a valid point, but Kiran couldn’t abandon his own world and the people who needed him. Even if they found a way to remove The Dark Wolves, the terror they had endured would take time to heal, and they needed a strong leader to guide them toward recovery. Kiran had to be that leader. Yet that thought didn’t prevent his heart from beating for one person only.

“You’re staring at me,” Gwyneth remarked as she turned her head.

“Can’t I admire my mate?”

“Not when you’re looking at her like you might eat her.”

Kiran chuckled, shaking his head. “I might want to tie her up so she can’t go anywhere.”

Gwyneth smiled. “Let’s just enjoy the fact that I’m here now.”

“I am, but I can’t help but wonder a little.”

“About what?”

“About the day you might leave.”

“Kiran…” she began.

“What if I couldn’t stop myself and followed you?”