Rolfe and Iona walked back to their chamber, excitement thrumming in their chests. Amongst the fae demon soldiers, even as they realized the complication and risk involved in the project, enthusiasm bubbled to life. Iona looked over her shoulder and was pleased to see faes were working together for a cause that was in the benefit of Prince Rolfe, knowing the fact fully well that he wasn't even the king of Galahar. She didn't know how, but she would repay her debt to Anastasia one day. "It's a little weird to witness all this Rolfe," she said when they reached the chamber. "All my life I have been part of only destructions and dark ploys, but now that I am a part of something constructive like this…" she shook her head. "I feel so good. I am so eager to complete the task with you."
Rolfe walked to the fireplace. He knelt down and added a small log to it. The skies were lit up by thunder and lightning, adding to the chill in the air. When he turned back to look at her, he said, "Iona, I wanted you to stay back, love."
She jerked her head back. "What?" she asked, her gaze flickering black with anger. "Why?"
He got up from his place and walked to her as she stared at his face and watched him with anger that tickled her skin. He knelt in front of her. Placing his palm on her cheek he said, "The task involves a lot of danger. My soldiers know where to go exactly as we know the topography of Galahar, but if I take you with me, I will be risking your life." He almost shuddered at the thought. "And that is going to be…" he snapped his mouth shut for he didn't have words. His breath became shallow.
It started raining heavily and droplets pelted on the windows like someone was throwing pebbles on them.
For a long time, Iona stared in his pine green eyes and then slowly said, "Rolfe, please don't stop me. I am so looking forward to be with you. I am going to be of great help because you see, I am the designer. You can't leave me and go! I need to do this because I— I—" she stopped speaking as her lips quivered.
His brows creased as he tilted his head as he waited for her to continue.
"—because I want to prove to myself that I haven't gone too far to the negative side. Because I want to prove to myself that even without education, I can do something worthwhile. I don't want to be the type who would twiddle their thumbs and stay at home while watching the men take the risk. I can take the risk!" she said in a determined way, her chest heaving up and down.
A smile tugged his lips up. Cupping her face, he said, "I didn't expect my Iona to be so fierce. Though I know how strong you are and you really don't have to prove it to me, I respect your feelings. And now that I have heard you, I would love for you to accompany me." He brushed his knuckles on her cheeks lovingly.
Her fingers dug in his upper arms as she met his gaze. "I love you."
Rolfe's fingers halted their movement on her cheeks as he stared into her golden hued eyes. "What?" he asked, his tone breathless and merely a whisper. He widened his eyes as he looked at her with parted lips. The surprise in his demeanor was palpable and Iona wondered what was so astonishing about what she just spoke. She thought it was already an established fact.
But it seemed that Rolfe was unable to decipher what she spoke. Iona was ready to plunge herself in danger with him, more than ready to immerse herself for his benefit, for the benefit of his people, but she had never said those words. She realized that she had to make him believe what she felt for him. Over the past week, she had grown attached to him at speed that scared her, but there was no denying that. Suddenly she felt desperate to let him know what she felt about him.
She took a deep breath and then pressed her hands against his cheeks. His skin was burning and his horns were straightening. "I love you, Rolfe," she said in a lilting voice.
Rolfe blinked once and his breath lodged in his chest.
"I love—" Before she could say more, his lips pressed hers in a searing kiss. It was as if he couldn't control his emotions, it was as if he wanted to explore her again, every contour of her lips. His body shuddered and his chest rumbled. He growled and moaned in her mouth. He pulled away from her and then in a hoarse voice said, "I didn't expect— I mean, I knew we had— I can't believe—" he became breathless. He leaned forward and kissed the ends of her eyes, where tears had begun to pool. "I always knew the connection we had with Iona, but loving me? Who would love an exiled prince?" he shook his head and for the first time Iona saw how shaken up he was from the inside.
She pressed her fingers against her lips. "I was the Dark Witch, remember? We both are in the same boat now. While I did things because I was tortured to do them, but now I am going to mend it. And what you have done is because you believe in your values. You are not an exiled prince for me. You are a hero for me, and I want to follow my hero." She took her hand to his nape where she stroked him softly. "I love you for all that you are, Rolfe. And I would— I would—" she swallowed saliva down to clear her throat that she felt was getting choked because of her emotions. "I would follow you everywhere, because I know you will follow me just like that, Rolfy."
Rolfe leaned forward and he pressed his lips again on hers. This time he wrapped his one arm around her waist, pulled her close to him and curled his fingers around the back of her neck. He licked her tongue to permit him to enter. When he grazed it with his fangs, Iona couldn't resist. She melted in his arms as she climbed in his lap and straddled his thighs. He dug his tongue deeper in her mouth and caressed every part, worshipped her with all he had. When he pulled away, she almost stifled a cry. He rested his head against her forehead and chuckled. "Do you know you called me Rolfy?"
Iona chuckled back and bit her lips. Her cheeks flushed a deep red, but the nickname came out naturally.
"I like the nickname, love," he said, his gaze darting between her eyes. "Rolfy…" He kissed the corner of her mouth and said, "Call me with that name again."
"Rolfy," she said, bemusedly.
He gulped. "Again."
She threaded her fingers in his hair and said, "Rolfy."
He closed his eyes.. His lips quivered and the next moment, Iona found herself pressed hard against his chest. "My Iona… I love you too…"