☉NARIEL
His gaze settled on his hands instead, as if it were easier to face. “But I understand it now. It all boils down to you being his mate, which I suppose is fair. I might feel a twinge of jealousy, but I don't resent it.” He looked at me, his turquoise eyes soft and hurt, and spoke quietly, with a half smile that belied any hurt, “As long as you are happy... it's all I ever wanted for you.”
Eldrion. A knot eased.
He’d accepted me, accepted what I was—my mate. He’d sheltered his emotions for me, for my happiness.
Yes. Sheltered, that’s what it was.
Eldrion looked up, meeting my gaze. And whatever was on my face—I think it might have been mirrored on his: the patience and trust and acceptance.
I swallowed hard, tracing a line along the inside of my palm. I felt as though I had
