“Burke!”
Burke spun in the shadows of Crevy’s familiar stables to find Alys silhouetted in the portal. She was slightly out of breath and her cheeks were flushed, her hood cast back.
“Again I owe you an apology,” she said with a fleeting smile. “But this I hope will be the last. I am sorry that I did not trust the fullness of your intent, I am sorry that I feared you would lose interest in me over time, I am sorry that I have always heeded the endorsement of others before your own pledge, and I am sorry that I doubted your fidelity.”
Burke blinked, astonished by this confession.
“I have not trusted you fully, Burke, and that is no way to begin our match.” Alys stepped closer, her eyes gleaming. “And I would seal my apology with a kiss.”
Burke’s pulse pounded at the prospect. Alys smil
