Princess of Thorns (33 page)

“For being so wretched stubborn. I was pretty sure it was the only thing I didn’t like about you.” He laughs beneath his breath. “But anyone else would have given up on me the fourth or fifth time I said no.”

“I guess you’ll have to add it to the list of things you love about me,” I whisper, standing on tiptoe to brush my lips against his, sighing as my entire being lights up. It’s like being filled with fairy magic but better, because this is magic we make together, Niklaas and I, something that was born and nurtured between us that can never be twisted or tainted or stolen away so long as we’re willing to fight for it.

And I will always fight for him. Always.

I feel shot through with light all the way back to the castle, all through the ceremony, and late into the night as Niklaas and I set about deflowering each other with as much tender enthusiasm as I had expected. And it is beautiful and right and by the time I drift to sleep in his arms, he is truly a part of me, a treasure I will hold close for the rest of my life, the greatest blessing, fairy or otherwise, I have ever known.

I open my eyes to sunlight flooding through unfamiliar yellow curtains, bathing the bed in gold, and for a moment I can’t remember where I am.

And then I hear her sigh and turn my head to find Aurora propped on one arm, watching me wake up, and it all comes rushing back—the breathless ride back to the castle, the wedding in the garden with the last of the autumn roses tucked into Aurora’s hair, going to bed with my best friend and learning I’ve been doing it all wrong, and needed to be deflowered, after all.

Last night was what love is supposed to feel like, terrifying and beautiful and so close you’re afraid you’ll lose a piece of yourself, but you don’t. You gain a piece of the person you love instead, a piece that makes you stronger and happier than you could have imagined possible.

Thank the gods she came after me; thank the gods I had the sense to let myself be saved or I never would have known.

“Good morning,” I mumble with a smile, reaching lazy fingers up to brush her cheek, needing to touch her. “How long have you been awake?”

“Since before the sun rose.” She leans into my touch. “I wanted to be sure …”

“Aw, you were worried about me, you tender-hearted little thing.” I grin as I roll over, pushing her back onto the pillows.

“Of course I was, you idiot,” she says, fighting a smile as she punches my bare arm, proving marriage isn’t going to make her go easy on me. “I have important business to attend to. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life cleaning up swan droppings.”

“Is that all?” I lean close enough for our noses to brush. “The only reason you’re glad I’m still human?”

“Well … I love you,” she whispers, her fingers threading through my hair, pulling me even closer. “I suppose there’s that.”

Before I can tell her I love her, too, she’s kissing me, and one kiss leads to two, which leads to a challenge to prove love is as much fun in the daylight, and I never have been the sort who can resist a challenge that involves a beautiful girl.

A beautiful girl who loves me, who makes me feel like I’ve finally come home.

“Let’s never sleep apart,” I whisper later as we lie curled together, drifting back to sleep in the pale morning light. “I want to wake up with you every day.”

Aurora sighs. “You really are sweet, you know.”

“It’s true, your highness. I am very sweet. You should always love me,” I say, pressing a kiss to her bare shoulder.

She laughs. “I think that can be arranged.”

Firstly, big thanks to the usual suspects—to Michelle Poploff and Rebecca Short for their editing prowess, to Ginger Clark for agenting finesse, and to the entire team at Delacorte Press for their excellence. Thanks to my family—to Mike for love above and beyond, and to Riley and Logan for laughs and love and the joy of being Mama to two such extraordinary people. Thanks to friend and critique partner, Julie Linker, for her keen eye and unflagging moral support, to Jennifer Redstreake-Geary for her delicious artwork, to the Debutantes of 2009 for community of the best kind, and to my mother and father for all those trips to the library. Lastly, thank you to my readers: your enthusiasm and support means so much, I am honored to tell you stories.

Stacey Jay is the author of seven previous books for young adults, including
Of Beast and Beauty
and the popular companion novels
Juliet Immortal
and
Romeo Redeemed.
She lives in a cabin by the river in Northern California with her winemaker husband, two sons, her beloved sewing machine, an electric ukulele, and all the stories still making their way from the ether to the page. Learn more at
staceyjay.com
.