Chapter 23: The Horns

"I'm not asking you to go," I said to his back.

Ivo set the shirt down on the blanket.

"I know you aren't."

"Then turn around."

He didn't.

"If I turn around," he said, low, "I won't be able to leave.

"I've been trying to do the right thing for a week, Cassandra, and I'm tired."

"Good."

I walked in and shut the door behind me.

The lock turned with a small clear click, and his shoulders jumped.

"I said I'd give you something to ask for," I said. "I'll make it easier. Let the horns come."

That turned him.

His face was white, and his eyes were already dark with wanting and fear together.

"You saw them in the gate yard," he said. "You saw them in the cellar. You've never seen them whole."

"I've seen enough."

"They come all the way out when I'm not holding anything back. The whole crown.

"Girls have run from the sight." His voice cracked. "I wouldn't blame you if you did."

"Is that what you think I'm going to do?"

"I think you'll look at me and you'll know what you're carrying."

"I know what I'm carrying."

I crossed the room and put both hands flat on his chest.

His heart was slamming against my palms.

"Now ask me for something," I said. "For you."

He shut his eyes.

For a long moment I thought he wouldn't.

"Stay," he said. "Stay with me. Not as a favor and not for the child. Because I can't breathe without you in the room."

"That's it?"

"Marry me." It came out rough. "Not paper. Not a form. Anything you'll let me have."

I felt something give way in my chest.

"Yes," I said.

He opened his eyes, and they were gold.

The horn rose through his hair.

It came slowly, a black curve that climbed out of the ridge above his left ear and swept back.

Then a second one rose on the other side, smaller and sharp.

They shone in the lamplight.

He stood in front of me with his jaw clenched and his hands curled at his sides, waiting for me to flinch.

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