But he had to believe that they could overcome those consequences, even if it now seemed impossible.
Katsi had taught him so much in that cave.
The word came to mind again. The word that had saved him.
Hope.
Perhaps it could save the entire empire.
He cast Katsi one final glance before leaving the room, bloodied coat over one shoulder.
“Migo,” Katsi said as Migo departed.
He continued walking. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could endure the scent of her. He walked faster. Sure, the scent was fainter in the hallway, but it did little to release him of his thoughts.
Those thoughts would not save the empire.
What he needed was to meet with Suresh. They needed to coordinate their military efforts across the globe. He needed to find a way to get in touch with Hatan and ensure that Jehubal would be prepared to defend itself should the bleeders attack.
The last thing he needed right now was the intoxicating scent of Katsi Danan.
Chapter twenty-five
Yours
Katsi ignored Adrina’s protests as she burst out into the hall after Migo. Her arms and hands already felt so much better with Tebane’s help. She never knew bleeder magic could do such things, but the pain of their loss at Wanay was far greater than any physical pain she felt. The devastation on Lady Vasash’s face almost brought her to tears.
But Migo. Something tormented him. She could see the pain in his eyes, and she knew it was nothing physical. There had to be a way for them to end all this. There had to be a way for them to bring the people together so that they could withstand whatever onslaught was coming.
“Migo,” she called to him, but he was taking long strides down the hall, drawing the attention of everyone in the hall as he walked with his coat over his shoulder, bloodied torso visible to all. “Migo, wait.”
He turned the corner without looking back at her.
Katsi ignored the stares she got as she hurried after him. He was already halfway across the next hall when she caught up to him, grabbing him by the elbow. “Migo, wait. Can we talk?”
“Katsi,” he said, making a weak attempt to pull his arm free. “I just need a moment to myself.”
“But we can talk about it. Talking helps. I’m struggling with what happened at Wanay too.”
“That’s not—” his voice cut off in a groan. “That’s not what’s afflicting me, Katsi.” They’d reached the emperor’s room, and Migo pushed his way through the door, trying to swing it shut after him, but Katsi threw it open. She would not be cut off.
“Then what is? Tell me. Let me help you. We can do this together, like we did for Jehubal.”
He turned on her, grabbing her by the shoulders, his eyes as dark and intense as she’d ever seen, capturing her more fully than his hands ever could. “It’s you, Katsi,” he said, his breath warm against her forehead as he leaned down. He breathed in deep, his chest heaving. “The scent of you… it’s my affliction.” His face dropped dangerously close to her own.
Katsi’s heart fired within her chest. Her skin warmed, heat flushing to her cheeks as she gazed up at his twinkling eyes, and she knew exactly what they needed to do. “Marry me,” she said.
Migo’s brows furrowed with confusion. “What?”
“I think it’s how we can solve the issue of loyalty with the shamanfolk. If you marry me, our union would be a symbol for the unity we need between Marems and shamanfolk.”
Migo stumbled away, shaking his head. “Katsi, no. I—I couldn’t do that to you.”
“Am I really so detestable that you couldn’t fathom marrying me even if it meant saving all of Malahem.” Katsi stepped toward him, not allowing him to back away. Could Migo not feel it? Could he not hear the pounding in her chest?
“No, Katsi,” he said, backing away more, stopping when his legs hit the back of a couch.
Energy pulsed between them. Not the magical kind, but it may as well have been. It drew her closer until she stood directly before him. Her finger hovered just over his chest as she pointed at him. “You love me. Don’t deny it.”
Migo’s lips parted, his lower lip trembling as his pupils dilated.
She already knew the answer before he spoke.
“I am yours, Katsi. Body and soul.” His voice was loud with conviction. “From the very moment you uncovered my eyes in that cave, you captured me. You are my strength. You are the very blood that fills my veins—the air that fills my lungs. I bleed for you. I breathe for you. You are all my hopes. I… am yours.” He moved toward her, his chest pressing up against her hand. His eyes welled as he shook his head. “But I could not marry you because I know you do not feel the same.”
Katsi took a shuddering breath. Every fiber of her being felt the undeniable truth. “But I do, Migo,” she whispered, looking back into his eyes. Her hand pressing against his chest was the one thing keeping her away from him.
“You do what?” Migo said.
He wanted to hear the words, and they yearned to be spoken. A shiver ran up Katsi’s spine as she dared to utter them. “I love you, Migo. I always have, and I was too afraid to admit it.”
Migo had no words, but the muscle in his jaw clenched as he nodded. His body pressed against her hand with more force, and she wasn’t sure how much strength her arm still had.
“You called for me, Empero—” Captain Suresh stood in the open doorway, eyes wide. “My apologies, Your Excellency. I can return at another time.” He started backing out the door.
Katsi snapped back a step from Migo, even more heat rising in her cheeks.
“No,” Migo said. “No apology is necessary. The door was open for a reason, Suresh.”
