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“Rand, a moment of your time please?"

“Is there some other paperwork we need to complete?” Rand stopped and returned to face
Colin.

"My daughter may be your chosen and there is no doubt she’s the best match for
you.”

“But?”

“Never forget she’s wasn’t asked or even consulted about this. It has roused her Irish
temper. Give her time to accept it.”

“I understand your concern, Colin, but time is all I’ve ever given her. I’ve waited over
ten years and I’ll wait no longer. In less than six weeks, she’ll be my wife, temper or
not.” He left the study and vowed to find his wayward bride and set a few things
straight.

Mica and Colin watched him leave.

“Would you like to lay odds on them actually making it to the altar?" Colin joked.

“They’ll make it. They’re chosens."

"If they don’t kill each other first. My oldest daughter is merely a younger version
of her mother and your boy has enough of you in him that I don’t doubt they’ll have a wild
ride to the altar.

* * * *

Rand found Gracie beside the fountain in the royal gardens. She was sitting on the ledge,
gazing down at the gold coins scattered across the bottom of the fountain. If anything
she’s only become more willful since my Gathering. Despite her temper, it does nothing to
distract from how she affects me. If I had a durlac for every time I’ve had to stop myself
from claiming her, I would have enough to bring our country out of deficit. His loins
tightened at the picture she made, her generous curves covered in a light purple poet’s
shirt with dark leggings. She’d twisted her long red hair up into a twist but as usual
tendrils had escaped to caress her neck. And she’s mine.

“Ours!”

He nearly grinned at Ruzac’s reminder. Sometime during the first year after his sentient
power awoke, he’d broken down and gave his power a name, tired of talking to nameless
being.

When Gracie heard him approach, she glanced up but remained sitting, looking down into
the swirling water.

“You know, I used to come here with my father and toss coins in and make the craziest
wishes. Some of them would come true and some wouldn’t. But at eight, I was still innocent
enough to expect that they would.” Her voice was wistful.

"I did the same thing. My favorite thing to wish for was us being together for the
rest of our lives. You’re my best friend, and even while I was studying for my placement
test, you were never far away. As close as we are why don’t you want to marry me?" He
sat down next to her on the ledge.

“The only reason I was close at hand is because I was interning under my dad. The only
thing I’ve ever wanted is to one day be an Advisor. When this farce gets out, the board of
Elders will never take my application seriously.”

"So your objection to marrying me is because you’re afraid it will affect your
wizardry exam?”

She nodded.

“I don’t believe it. There’s more than just a thwarted career goal here. Try again.”

“We’ve been friends for years, it just won’t work.”

“That in itself will do nothing more than make our marriage stronger.” He tried to keep
his patience. “How can we make this work if you won’t tell me the truth, Gracie? You’ve
never lied to me in the past.”

“I’m not lying!” Her eyes narrowed in anger.

“Then explain it to me.”

“I don't know if I can explain it. It just doesn’t feel right. We’ve been friends
for so long, making the jump to a full partnership and marriage seems nearly impossible.”

“More excuses, Rand? Just claim her and be done with it!”

“Shut up, Ruzac.”

He strived for patience. “You wanted a partnership with me as my Advisor. Think of this
as another kind of partnership. I've had enough excuses; what are you hiding from me,
Gracie?

“I resent I’ve no say in this marriage. Your father and mine, in their infinite wisdom,
decided this was the best thing for both of us. While we’re socially and magically
compatible, there are two living, breathing people in this. We both have needs, wants and
desires.”

“So you’re concerned about what our relationship will be once we take off our crowns.
There’s no need for it. I’ll be more than happy to take care of any of your needs. I want
you to be happy with me.” Reaching out, he took her hand and edged her closer until there
was no marble separating them. In a move which didn’t surprise him, she pulled her hand
free and stood up.

“This is a serious issue, Rand. The primary duty of a royal couple is to produce an heir
and I won’t throw myself at a man who doesn’t want me.” She started to pace back in forth
in front of him. A gasp escaped her when she bumped into him.

When he put his arms out to steady her, she looked up at him. Rand nearly groaned. I
can’t remember the last time she’s been this close to me. After our near kiss at the
Gathering she’s kept her distance. I’d be a fool to pass up this up.

“Yes, take it.”

“Shut up, Ruzac.”

Lowering his head towards hers, his mouth was within inches of hers when she began to
struggle.

“Stop it, Gracie. We both know I won’t hurt you.” Burying one hand in her hair, he tipped
her face up to his.

“Don’t do this. I don’t know what are you’re trying to prove but...”

“What are you afraid of? Finding out how hot the fire between us will burn or not being
able to control it?” He rubbed his thumb over her lower lip. “Because the way I feel right
now, I don’t know if I’ll be able to control it. I’ve waited too long.”

“This isn’t funny, Rand.” Real anger showed in her eyes.

"I know you’re angry with me. In the end it won’t matter because we’re chosens and
the prophesy has been fulfilled. I wish you’d recognize it as easily as I do.”

“And who says I haven’t, Your Highness?” Wrenching free of his hold, she backed away from
him. “I don’t know what you did at your damn Gathering to fulfill that damn prophesy but
you can undo it. I won’t be forced into this. Not by my father or yours; and certainly not
by you or some damn prophesy!”

“No.”

“What did you just say?” Her eyes narrowed as she approached him.

“You heard me.” Grabbing her around the waist, he jerked her against him. “You’re mine
and have been for the past ten years.”

“You won’t want to claim me once I’m done.” Pushing hard against his chest, she broke his
hold. Rand cursed while he fought for balance. It turned into a full-fledged shout when
she used her power to tumble him into the fountain.

Coming up, he sputtered and pulled himself out of the fountain. Vicious little wildcat!
She’s going to be so much fun to tame.