Kiru Taye

EXCERPT 

The moment Danai shifted to rise from the settee, Zawadi stopped caring about rules and protocols.

He tilted his head and raised his hand, cupping her cheek. It was the first time he’d touched her intentionally.

Her skin was smooth milk chocolate. Her breath hitched, seemingly shocked by his action. Her lips parted slightly as if an invitation to kiss her.

The big moment didn’t pass him by—the seriousness and consequences of his actions, not just on his life but on the kingdom.

He, who had never deviated from the plan set about when he was born, was about to take a massive detour.

He hesitated, teetering over the edge of an invisible cliff. This oasis was far removed from the rest of the world. Yet, others would feel the impact of his deeds.

After the attempt on his life, he’d escaped to this desert palace, where he was surrounded by vaults of ancient scrolls and shelves of books. He’d come to immerse himself in his favourite pastime—studying and preserving his country’s history and culture.

Yet, he’d discovered something else. A yearning so intense, so overwhelming, he was coming undone at the seams.

Danai, on her part, stayed composed. Aside from the steady pulse at the base of Danai’s brown eyes, she didn’t show any anxiety or annoyance. She seemed to watch him without judgement, which strengthened his resolve.

She understood the risks he was about to take, had never pressured him into doing anything about the spark that existed between them from the first time they’d met. The time they’d spent together, her always by his side—the conversations they’d had. Slowly, over time, without knowing it, he’d become emotionally attached to her.

Then she’d laid her cards on the table, told him she cared about him. She’d seen his vulnerability, his fears, and hadn’t been repulsed. Hadn’t thought less of him.

Now she waited, perhaps wondering if he would take this to the next level and kiss her.