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Jade finds Kit sitting in a windowsill. They’ve been back a few days now and they’ve been probably the busiest days of Kit’s life. Now that they returned without Graydon, much to everyone’s grief, there is the issue of Kit’s betrothal (not to mention the fact that she’s in love with her knight—something she left out when they gave her mother the rundown upon their return. One bomb at a time) and now a kingdom is left mourning their prince. Barely has Kit had a moment of alone time since they step back into Tir Asleen, so now she steals all she can.
“Do you want me to pretend I never saw you here?” Jade asks tentatively, clad in leather armor and a sword strung across her back. She’s been sparring with Boorman since they returned, now that Kit has been swept up into royal duties she has less time to escape for some practice, but she’s counting on things getting back to normal soon. Clinging to it.
“I will never say no to you joining me,” Kit sighs, motioning to the other corner of the window nook with her foot. Jade has a soft smile on her face as she climbs up into the space, nudging Kit’s foot with her own. They haven’t talked much since their initial confession, but there was no need to. They both knew where they stood—they orbited around each other and no one else and the journey home had only proved that. Kit had never loved anyone more than she loved Jade and she didn’t see that coming to an end any time soon. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages.”
Jade scoffs, “Don’t remind me. Can you stop being a princess soon so we can actually have a conversation?”
“We’re having a conversation right now,” Kit can’t help but smile despite how heavy everything has felt lately. “We’ll find our time. Airk’s already been working to keep mom away from bothering me. I think he knows it’s getting to be a bit too much for me. Twin telepathy and all that.”
“Things will settle soon, I’m sure. There’s just a lot happening at once. One prince returned, one… gone.” Jade shies away from the word dead because none of them really know what happened to Graydon. The journey home without him had been quiet, though. Elora barely spoke a word. It was pretty well determined that things had changed with her and Airk, but Kit knew that the moment she saw Elora and Graydon together on the journey out. Airk didn’t seem too heartbroken by it, there would be some new damsel to charm next week. Most of the ladies of the court have been fawning over him since he got back anyway. “Boorman and I were thinking about stealing away for a few days to visit Scorpia if you wanted to come. I’m sure your mom would let you. And if she doesn’t… then we’ll sneak out.”
Kit scoffs. “Last time I tried to sneak out it didn’t go too well.”
“Is it mean if I say I prefer your brother getting kidnapped than you kissing me and never seeing me ever again?” Jade asks, laughter spilling past her lips. God, Kit could stare at her for hours. The sun streams in through the stained glass, highlighting every single freckle on Jade’s cheeks, bringing out the red in her curls that are currently tied back. “Did you seriously plan on just running away?”
“It was that or marry a man which was not happening,” Kit can’t help but chuckle, picking at her cuticles as she talks. “That is a fate worse than death. I’m glad I didn’t succeed, though. I kind of like having you around.”
“Oh, kind of?” Jade teases, leaning forward and reaching for Kit’s wrist, tugging her closer. Their faces meet in the middle of the stained glass window, lips not quite touching as their foreheads press against one another. “I think if I remember correctly, you’re in love with me but I could be wrong.”
“I am,” Kit can’t help but admit because it’s impossible to pretend around Jade. The one person in her life that has ever really, truly seen her and fought for her. Kit couldn’t lie if she tried. She loves Jade more than she’s ever known. She presses forward until their lips meet, grabbing her in a kiss. It’s the first time they’ve gotten to do such a thing since they got back—Kit was beginning to consider sneaking into Jade’s bedroom again just to get a moment alone.
They aren’t technically alone, they are in the middle of a castle hallway and anyone can walk by at any time, but Kit doesn’t care, she just wants to kiss Jade and she doesn’t care who sees. They’ve been through enough together, some poor chambermaid or knight can handle walking past them. Jade’s hand is warm against her cheek and Kit brings hers up to cover it, their fingers intertwined against her skin. The kiss is sweet, dripping with passion as neither of them want to break apart.
“Incoming, mom alert,” a new voice clears their throat as Airk walks by with a cheeky smile on his face that Kit would smack right off if she wasn't so dedicated to being a perfect princess.
“Kit, there you are!” her mother’s voice arrives around the corner just as the two girls break apart. Kit doesn’t let go of Jade’s hand, though, nor does Jade let go of her wrist. She’s sure her mother can put the pieces together, but Kit doesn’t care to explain. She can figure it out or she won’t, it’s not going to be Kit’s problem. “...and Jade! Why am I not surprised? There will be one last celebration tonight of Airk’s return and of course, Elora’s welcoming. I thought I would let you know that I had the ladies lay out your outfit for you.”
“Mom, I’m not going to wear another dress,” Kit can’t help but whine even though it feels childish. The last time she wore a dress she found out she was getting engaged to a man which is traumatic in its own right, but they’re also just downright uncomfortable for her. She wished her mother understood, but she isn’t sure she’s ever going to.
Surprisingly, Sorsha just smiles softly, eyes darting between her and Jade. “It’s not a dress. Jade helped me pick it out actually, I think you’ll like it. I’ll see you girls at dinner. Airk, come on, we don’t have all day.”
Airk rolls his eyes and mouths ‘help me’ as he walks away, but both of the girls just giggle.
Kit looks over at Jade, brow furrowed. “You were hanging out with my mom?”
“She asked for help!” Jade raises her arms in mock surrender, giggling as she gives Kit one more quick kiss before leaning back against the wall. “She’s trying, okay? She obviously knows you mean a lot to me so she’s trying. Also, you’re going to look really good tonight. I made sure of it.”
“Yeah, purely selfless reasoning, I’m sure,” Kit rolls her eyes, unable to hide her laughter as her back rests against the cold stone of the wall behind her. “I’m sure if you had it your way, I’d just be wearing my armor all night.”
“I mean, I wouldn’t complain,” Jade teases, looking around as if that will hide the obvious blush on her face. Her hand reaches for Kit’s again, this time just tracing patterns on the back of her hand as they talk. It’s comforting, just to have her near. Kit never wants to be separated from her ever again if she can help it. “It looked very good on you.”
Kit’s teeth gnaw at her lip, letting the words settle. “I don’t think I ever really thanked you. For jumping down after me—us.”
“Everywhere you go, I’ll go, that’s the job,” Jade smiles softly, fingers gripping hers. “Just never go where I can’t follow. That’s all I need.”
Kit’s eyes meet hers and she sees a world of love in them. Part of her feels silly for not realizing the whole time that Jade felt the same way—she wishes she realized it sooner, but she’s just glad they’re here now. Able to talk about it without being afraid, able to kiss each other whenever they want without fear of rejection. The corner of her lip turns as she offers Jade her pinky.
“Promise.”
Jade rolls her eyes, but intertwines her pinky with Kit’s. “I’m holding you to that, Tanthalos.”