Chapter 117

Friedrich was smiling with a face that looked seconds away from crying.

The realization that I was alive came second—the sight of his face came first.

I smiled back at him the same way and reached toward him. He came to me as if he had been waiting for exactly that.

I touched his face—rougher than I remembered—and Friedrich's expression eased into something like relief, like a man who had been parched for a long time and finally found water.

"Your face has gotten quite rough."

He obviously hasn't slept. I murmured it, and Friedrich pressed his cheek into my palm.

"Your voice isn't much better, Your Highness."

"That's really the first thing you say to me after I've come back?"

"I love you."

I meant it as a light tease—but the answer that came back was full and heavy enough to press on my heart.

I stilled and looked…