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“I can sleep on the floor if you’d like. I know this is all very sudden. We didn’t have much time together before…and now…well, I’d understand if you’re not comfortable sharing a bed tonight.”
It would’ve been easier if Cyrus was a horrible man. But he was gentle and kind. He deserved someone who loved him. My heart pounded in my chest, knowing that could never be me. My heart belonged to someone else. To his brother.
“I’m sorry. I don’t think I’m ready for that yet.” My throat was so dry, it was nearly impossible to swallow.
Cyrus was full of understanding. “Don’t worry about it. I can prepare a spot on the ground for myself. I want you to be comfortable.” He reached out to touch me, but then must’ve thought better of it. “You’re safe now, Emilie.”
“Thank you.”
“Um, I’m going to change first. I actually brought some of your items as well, if you’d like fresh clothes.”
I felt genuinely delighted by that. He handed me a bag, and I pulled out a few items of clothing. A long sleeve shirt and loose pants to sleep in. We both changed with our backs to each other and then I returned to the cot. Cyrus dimmed the fire until it was only a subtle flicker and then he laid down on a sleeping pad beside my cot.
A king sleeping on the ground. I wondered if he’d be so kind to offer me the cot if he knew everything that happened between Ladon and I.
I turned to my side, facing away from him. As I listened to the sound of his rhythmic breathing, tears filled my eyes. I bit back a sob and covered my mouth with one hand. I’d never felt so alone in the presence of another.
After an entirely unrestful evening, the camp sprang to life again. I woke up to find Cyrus slipping out of the tent.
“Where are you going?” I asked before the flap could close behind him.
He reentered, and I noted that he appeared to be full of energy.
“To meet with Ladon and the other squadron leaders.”
“I’m coming with you,” I said, flinging back the blanket and leaping to my feet. I grabbed my bag and searched for appropriate attire. Comfortable and practical. Something I could easily move in.
“I’m not sure that’s the best idea, Emilie.”
“Why not?” I asked, still rummaging for something to wear. I sighed with relief when I also found a pair of sensible boots.
“I just don’t think you should be fighting.”
“Ladon is fighting,” I said, motioning for him to turn around so I could change.
He did, facing the wall of the tent. “Yes, but Ladon has had extensive training. This is his job.”
I finished swapping clothes at record speed and headed toward the tent’s exit. I glanced up at Cyrus. “Well, then I had an excellent teacher.”
He frowned but seemed to realize I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. He pushed aside the tent, allowing me to step outside.
We met the leaders of Osavian’s army in the same tent we’d been in last night. Ladon was the first thing that caught my eye as I stepped inside, pointing to the map and talking to another soldier.
He was dressed in black fighting leathers, his muscles tense underneath. Gods, had he always been that hot when he was in leader mode? I shivered and hoped Cyrus hadn’t noticed.
“Good morning,” he greeted the room.
Ladon briefly glanced up at his brother and then did a double take when he noticed me. He straightened, and I was in awe of the way he commanded a room. Even with his brother, the king, Ladon was the most striking person with his shimmering silver eyes and skillfully brushed-back white hair. I wanted to run my fingers through those locks, just to tousle them the way I’d grown accustomed to seeing.
He tilted his head in a formal greeting. “Your Highness. Miss Emilie.”
I flushed at the sound of my name and I could’ve sworn I saw a smirk on his face.
“At ease, Brother. Any news from the night scouts?”
Ladon filled in Cyrus, glancing over at me every now and then. I busied myself talking to another soldier, who identified herself as Lucia, the only female captain in the room. Most of what she said went in one ear and out the other. I was too preoccupied with watching Ladon in his prime.
His confidence mixed with the sheaths of weapons was sexier than anything I’d ever witnessed.
