She looked about to protest more but instead said, “Stubborn ass.”
He clasped her chin, lifted her face, and kissed her again. “And so are you. I’m going to take Torigon to the courtyard; I’ll be right back.”
Lexi stepped away as he opened a portal and led his horse through. A startled stable boy jumped back when Cole emerged with Torigon, but he rushed forward to take the horse from him.
“Take good care of him,” Cole commanded.
“Of course, milord,” the boy murmured before bowing and hurrying away.
Cole returned to find Lexi staring out the window overlooking the courtyard. She turned to him and smiled when he emerged.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
She walked over and hooked her arm through his extended one. “I am.”
Together, they made their way to the door. He slid the locks free and opened the door to reveal Niall standing on the other side. His guard turned to look at him over his shoulder.
“You didn’t have to keep watch,” Cole said.
“Yes, I did,” Niall replied. “How are you feeling?”
“Much better,” Cole said. “Have there been any changes?”
“Most of the rebels have been hunted down and killed, but some fled the realm. Those who have been caught are locked in the dungeon.”
“They’ll stay there for now.” Only the king could open a portal into the palace so they wouldn’t be opening a portal out of the dungeon.
“I didn’t know if you wanted the king’s guard to follow the ones who are still on the run.”
“No,” Cole said. “Do we know who they are?”
“Yes. Some of theirallies”—Niall spit the word out—“have given them up.”
“Then we will send men after them once things here have settled and we’ve rebuilt more homes. We’ll put out the word that they have a bounty on their heads. More than likely, someone will turn them in. If not, we’ll send men after them then, but the dark fae of this realm are more important right now, and we need all the help we can get to rebuild.”
“I agree,” Niall said. “We’ve brought more displaced fae into the courtyard and have secured them homes. A few craz returned for some carrion, but they were chased away or destroyed.”
“Good,” Cole said.
He hated that he would have to leave here again so soon, but someone was going to have to take the duplicate bodies of Varo and Orin to the Lord. He also had to get Lexi out of the Gloaming before her powers started to emerge fully.
They had no way of knowing what would happen when they did, and no one here could learn what she was. Someone had already gone back and reported her existence and that she was his mate to the Lord; if they noticed anything odd about her, they would turn her in, and he couldnothave that.
The three of them descended to the first floor together. They were approaching the main doors when they swung open and what remained of the council strode inside. He’d known he would have to deal with them soon, but he was not in the mood for them right now.
However, he was going to have to speak with them.
“You are alive.” Finn couldn’t keep his disappointment hidden.
Cole didn’t bother to reply. “What do you want?”
“What do wewant?” Becca asked incredulously. “The Gloaming is in complete disarray and—”
“And I am taking care of it.”
Cole’s eyes narrowed on Becca as she swung her glare from him to Lexi and back again. If he had to put money on it,she’sthe one he would bet told the Lord about Lexi being his mate. And if he discovered that it was, council member or not, he would make Becca pay for it.
“May we speak with you, milord?” Elvin inquired.
