“Thank you,” I whispered, pressing my lips to her forehead, fighting my restraint. “Elohios grant me strength to protect Radaan.”
Veridis, grant me the passion to bring Radaan new life.
I resisted the impulse to tell her the words she was to speak in return. She had already given so much—too much—for me, for my kingdom. It troubled me that such a moment must remain a secret. A princess of Draconia risking everything for our traditions, laying it all on the line in the name of the gods.
“Now go, before Tallon finds you here.”
She lowered her head, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. I grinned as she curtsied—a shallow dip. Whether out of respect for my new role or simple nerves, I couldn’t say—and frankly, I didn’t care. The beast within me roared with satisfaction, basking in the gesture.
I watched her move across the room, quick and graceful, pausing only to crack open the door. Then, Greaves, ever the loyal friend, swung it wide, using his body to shield her as she slipped back into the library.
My heart swelled with a triumphant thrill. We had not been caught. She respected my traditions. Putting herself in subjection to my perceived needs.
Sun above, why did it feed the monster inside me?
Greaves slipped into the study, leaning against the doorframe. His eyes traced the length of my body, and he lifted a brow. “Want me to finish?” he asked, a grin playing on his lips.
I shot him a sharp glare.
He chuckled, shaking his head, and crossed the room. “Didn’t think she’d go through with it.”
“She shouldn’t have,” I muttered, reaching for the latches on his armor. It wasn’t the king’s place, but after the Hunt, I owed my friend the courtesy of helping him out of his gear.
He paused, his gaze meeting mine, and the humor melted from his face. “Kal, after everything, this is the one thing you deserve.”
I waved off his concern and jerked on the armor’s belts and latches. “This? Coming from the man who can’t stop reminding me of my age?”
“You did well for an old man today.”
The buckle gave way, and I yanked the chestplate free, setting it down beside my own gilded armor. “You can handle the rest.”
He chuckled when I turned to the tub full of cold water, doubling over to dunk my head under. I longed for my private bathing chambers, but this would have to suffice.
“And for that, you’ll personally see to my armor,” I said, scrubbing my scalp.
“That’s the servants’ job,” he groaned.
I straightened, working at my belt. “It’s your job to protect me.” I smirked. “Wouldn’t want them to miss oiling a strap or cleaning a buckle.”
He deadpanned, lips pressed tight as he set about removing his armor.
Nienna had done more for me than she realized. She hadn’t just honored our traditions; she lifted a weight from my chest. There was a humiliation that accompanied a slaying knowing my queen wouldn’t do her part—knowing I didn’t want her to. Eldeiade’s death had opened a new door to guilt, to memories of the times she’d called me, demanding my service.
Nienna’s choice to come of her own will—not bound by duty or tradition—and to take it on without hesitation eased something deep within me. It lightened my soul.
Our secret was like a candle’s flame, flickering in the dark. The more I knew her, the brighter that flicker grew. It threatened to turn into a bonfire, one that might expose us, burning my world to the ground.
The world I had given everything for.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Nienna
My stomach coiled into knots whenever Tallon drew near, the sensation more than just ire laced with disgust. He thrived on finding excuses to linger, wedging himself between Kallias and me, his mere presence chilling my blood.
The cold wasn’t metaphorical.
That creeping, unnatural impression I once associated with Egath now clung to Tallon. It lacked the intensity of Egath’s venomous grip, but it lingered. An echo—a faint prickling where there should have been warmth.
