He lengthened his strides, herding me through a doorway engraved with a stag chased by hunters. I traced my fingersalong the details, catching Greaves’ gaze before the door closed behind us.
“Oh.” The room was dark, fading sunlight painting it in muted gray tones. A large bed dominated the center, positioned just inside the balcony doors. Sheer curtains fluttered in the evening breeze.
“You thought we would perform the ritual outside.” Amusement laced his tone.
I planted my hands on my hips, glaring. “It’s what you said, dear husband.”
“I fear I could not oblige,” he murmured, stepping close. “In bed, you are mine alone. I don’t share.”
The night darkened his hair, casting severe shadows along his jaw. He looked dangerous, hunger simmering in his gaze, mirroring the bloom low in my belly.
“Come.”
He led me through the room, the only other furniture being two stands for our mantles. Hand in mine, he pulled me onto the balcony, fingers flinching when we reached the railing.
Wind whipped around us, tugging at my hair and dress. A shiver raced through me.
The silence felt uncanny. No music, no voices. I could almost hear the crackle of bonfires scattered across the expanse. Even the dragons were quiet.
Kallias pulled me in front of him, cradling my jaw in his palms. His guard was down completely, as if countless eyes weren’t watching. He looked at me as if I was the only thing in his world.
Cornflower-blue irises questioned, still giving me the chance to push away. His soul pleaded with me to share this moment.
I slipped my hands under the chains of his mantle. The steady thump of his heart said everything he couldn’t.
“I have faith.”
Not in gods I could not see, though I tried. I believed in him. Every ounce of me trusted his strength and resolve.
When he leaned forward, those beautiful eyes fluttered closed as his lips found their home.
I should have closed mine.
One moment I was tracing the rough stubble of his skin, pale under the dim light—the next, brilliance blinded me. My mouth parted in a gasp as a searing glow scorched my vision, inescapable even when my eyes scrunched shut.
His fingers pressed into my jaw, steadying me, a reminder that we both needed this. Every gaze below bore down on us. I couldn’t retreat. I had to meet his light, embrace it. It was part of Kallias—more than his kingship, it was him—and I wanted to share it.
I gripped his lapels, melting into his hold, arching into his warmth. My pulse thundered in my ears, nearly drowning out the din below as the celebration carried on.
Elohios chose Kallias, and Kallias chose me.
His hand slid along my waist, pulling me closer. I moaned into his embrace, his press igniting molten fire inside me. I would never tire of his touch, the way his hands turned my body to molten magma.
Sliding to the small of my back, he pulled me away from the railing. I stumbled, breaking the kiss with a quiet, needy whimper.
My eyes flew open as he caught me.
He glowed—all of him. My breath snagged on a laugh, and I threaded my fingers through his hair. He was radiant, a living sun.
Color leeched from his body; even his irises blazed gold, pupils nearly impossible to discern. His throat bobbed in a swallow as I studied him, disbelief blooming on my face.
His clothes remained untouched, the light pouring through his stained bandage and trying to seep through the layers of fabric over his chest.I trailed my hand to his jaw, rough stubble pricking my skin. His warmth radiated—more than usual—as if he were a reflection of the sun itself.
No words were needed. My hands dropped to his mantle, making quick work of it as curious anticipation built. Once our mantles were secure on their stands, it felt as if the kingdom had vanished from view, despite the balcony being wide open behind us.
He stood before me, the light draining color from his body, yet revealing the art covering the walls. No frames hung anywhere—every detail was part of a single, sprawling mural. I spun in place, taking in the scene of Reem painted around me. It was as if the artist had perched on the roof of the Golden Palace and captured the city with us at its center. Buildings stretched outward, fields ripe for harvest peeking between them. Citizens walked the streets, baskets laden with fruits and vegetables, while horses carried hunters—not soldiers—through the woods.
My eyes shot to the arched ceiling, and a surprised laugh bubbled from my throat. A circular mirror centered above the bed reflected the glow of Kallias’ skin, casting the room in brighter light.
