“That’s exactly what I fear.” I peered upward, gaze tracing the cold shine of the moon. “I know how to act in every situation. My actions are thought out and planned. When I sailed for Draconia, I accepted the cost.” A slow shake of my head followed. “It isn’t the uncertainty of what Reem holds. I dread the man I must become to take it back.”
Wind caught her hair, drawing it from her startled face. She understood. I loved my people. I gave everything for them. Ruled with fairness and compassion, as a king should. But Lon was only a taste of what waited in Reem; a trial of what I would need to become to endure it.
The Warrior King—a title earned against Radaan’s enemies, now sharpened to wield against my own nation.
“You are still the same man I knew.” Her mouth curved with familiar resolve. “You are Radaan’s king, exactly who she needs. Whatever you must do to lead her does not change who you are.”
My hand rose to cup her cheek, thumb tracing warm skin. “You’ve watched me kill my own people. I took a nobleman’s life without trial. Aren’t you afraid? Even a little?”
“Of you?” Her laughter chipped away at the armor bracketing my heart. “The man who faced dragonfire for me? No, Kallias. I don’t. I fearfor you.”
“If dragon’s breath cannot end me,” I scoffed, knowing the worry beneath her words, “what can?”
Her head shook as her arms slid around my neck, her weight leaning into me. “Not your body. Your heart.” She turned from my scowl to the stars scattered overhead. “You’ve suffered so much, spent your life fighting for others. You gave your entire soul to your kingdom.”
A low hum left me as my fingers traced the back of her neck.
“Now you’re mine.” She squinted up at me with a smirk. “I will share you with Radaan, but I am a jealous lover. Protecting your heart is my charge. I fear before this ends, it may be torn beyond repair.”
The corner of my mouth lifted. She always had a way of pulling me back—away from responsibilities and consequences. She reminded me that beneath the endless burdens and duties, I was still just a man.
“This heart has weathered its share of wounds,” I said. “It can manage a fair bit more.”
Her lips pressed into an unimpressed line.
“Even so,” I added, “if you’re concerned for my soul, and the damage that may befall it, you can help fortify it. Prepare for the siege, if you will.”
“Oh? And how would I do that?” Her head tipped, eyes tracing my face.
“Love.” My hand curled at the nape of her neck as I bent close, words brushing her mouth. “Your love tempers their hate. Stand guard over my heart. Watch for my soul. Let me ravage you with the same fury I would unleash on my enemies.”
Her lips curved, grazing mine without closing the distance. My body rebelled, heat surging against restraint. She stood so close I could take her. Gods, I could have her here against stone and sky, and she would welcome it.
“Ravage,” she whispered, breath skimming my mouth. “I think I would enjoy that.”
“I would leave you undone. No thought in that beautiful mind except my name. You would feel the strength of a king. The rage of a warrior. You would be consumed.”
Blood thundered in my ears. My grip tightened at her neck.
Not yet. Not until we reclaimed Reem. I would not take her until I could promise her a peaceful reign.
“I am the Dragon’s Heart.” Her tongue traced her lips, a teasing brush against mine. “I can handle my man as I handle my dragons–”
I stole the rest of her words with a brutal kiss. She melted into me, fingers tangling in my hair as I pressed her back against the balustrade. Stone chilled one palm, while the other held her fast.
A moan arched her body closer, and a growl tore free as my hands slid to her hips.
She broke the kiss, teeth catching my lower lip in a sharp, deliberate pull. Her smirk returned as her leg wrapped around mine, boot dragging slow heat along my calf. “Here?”
Blood roared in my ears, desire drowning out all reason. My need clawed for dominance. With teeth bared, I shook my head. A vow had been made—and I would keep it. Elohios would honor my sacrifice.
But by the gods, it wouldn’t be easy.
The scene replayed itself in my mind, leaving me caught between savoring the tension and enduring a very uncomfortable ride.
Nienna shaded her eyes against the unbroken glare of the sun. “She followed.”
Tsunami glittered with gold as she rode the updrafts. Gyrak flew straight and steady, wingbeats compensating for the thin currents, while she zigzagged across the sky with lazy indulgence.
