My arms circled her. My head rested against bark. Eyes closed. Just… existing. I tried to carve the moment into memory, for the days kingship pressed too hard. Her scent of ocean and water lilies blended with the garden’s blooms. She curled into me, content to let the world continue without us.
But we couldn’t hide forever.
I drew in a deep chestful of air, releasing it slow. She shifted in my lap, lips brushing my throat, a teasing touch that set my nerves alight. Her teeth traced my jaw, kisses trailing toward my ear. My hands slid to the backs of her thighs, gripping. Her breath caught, a muffled sound against my skin.
She brushed her cheek along mine, then kissed me. Chaste. Brief.
It didn’t stay that way.
This wasn’t the time—or the place. The risk was obvious.
Still, I opened to her. Her tongue slipped in, tentative, and I answered, guiding without taking control. I held myself back, letting her lead, explore.
I wanted to be at her mercy, to surrender to her. Gods, I craved this sensation of being loved, desired, sought after.
Needed.
Her moan was soft, her fingers threading into my hair as the kiss deepened. Her teeth caught my lower lip, a gentle tug that tore a broken sound from me. A curious hand slid down, testing the buckle at my waist.
“Where is King Kallias?”
Nienna bolted upright, palms braced on my chest. I stared into the darkness behind my lids, a calm smile settling on my mouth.
“Where? The tree—oh.” Fallione’s voice rose, and I wondered how much anyone could truly see through the swaying branches.
Too much.
I did not share what was mine.
My hand tangled in Nienna’s hair, pulling her down into a hard kiss, a promise that we’d be revisiting this. Tonight. When I released her, heat flushed her face, lips swollen, pupils dark with want.
“Time’s up, my queen.”
The door to my study opened, but I lingered on the final line of instructions Fallione had left me. A frown pulled at my mouth as I stacked the pages, straightened them, and covered the bundle with blank parchment before lifting my gaze.
Edith stood just inside the threshold, clad in a sturdy gray dress. Draconis’ sharp geometric patterns traced the hem and sleeves. Her hair was coiled into a neat bun, eyes lowered as she bowed.
“Welcome, Edith of Draconia,” I said, nudging the instructions aside.
“Well met, Your Majesty.” Her reply carried a tight note of confusion.
“I trust your travels were smooth?”
She had arrived hours earlier, road-worn and weary. I allowed her time to settle with Freya, waiting until Nienna occupied herself with the heirs before sending for her.
“I regret my absence from my queen,” she said, “but seeing the countryside of Radaan was a pleasure.”
Always proper. Formal to the bone. A true maid, unlike Freya, who served more as a friend than a governess.
“One day I will take Nienna to the districts. Perhaps you may accompany us.”
“If my health permits, as you wish, Your Majesty.” A crease deepened between her brows, lines etched by years of service.
“You know I did not summon you to discuss scenery.”
“You are far too busy for that, my king.”
I inclined my head. “When was Nienna’s last bleed?”
