She swallows hard but doesn’t argue. Her parents shared many beds in the time they ruled. She’s simply letting her attachment to me get the better of her. I suppose that’s my fault when I require her complete devotion.
It’s an untapped urge I didn’t know I had. Feasting on the blood of my enemy’s kingdom is a rush that can’t be matched.
“If I were your mate, would you feel the same?” She grazes a finger over my cape that’s draped over a chair.
“You’re not,” I remind her.
Fae and their mates—their weaknesses. I’m thankful to have never met mine. If I have it my way, I never will. My father’s downfall is proof I’m better without the distraction.
Selia frowns, toying with the lining of my cape. “Elorie still can’t use her magic. She’ll die in the Rite and be of no use to you.”
“Did you gather this spying on them or from your secret conversations with your brother?”
Her stare hardens. “He cornered me, and I said nothing to him. You know I’m on your side, my king.”
“Yet Wilder continues to seek you out every night.”
“He has a hard time letting go. But he will. If you’d just consider a marriage instead of this Rite, we could solve this. Bind our two kingdoms another way?—”
“We’ve been over this for a century, Selia. You are not the heir. Marrying you does nothing for me.”
“My magic is strong.”
“Not strong enough.”
“It was enough on the shore of Rohldova.” A wicked grin lights her face.
“To prove your loyalty to me, yes.” After all, she decimated an entire front of her own people. Turned them to nothing more than ash blowing out to sea. I wonder if Wilder has heard whispers of that. How intensely his sister has turned on his people in my name. “But Lyrichia is dying. Your magic is not enough to save it.”
“Hers won’t save it either if she can’t wake it.”
“She will.”
“How do you know?”
I hum, glancing at the flickers on the shimmering window. “Leave that to me.”
Selia shakes her head. “And what of me when she saves Lyrichia for you? What of us?”
A crackle of thunder shakes the room.My jealous little pet.Temperamental but beautiful. I need to soothe my hold on her leash before she slices a bolt of lightning down the center of my palace.
“She will not be my queen; we’ve been over this,” I assure her, although it’s getting tiresome.
“Your souls will be bound.”
Tipping my head back, I consider that. A small bind is already there, stirring as it starts to form. It tugs at my chest. I’ve never been tied to anyone, and having this tether between the three of us is unsettling, although necessary.
“It has been a long, disappointing day, Selia.” I stretch my arms across the back of the tub. “Either make me feel better or leave.”
I’ve had enough of her doubt. We’ll go in circles all night if we don’t stop now. What I need is a release, not more stress. If she refuses to assist, then I’ll call in another, but like my perfect little pet, I know she’ll settle if I urge her to.
The orb weighs heavily as I watch Selia close her eyes. There’s a steady rise and fall to her chest as she calms herself. Her brown hair cascades over one shoulder, while the gold-winged earring I gifted her glows against the candlelight flickering at her side.
When her long lashes flutter open, the sparkle in her gaze has returned, and a small, devious smile climbs the corner of her mouth.
“Apologies, Your Majesty.” She takes a step forward, running her fingers over the sides of her dress.
Her hands drift over skin I’ll soon be licking as she traces them over her beautiful body. The tension that hung on my shoulders begins to fade. Her fingertips graze her stomach, brushing over the hint of her peaked nipples, which are showing through the sheer fabric.
