Page 117 of Fate of the Sun King

I grin because she can pretend all she wants. She knows she’s mine now, territorial Fae bullshit and all.

She looks away, admiring the woman flanking the other side of the door. She’s beautiful, wearing a sheer white dress that leaves nothing to the imagination, and I’m not surprised to find that none of these “offerings” holds the slightest bit of allure anymore. My only interest is my mate.

She takes my hand. It feels so small in mine, and I can tell she’s nervous about what we’ll encounter. I squeeze her fingers and her shoulders straighten, setting off another wave of primal desire.

That’s right. I will be her rock and her strength whenever she needs me.

“Come in,” the male Fae says to us with a crook of his finger and a bright white smile. “Pleasure and pain await in the house of the priestess.”

“Don’t mind if I do,” Mael replies, clapping and then rubbing his hands together. It’ll be a religious miracle if we get him out of here before the sun rises tomorrow or even the day after.

Mael bounds up the steps like an eager puppy, and Lor and I follow with our hands still clasped. We’re greeted by another beautiful High Fae female inside, dressed in clothing meant to mimic the religious wear of Zerra’s blessed but with some very notable and scandalous alterations.

“For three?” she asks before her gaze falls on Lor. “You came back with friends this time.”

Lor nods, and I flex my jaw.

I can’t believe you followed Cloris into this place all on your own.

Her gaze wings to me.

Save the lecture, Aurora Prince. You don’t own me, and I can do whatever I want.

I arch an eyebrow.

Fine. Maybe it wasn’t the best decision, but what’s done is done.

No problem. I’ll find a way to punish you later.

If it’s possible, her gaze darkens even further, and I’m surprised my hair doesn’t light on fire.

Don’t worry. We’ll both enjoy it. This place is giving me all kinds of ideas.

The glare drops off her face as pink creeps over her cheeks.

I love throwing you off, Lightning Bug.

“Stop it,” she hisses, and the hostess peers over her shoulder with a curious look before leading us through an archway into a large atrium decorated to look like a temple. I wonder how the goddess feels about her name being used this way. Something tells me she wouldn’t mind. The stories of her early days, when she brought drink and food and fucking aplenty to her first followers, are the stuff of legends.

“Can I get you a drink?” the hostess asks as she gestures us to a booth.

“We’ll have a bottle of your best wine,” Mael says, and she tips her head before placing a card in the middle of the table.

“I’ll bring that right out. In the meantime, this is our menu. We cater to singles, couples, or groups, depending on what you’d prefer.”

At that, Mael grins at me. “What do you say, Nadir? How about the three of us get naked?”

A low snarl rips from my throat at the idea of anyone touching Lor, even if he is my best friend.

Mael just laughs, and Lor rolls her eyes.

“Thank you,” Lor says. “We’re not actually here for that. We’re wondering if we can have a word with the mistress of this fine establishment, Madame Payne?”

The woman blinks, evidently surprised by the request. Then she tips her head.

“I can certainly find out if she’s willing to see you, though my mistress doesn’t entertain visitors often. Who may I ask is inquiring?”

Lor exchanges a wary glance with me as she nibbles her lip. We discussed this beforehand and agreed she’d likely have to reveal who she is. I don’t like it, but I have to reason that if Cloris Payne planned to do something to Lor, then she’s already had ample opportunity. At least Lor didn’t come here alone this time, so I can protect her.