Page 54 of Witch’s Heart

My rage returned. How was this happening?! “We need to question Weiss. This can’t happen again.”

“I’ll have it taken care of, Lady Witch,” Ralston agreed.

I was about to open my mouth to protest. The last time the crown’s people had questioned someone, they’d failed. I’d do a better job with my own methods. But Rixon placed a finger over my lips. “Let him see to it for now, yes?”

I sighed, shoulders sagging. “Yes, fine.”

“Also,” Rixon added, looking at Ralston. “See if the name Darius Santos means anything to him.”

Ralston’s brow furrowed but he gave a nod, then strode off.

“I hate that male,” I huffed.

“I know, love. So do I. But he’s useful, and unfortunately I need useful people around me if I’m to get through this transition.” He stood, lifting me easily. “As much as I’d like to pick up where we just left off, I don’t fancy anyone else storming in and seeing you. Your pleasure is mine alone.”

A shiver raced down my spine at the possessiveness in his voice.

“You can put me down,” I said as he carried me down the dais steps.

“No, I think I’ll carry you, thanks.”

“Stubborn male,” I teased, nuzzling against the crook between his neck and shoulder, breathing in his familiar scent. I’d almost lost him. It had been close. What if I hadn’t been there? I knew Lola didn’t have the same skill at healing as I possessed. Would she have been quick enough, thorough enough to fix the damage to his throat and neck? Would he have lost his voice? I couldn’t think of a world in which Rixon couldn’t speak to me, couldn’t utter filth in my ear while fucking me.

I needed to find a way to protect him, to keep him safe. But first, I needed to figure out who was behind these attacks and make them pay.

Chapter 19

Rixon

Rixon groaned with distaste when he found an audience waiting in his apartment. Shouldn’t this sort of behavior be forbidden? Wasn’t he the king? Couldn’t he require people to schedule meetings with him, even those closest to him?

“Oh, quit your grousing,” said Mina, swatting his arm as she squirmed out of his hold.

The sitting room was filled. All the witches and their wielders, plus Herrin, Jessin, and his mother, Coralayne. Familiar faces, the lot of them, but he’d have preferred to have Mina all to himself.

Jessin was the first to stride forward, gripping his shoulder. “You all right?”

“I’m alive, aren’t I?”

Jessin chuckled then pulled him into an embrace, his mother lurking behind them. When she stepped forward, he found his irritation softening. “Aleksander.” She took his face between her palms and squeezed. Though she tried to hide it, there was genuine worry in her features.

He glanced up and noticed that Mina had squeezed herself between Anne and Elianna on the sofa, all but sitting in their laps. The sight made his lips twitch, further lifting his mood. As much as he wanted to hoard her all to himself, he liked that she had friends. Friends that knew what darkness was lurking in her and hadn’t shied away on account of it.

They would need that kind of loyalty in the days to come.

“I suppose you’re all here because you’re worried about me,” he drawled, stalking over to the liquor cabinet and pouring himself a whiskey. He turned to face the room, perching on the edge of it.

“Someone is trying to kill you,” said Mya. She sat nestled beside Flynn. “Raeria is on the brink of war. And our Mina revealed her darkness for everyone to see. You’ll need all the support you can get.”

“I have an entire panel full of advisors. Believe me, it’s enough to drive a sane male mad.”

“Ah. Advisors you didn’t choose for yourself,” Mya pointed out. “Males who won’t bother getting their own hands dirty.”

“What are you suggesting?” He eyed her warily.

“I am suggesting you let us work to protect you, to protect this kingdom.”

“Move us into the palace,” said Elianna. “The citizens of Corinna already mistrust witches thanks to your father. Now that Mina has revealed herself, they will believe you are cavorting with demons.”