Page 55 of Witch’s Heart

“We’ll be at less risk here,” said Mya. “And better able to protect both of you.”

“Done.” That was easy enough. “What else?”

“Let us look into finding the person behind the attacks, freeing you up to focus on your kingdom.”

“Fine,” he said. “Mina will help you. She’s already proven capable on that front.”

“There’s something else, too.” Mya eyed him warily. “Given what Mina revealed to the court, we believe it best if you wed her officially, and crown her as your queen.”

A burst of longing expanded in his chest⁠—

“What?!” Mina balked, jumping up from the sofa. “I don’t want to be queen. That...that goes against my oath as a witch. Against⁠—”

“Your oath is not as important as your life. This will show the people of Raeria that Rixon has vouched for you, that he has faith in you, and that you are tied to him. If the people get it in their minds to harm you, they will have their king to answer to. It offers you a measure of safety that being a witch—even his witch—simply does not.”

Mina’s breaths came faster. He watched her, studying her uncertainty and hating the sight of it. He tried not to take her refusal to heart, but it was difficult. He understood her reasons, but fuck, he wanted her. Wanted to tie her to him in every possible way. Calling her wife, making her his queen.

How many times had he wished during the farce with Trudy Holland that it was Mina instead? He would have gladly dropped everything to marry her, if his father had insisted upon it. Without sounding too desperate, he said, “We will consider the matter of marriage.”

Mina’s jaw dropped, a look of betrayal washing over her features. She was his lady witch, and thus, was supposed to make final decisions for them. In saying that, he was overriding her. She shot him a glare, so he sent her a look that told her to behave and promised the kind of punishment she craved. Her cheeks flushed and she looked away, desire warring with anger.

“I can help with wedding preparations,” said Cora, jumping in. “If, that is, if you decide to go forward with marriage. It would be my honor.”

“We’re not⁠—!”

“Aramina.” He fixed his gaze on her, effectively silencing her. Oh, he was going to have all sorts of fun with her later. He’d fuck her so hard, fuck her until she was begging to be his wife.

“I need a drink,” she muttered, coming over and snatching the one right from his hand, draining it before he’d had the chance to. Gods, he loved her fire.

“Good, well, that’s settled then,” said Mya, as if sensing the sudden rise in tension. “It has been a trying day. Shall we apply to your steward to take care of our new accommodations?”

“Yes, talk with Andrei. He’ll manage it.”

“Excellent.” With that, Mya’s cohort was rising and departing.

“We should get going, too.” Cora stood, giving Jessin a pinch to do the same.

“Jessin, wait,” said Rixon. “I’d like a word. Cora, it was good to see you. Thank you for coming.” He took her hand and kissed the back, giving it a gentle squeeze.

A soft smile formed on her lips and she patted his cheek. “Of course, dear. Call upon me if you have need of me. Get some rest today.”

When she disappeared and it was only the three of them, he said to Jessin, “I want you to retire from the military and take a position that will keep you here.”

Jessin frowned. “What do you have in mind?”

“I need people around me that I can trust, you in particular. I know I fucked up as far as friendship goes, all those years ago. But, I’d like to start anew. I want you to stay here in the palace. We’ll find a position that suits you. What do you say?”

“Yes.”

He frowned. “You don’t want to think it over first?”

“What’s there to think about?” A lazy grin spread across his face. “You’re a brother to me in all but blood, Rixy⁠—”

“Please don’t call me that.”

“—I’ll do whatever is needed of me. Besides, something tells me this is going to be the most exciting place to be for a while.” His eyes darted over to mina. “Oh, don’t sulk, love. I’m sure I’ll make a fine brother-in-law.”

“Don’t you dare—” Mina snarled, lurching forward like she was going to hit him.