Page 64 of Witch’s Heart

He snorted. “I⁠—”

“Relax, just giving you a hard time. Yes, it would be my honor.”

They lapsed into silence. He cut himself off after a fourth drink, knowing that if he continued, he’d be a sloppy mess when the evening meal rolled around. While he could simply take his food in his apartment, he tried to follow in his father’s footsteps, even though he’d hated the male. Admittedly, his father really had done well running Raeria.

There were times he thought back to his father’s words, back before he truly knew what his father was doing for their kingdom. The male was a selfish prick, and he’d never forgive him for the way he treated him growing up, for taking out his anger on him over the loss of his mother. But, damn, he’d kept the country running smoothly.

Except for the mess with Carth.

“I should get going,” he said, when the evening meal was drawing close. “I probably missed like five meetings already, but fuck it.”

“Sometimes you have to step back and take time for yourself. No need to apologize to the world for it.” Herrin stood with him, swaying a little before clapping him on the back.

“Make sure you call up some food. And don’t forget our sparring lesson tomorrow. I need to pommel someone with my fists.”

Herrin barked a laugh. “That’s if you get through my defenses.”

“We’ll see.”

He left the male’s quarters, stopping by his own to freshen up. Mina was absent, so he went down to dinner. When she appeared, his chest expanded at the sight of her. Gods, he loved her so fucking much. There was no world in which he could live without her. That just meant that she needed to stay alive, no matter how, so that she’d never leave him.

“What’s got you looking all sappy,” she whispered, taking his arm as he led her over to her seat beside him. The chair opposite the head of the table was still kept empty, a place card for his mother resting atop the empty plate. He wasn’t sure if he’d continue his father’s tradition indefinitely or not.

On that note, he supposed that eventually he ought to move into his father’s quarters and give Mina his mother’s. The king and queen’s suites would be far better suited for them long term. Yet, he was hesitant to change how things had been done here.

“I went to see Herrin,” he explained, scooting in her chair before taking his own.

“Oh! How’s he doing?”

“As expected. But the sight of him was a reminder of what he’s lost.”

Mina’s face fell. “I need to make some time to spar with him. I’ve been…preoccupied.”

“I think he’d like that.”

Around them, other guests were taking their seats. He ignored them, reaching for her hand and pulling it to his lips, leaving a kiss on her palm. “Don’t ever leave me,” he said, his voice low and clogged with emotion. “Not ever, all right?”

Her gaze softened. “I won’t,” she promised. He couldn’t help but believe her.

Chapter 22

Mina

I climbed the stairs to the tallest tower in the palace, mentally cataloguing my string of failures. I’d come up here many times since returning from the Citadel. Especially over the past few days. A week had passed since Rixon’s assassination attempt and we still hadn’t caught the person responsible.

He hadn’t used the shackles on me since the night I’d accepted his proposal, but our intimacy was better than ever. He gave me at least three orgasms before bed, even the nights he returned late. He fell asleep inside of me, making us feel impossibly close. He stole moments for us to be together, when his duties kept him busy.

Yesterday afternoon his council meeting had run late, so I’d sought him out in his council chamber. He’d dismissed everyone immediately. Then he’d spread me out on the large table and fucked me mercilessly, but not before I’d fallen on my knees before him and fucked him with my mouth, swallowing every drop of his seed.

I sighed, licking my lips at the memory. What was he doing now? Sitting in his study answering more missives, no doubt. Or organizing troops with the general, to ensure we were well protected in case Carth tried to attack.

There’d been no more word from the witches, from Skye. I couldn’t help but feel a prickle of unease at that. She wouldn’t give up so easily.

Unlatching the door, I stepped out onto the tower roof, inhaling the cool air. It met my cheeks in a refreshing rush and I welcomed the reprieve. Below, tendrils of smoke rose stark against the drab sky. It looked as though it might snow. I gathered my cloak more tightly around me.

As always, I scanned my surroundings for any sign of the winged demon. I hadn’t seen the princep since our last encounter, before Rixon’s father had captured me. While closing the portal was no longer my top priority, I couldn’t help but hope the demon might have answers. Until then, my directive was to eliminate any and all threats on Rixon’s life.

After the general was done with him, I’d questioned Reginald Weiss using my own horrific means and come up empty-handed. Unlike with Rixon’s first assassin, I’d healed him afterward. Either the male was an expert liar, or he was innocent. I was leaning towards the latter. He’d claimed that he knew nothing about why Carth’s military was assembled on our borders. Just yesterday, we’d received yet another confirmation that it hadn’t moved, like they were waiting for something, but what?