Page 51 of How to Claim A Shadow King

Not even if… I was thinking about it last night. What it would be like, to have him in my room with me.

In my bed with me, the way the maids back in Stormspire would giggle behind their hands about.

"Are you coming or are you going to pout up there all day?" I ask Ter, throwing the hood of the cloak back over my shoulders.

The raven lets out a sharp caw and launches into the air, circling once before landing squarely on my shoulder. His talons are careful this time, barely gripping the thick wool of my cloak.

"Someone has to make sure you don't run away again," he mutters.

19

AVELINE

The castle is quiet as I make my way down the winding stone staircases, though the shadows along the walls seem to lean toward me as I pass, whispering in a language I can't quite understand. It should terrify me. Instead, it feels almost like a bizarre welcoming committee.

There’s a platter of fresh fruit and cheese, hard-boiled eggs and crusty bread, and I take my time eating while Ter stares at me, annoyed as I sip a hot cup of tea.

“We’re you wanting me to try to use my magic alone, then, Ter?” I finally ask, draining the dregs. Bitter, not as good as Lila’s. I’ll have to order some from her to be delivered here.

The thought makes me smile, and then I frown.

How quickly I’ve gotten used to the idea of Shadow Keep being my home.

“He’s home. Outside in the courtyard.” The bird ignores my question and flutters off, leaving me to follow him.

When I push open the heavy oak doors leading to the outer courtyard, the crisp autumn air hits my face, instantly clearing the last lingering remnants of my strange dream.

And there he is.

Malakai stands in the center of the cobblestone courtyard, holding the leads of two magnificent horses. Druze wasn't lying when he said the minotaur's horses would need a careful hand.

I suck in a breath at the sight.

Malakai’s flanked by pair of black stallions with gleaming coats. High-strung, they stamp their hooves, tossing their heads, but Malakai holds them with effortless control, murmuring softly to them in a low, resonant tone that seems to vibrate right through the stone floor.

He looks like a dark prince straight from a fairytale.

Heat rises in me, and it has nothing to do with embarrassment.

Nothing to do with it at all.

He looks up as the doors creak open, and his dark eyes lock onto me. His gaze sweeps down my practical attire—taking in the pants and the boots—and the corner of his mouth twitches upward.

"You dress like you’re ready for a challenge," Malakai says, his voice carrying across the yard.

"I dress like I refuse to ride side-saddle on a new horse,” I counter, walking toward him with far more confidence than I actually feel. “Not that I’d ride side-saddle on any horse.”

The horses huff as I get closer, their nostrils flaring. I reach out, the closest one lowers its head, sniffing at my palm.

I smile, instantly melting. "They are absolutely beautiful, Malakai." My voice is softer than I planned, and when I look up at him, he’s moved closer.

My heart thrums faster, and I recognize that heat growing in me.

Desire.

Our eyes meet, and the heat in me builds, builds, until I wonder at not exploding into flame.

"They are yours," he says simply, stepping closer. His gaze drops to my mouth. The shadows at his feet ripple. "We need to name them.”