Page 52 of Destiny of a King

To her, the forest was safe. Outside of it was where the danger lay.

A hand settled on her shoulder, warm and firm.

Adira startled, turning quickly. She had been so lost in her thoughts that she had paid no mind to the king.

The deep lines of worry had softened, though they had not disappeared. Instead, concern now filled his eyes as he searched her face.

His hand slipped from her shoulder to lightly brush a strand of hair away from her cheek.

Adira forgot the forest. She forgot the room.

His fingertips lingered only an instant, yet warmth spread through her as though he had continued the caress.

His gaze held hers. Then, slowly, it drifted to her lips.

She knew that look. She had seen it just before he had kissed.

The memory rushed back with startling clarity. The warmth of his mouth, the tenderness she had never expected from a man who ruled a kingdom with unwavering strength.

She made no move to step away, though her lips parted ever so slightly. If he kissed her again, she would welcome it.

Dravic stood motionless. The room seemed suddenly too quiet. He should step back. He should remember who he was.

Instead, he found himself leaning toward her, drawn by a temptation he had no business entertaining.

Just one kiss.

Nay.

He scowled and with visible effort stepped away from her, cursing himself for even considering it.

He was king. A king who could not allow himself to think like a man whenever she looked at him with those trusting green eyes.

With a regal lift of his chin, he pointed sharply toward the bed. “Go to bed.”

Adira stared at him. For the briefest moment, she thought she saw disappointment flicker in his eyes before it disappeared behind the stern mask he wore so well.

She understood… the king had returned.

She did as he ordered and got into bed.

He went and stood for a long moment before the hearth, watching the flames dance around the logs. Without a word, he unbuckled his sword belt and rested it within easy reach of the chair. He lowered himself into it, stretched out his long legs, and leaned back.

Adira watched him from beneath the thin blanket. His eyes remained fixed on the fire, though she doubted he saw it. His thoughts were elsewhere. But where? On the two men he spoke with. Or on a kiss that never was?

She pulled the blanket up to her chin and surprisingly sleep came quickly.

Dravic closed his eyes with no intention of sleeping. He would not take the chance since he was in unfamiliar surroundings and without his guards to protect him. He was well trained to defend himself if necessary. His father had begun his training when he was young, and his grandfather continued it after his da’s death. But it wasn’t only himself he needed to keep safe.

There was Adira.

He shook his head. He had almost kissed her again and he could not let that happen. A kiss would not protect her. It would do the opposite and bring her only… he shook his head again. She deserved so much more.

He drifted off in a light sleep, cognizant of every sound or slightest movement.

A sharp chill brushed across Dravic’s face and his eyes opened.

More time had passed than he realized, the fire having nearly died, leaving only a dull red glow beneath a blanket of gray ash. He rubbed a weary hand over his face and rose from the chair, every muscle reminding him that a wooden seat had never been meant for sleeping.