Page 55 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

My shoes clack against the tiled floors as I look around, attempting to commit it all to memory. I could probably spend an entire day here in this room and never tire. One of the domes has a mural of one of Okenon’s first kings bowing before an islander who looks to be a king of his own. He, too, is bowing. I think I remember reading about this. He allowed them to establish their own government as long as they still paid their taxes to the kingdom.

“Anders, why don’t you give Princess Raea a tour and meet us for lunch later?” Queen Priana suggests.

He bows and tugs me along with him down a side hall that doesn’t look like it leads to anything special. We slip through a door only to find it’s a stockroom piled high with old paintings and miscellaneous things. The door closes, and Ryker tugs me to his chest a heartbeat later. His hands are tight on my hips, digging in even through the layers of this ridiculous gown I'm wearing.

“Is this the official tour, Prince Anders?” I tease, my back hitting the cold stone of the stockroom wall.

Ryker doesn’t laugh. He crowds into my space, his hands heavy and possessive on my hips. “This is the room with the most privacy,” he growls, his voice a low vibration that makes my core liquefy. “It’s been three days, Raea. I’ve been going mad without your scent in my lungs.”

“I missed you.” My palms slide up his chest and around his neck.

Our lips explore with familiarity while roaming hands find ways to bring us closer. I feel like I'm drowning in him, and there’s no place else I'd rather be. He swallows each gasp, never losing ground on our kiss. We’re so close, breathing each other’s air, I don’t know where I end and he begins. With each stroke of his tongue, the more my Bond settles within me.

Eventually he releases me, and my feet hit the floor again. Our bodies are pressed together and because of our height difference, my lips press over his fluttering heart, though I can barely feel it through the layers of clothes.

“I love you,” I say with a small smile. “I do want to see your home though. Maybe you can show me some more of these hidden gems?”

His eyes storm and fill with lust.

I clear my throat and he reluctantly steps away.

“Right this way then,” he says, opening the door as he bows, gesturing for me to lead the way.

We spend the next hour going through the palace. It’s beautiful, and the ocean breeze floats through open windows and doors. He shows me my chambers, which are conveniently located next to his. The balcony in my room overlooks the rocky cliffs and ocean below. The white linen curtains float with the breeze. Mera and the rest of my team have already unpacked my belongings.

Ryker’s room is similar in layout, but much larger, and instead of light woods and white linens, his room is filled with driftwood and stormy blues with soft textures. It feels comfy and lived in. I take my time inspecting his room, looking for clues about him. Old books line shelves, there’s a board game in the sitting room on the table, and there are photos of him with his family and friends on the walls.

“I used to think I hated you,” I admit, not looking at him while I run my hand across the soft material of his bed. His heated gaze warms my core.

“And now?” he asks softly.

“And now…” I turn to face him, leaning against his bed. “I know you’re selfless, and strong, and someone I can’t wait to spend eternity learning more about, to fall more in love with.”

I attempt to get up on his bed, which is much higher than mine. He hums and steps toward me. His thumb swipes over his bottom lip before he reaches out and helps me up. I feel hot and breathy, and the only thing consuming my thoughts is the Bonding phase.

“Did you know?” I blurt out as he steps between my legs.

“I know a lot of things, Princess.” His hand cups my neck as he lowers his mouth to my skin. “You’ll have to be more specific.”

I lose myself in the kiss, in the way our mouths move together. When he begins kissing down my jaw, I gasp.

“Think, Soraea,” he murmurs against the curve of my neck, his tongue grazing a spot that makes me tremble. “What is it you’re so worried about?”

I can barely form words as I fist his jacket, pulling him closer. “The Bonding phase. My mother...she mentioned the need. The consummation.”

Ryker pulls back enough to let me see the fire in his gaze. “I’m very much looking forward to discovering exactly how needy you can get, love.”

“So you knew?”

His hand finds the hem of my gown as his palm slides inside, caressing my calf, and then my thigh. “I did,” he admits, bringing his mouth to mine.

His tongue slips into my mouth, exploring and tasting. His palm continues up my thigh. “Tell me to stop,” he says against my lips.

I shake my head, arching into him.

He groans before I feel his fingers toy with my silk panties, which are now soaked thoroughly.

“Do we have to wait?” I ask breathlessly. Gods, I want him. Every way possible. I want to feel him all over me, in me, on me, under me. I want to be skin to skin and wrap my body around him.