Page 104

Not with Gwyn tracing the ink across my chest and abdomen. Each gentle pass of her fingertip sends sparks through me, masking the tiredness lurking in my bones.

She sighs, content.

Or maybe not.

Because she sits up and swings her legs over the edge of the mattress, intending to leave.

I catch her hand and tug her toward me. “Where do you think you’re going, little witch?”

“My suite.” She yawns.

I press a soft kiss to her inner wrist. “Stay with me?”

“It’s probably best if I don’t,” she says, gaze lingering on our interlaced fingers. “Midsummer is coming up fast, and you’ve yet to narrow down your choice of bride.” Her mouth twists to the side. “If it helps, my favorites are⁠—”

“Miriya, Lyrielle, and Daphne,” I cut in, jaw tightening.

I don’t want to discuss other females when the only female I want and can’t keep is naked in my bed.

“Exactly.” She squeezes my hand. “I think you should prioritize Miriya at the ball. She’s really sweet.”

“What if I don’t want sweet?” I pull her onto my lap, startling a delighted gasp out of her. “What if I prefer tart little witches who boldly call me an asshole?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” She laughs. “Can you imagine it? A tart little witch on a fae throne?”

I lean up and nip her jaw. “It would truly be a sight to behold.”

She giggles, pushing me away until I’m flat on my back and she’s straddling me again. My cock is already starting to stiffen, readying me for another round.

I could get lost inside her for the rest of my life.

“I’m serious, Riven,” she says, staring down at me. “Midsummer will be here before we know it, and you’ve yet to choose a favorite.”

I squeeze her hips. “Oh, I’ve chosen a favorite.”

“Don’t jest. You know I don’t count.”

Why not?

The question burns the tip of my tongue, but I swallow it down.

She wants neither marriage nor the Crown.

She said it herself—I’m not going to trade one cage for another, Riven. I don’t want to be a wife or a queen. I just want to be free.

I may want her more and more with every touch, but I refuse to be the one who cages her, even if she did agree this wasn’t just sex.

“Miriya it is,” I say, sounding unconvincing even to my own ears. I sit up, gently easing Gwyn from my lap, needing time to collect myself before tomorrow. “I trust you can see yourself out?”

Her brow furrows, but she nods.

It takes a great deal of effort to force my legs to move, each step away from her a battle with the heat still thrumming through me. The marble is cool against my bare feet, grounding me as I try to think clearly.

“Riven, have I done something to upset you?” she asks, her voice incredibly small.

“Not at all,” I toss over my shoulder; it’s not a lie. She hasn’t upset me. She’s fulfilling her half of the bargain. If anything, I’m upset with myself for wanting more than she’s willing to give. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Another truth.