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"Do you come here often?" I asked. We stepped through the portal and onto the paved street that led to the Autumn Court's palace.
Cavan raised his elegant eyebrows at me but didn't answer.
Marial was undeniably magnificent. Tall towers swept toward the sky, each looking as though they were made from red-brown leaves.
Elegant bridges stretched across a river that glimmered like polished copper in the early morning light. The iron railing on either side was formed into the shapes of leaves, the top rail worn smooth from countless years of hands swiping past.
The streets were lined with shops, all in neat rows. Their storefronts were each adorned with autumnal colours of orange, red, and gold.
Even this early, the conversations of merchants and patrons filled the streets. Each one seeming tense, forced.
The buildings closer to the palace were all constructed of dark stone and iron, also giving the appearance they were made of leaves.
I stopped to appreciate the way they were cut and placed with such careful precision. Masons must have taken years to perfect the art. Constructing each one would have taken the better part of a year. The effect was striking.
I felt as if I was encased in autumn.
"Through here." Cavan led me toward a set of tall gates with the same pattern as the bridge railing. "Remember you're obedient, broken and very sorry you were rude to him."
"I'm not sure I can fake the last one," I muttered.
"Try, or I'll order you," he said simply.
"Have I mentioned how unfair that is?" I glanced sideways at him.
"You might have mentioned it. In this instance, it might work in our favour. Perhaps I should order you now and save any potential hassle later." He gave me a speculative look in return.
"I think you just want me on my knees." I kept my eyes down, as though I really was beaten.
"I definitely want you on your knees," he replied. "But not if I have to order you. Where's the fun in that?"
"You're not shy about asking for what you want," I observed.
He chuckled. "I've always found it easier to be forthcoming. So to speak."
"Even if Ryze wants to stab you every time you look at me?"
"Especially then," he agreed. "I've never let someone like him get in my way. I don't intend to start now."
I was attracted to him, in spite of the complications. Maybe in part because of it. Nothing worth having was never easy.
For now though, I needed to concentrate on why we were here.
I deliberately flinched away from the guards as we walked through the gate, and wrapped my arms around myself. I felt the weight of their gazes on me, but none made a move to stop us. As far as they knew, we were what we appeared to be. The High Lord of the Summer Court and his broken omega.
The palace itself was a sprawling building made of a lighter stone than the rest of the city. If Marial was the red of autumn, the palace was the yellow and gold. Towers, spires, and domes topped the vast complex, each one covered in what looked like shining gold leaf, adorned with intricate carvings of autumn leaves and vines.
"Walk a little behind me," Cavan muttered before we stepped through the enormous doors that led into a wide courtyard. "But stay close. Act like I own you now and you know it."
"You're having way too much fun with this," I whispered back.
"Yes, and I intend to keep having fun with it. Quiet now. Let me do the talking."
I swallowed hard. Gods, that was hotter than it should be.
I followed him through the courtyard, my eyes on his way too perfect ass.
I was enveloped in the rich, spicy scent of autumn.
