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“We’re finally done with Drachu,” I whispered.
He pulled me to him, his wings snapping out around us as he held me close.
Every path my fingers traveled met hard, unyielding muscle. I gripped him tightly, savagely. For once, something had gone our way.
He growled low in his throat, then angled his attention to his guards. “We’ll retire for the night. I’d like to spend some time with my wife. Mistphase to your chambers to ensure no one sees you, and when you get there, stay behind your wards and have the servants bring you food and drink. If word gets out that we’re back, my father will likely try to drag all of us to the dungeons, although without Tylen’s nulling magic, he’d have a Mother of a time trying.” Norivun eyed his servant. “Balbus, I trust that you’ll instruct Patrice and Haisley to see to their needs?”
“Indeed!” Balbus bowed again, his large belly pushing against his top. “And, my prince, once again, I want to tell you how sorry I?—”
“It’s all right.” The prince held up his hand. “It’s well and truly behind us now. You won’t be seeing Drachu again, and I don’t blame you for doing as he demanded. How’s Marcina?”
“She’s fine, my prince. She’s recovering at home. Our daughter and son are with her while I returned to ensure that dastardly king’s scent was cleansed from your room.” He shuddered, and when I inhaled, I didn’t detect any of Drachu’s lingering fragrance tainting the air.
The prince’s lips curved. “You know me too well, Balbus.”
“I do try, my prince. Your comfort and well-being are of my utmost concern.”
My heart softened as I watched Balbus. Everything about him was earnest, and he truly seemed devastated by what had happened.
“It’s all worked out for the best,” I told him and gave him a comforting smile.
Balbus dipped his head again. “Please do not hesitate to call if there’s anything you need.”
I stayed in Norivun’s arms as he said to his guards, “We’ll reconvene in the morning when the council meets at eight.”
“Are you sure that you don’t want to go to them now?” Ryder raised his eyebrows.
“No. I’d rather we catch them unaware when they’re all present. And since no one knows we’re back yet, my father won’t have time to prepare anything in his defense. Mistphase here at eight, and we’ll travel together to the council chambers.”
All four dipped their heads and said simultaneously, “Yes, my prince.”
Once everyone had left,Norivun went to the fire to stoke it more.
Roaring flames soon filled the room. He shed his illusion, and his naked form flickered in the firelight. His giant black wings flexed slightly before he drewthem in, and in a burst of cleansing magic, his skin wiped clean.
My attention traveled over his broad shoulders, strong chest, and toned waist. He had two scars on his abdomen now. One from an attempted assassination many winters prior along with the horizontal scar that the snowgum had inflicted on him a few months ago. Neither detracted from his allure.
He was so beautiful, a sculpted masterpiece of bone and flesh, and my primed body quickened in response.
My mate inhaled and arched an eyebrow. “Like what you see?” A sly, arrogant tilt curved his lips.
Breaths coming faster, all I could manage was a nod.
He prowled closer to me, his steps silent and purposeful.
I backed up until I met the bedpost. Already, arousal was tightening my belly.
His cock curved, his erection growing. When he reached me, he leaned down and inhaled my scent.
Desire unfurled in my belly, but I managed to say, “Aren’t you worried about your father discovering that we’re here?”
He shook his head, and his breath was a whisper against my skin. “My wards won’t allow it. Besides, my father has been tormenting me for more winters than I can count. If I lived in fear of him every second, I would never get a moment’s peace.”
My lips thinned at the reminder of how horrific his father had been to him, but then my mate’s handsdrifted to my hips. He pulled me closer and began to press soft kisses along my neck.
“This is what I need right now.” He growled low in his throat. “You. With me. Naked.”
“But you’re the only one naked.”
