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I looked up at Malekai before returning my gaze to my parents.
“I’ll feed. Don’t worry… But we should go…”
Mors' eyes looked almost pleading. Heartbroken that I’d be leaving after I’d only just arrived.
“Time here is different than in Bellorum… You’ve been here mere minutes, and only seconds might have passed there…”
Guilt struck a disharmonious chord in my heart.
“Even so… I’m exhausted, and it took twenty minutes for me to get here. By the time we get back, Nakoa might have torn the tavern apart already… And tomorrow is… A big day.”
Mors and Soteira nodded in understanding, though neither asked me to elaborate. ThankAkash.
“Well, at least take some of our blood. It will strengthen you.”
I reared back slightly.
I’d never fed from my father. Sanguinati, and apparently deities, didn’t require any blood to survive until their magic matured during early adulthood.
“Don’t worry about the venom. It doesn’t have the same effect when it’s between those you share blood with.”
Chapter
Fifty-Four
NAKOA
Sneaking footsteps had my eyes popping open. I’d fallen asleep with my hand around the dagger's hilt tucked beneath my pillow. My chest twisted tightly with anticipation at the feel of Mareina’s magic, her presence, entering the room. I didn’t bother to let her know I was awake. She could probably discern the fact regardless, even though I remained unmoving and kept my breaths slow and even. The tinkling sound of water told me she’d slipped into the bath. A tugging sensation in my sternum urged me to join her.
Not a fucking chance.
However brief our last conversations, they had pushed me away. I could understand Mareina being upset about my misgivings, but the fact that she couldn’t empathize or understand the need any ruler had to put their Kingdom above all else had my heart hardening towards her.
Why her?
Why?
I would have been proud if she had felt the same.
It was my destiny to rule.
How could I be forced to do so with someone who didn’t recognize that the Kingdom came above all else. Certainly above personal needs and desires, no matter how powerful.
“What will you do about Zurie’s army after she’s dead?”
I hesitated before rolling over, not entirely sure I even felt like speaking with her. I craved it entirely too much despite the amount of pain it sent spearing through the tether. Distance. I needed distance from this female. She was a disorienting distraction. My rational mind told me that perhaps it was a blessing this male of hers had shown up.
Malekai.
Myirrationalmind told me to strangle him with his own innards.
My lungs drew in a heavy breath that did nothing to bring me any form of relief.
“They will bow to me or die.”
A pause.
“That sounds very much like something Zurie would do… Oh, wait. Nevermind.She has.To entire races of people.What the fuck are you thinking?”
