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Kael stared at me. “So you’re related to both dynasties?”
I shrugged, uncomfortable. “Rhazien is too.”
“Which adds to the complication of choosing an heir,” Zora added, pouring herself a glass of wine, the liquid so dark it was almost black.
“So what’s the difference between Earthborn and Celestial metals?” Kael asked.
Oz smiled, no doubt enjoying having an attentive audience. “Earthborn metals and alloys, like gold, silver, and electrum, affect the body, adding speed and strength or stamina and healing. Celestial metals allow Elves to manipulate stone and metal outside of their bodies, moving it or turning any object into rock. It’s how Xadrian could move the boulders in his bout.”
Kael opened her mouth, ready to ask another question when a knock came at the door.
“Lord Marshal, you called for me?” Kadir stepped inside, carrying clothing samples for Kael to try on for the evening. She excused herself from the conversation and went into the bedroom with the Remnant to get a new outfit.
I watched as she walked away, admiring her lithe frame and alluring curves, wanting nothing more than to feel that body pressed against me again. I couldn’t stop thinking of her passion as she came, cursing me as she writhed… But I shook my head, forcing myself to focus on my cousins once more. I’d have her to myself soon, and I was determined to tempt her to my bed once and for all.
As soon as Kael entered the bedroom, Oz whipped around, his usually mild expression pinched with anger and confusion.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing claiming a concubine?” He demanded. “Your father would be ashamed.”
“It’s not like that,” I growled, heat rising up my neck as I tried to defend myself. “I’ve done nothing wrong. I haven’t slept with her or used any magic on her, I swear.”
“She doesn’t seem enchanted,” Zora said, glancing between us nervously.
“I claimed her so no one else could. To keep her safe.” It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the whole truth, either.
Oz eyed me skeptically before shaking his head. “Well, that’s something, at least,” he grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest in disapproval. “But if you plan on keeping her close, it’s going to cause problems for you.”
“I know,” I admitted.
Zora sighed, her mouth falling open in disbelief. “You’re going to end up breaking her heart, Theron. You can’t just claim her and then toss her aside like she’s nothing.”
“I won’t,” I promised, guilt weighing heavily on my stomach.
“But what about when you have to marry?” Oz asked, his voice low and serious. “Then what happens? Or when she grows old?”
The thought of her growing old, changing while I remained the same, filled me with fear.
I bit my lip and looked away, not wanting my cousins to see the pain in my eyes. “I don’t know,” I murmured finally. “But I’ll do whatever is right.”
Oz softened, his voice gentle. “Are you going to steal her chance to have a full life? To have children? A family of her own?”
The image of her carrying another man’s child made my vision flash red. My hands curled into fists as jealousy and possessiveness consumed me; Kael wasmine. The idea of sharing her with anyone else caused my temper to flare. If she wanted children, I’d be the one to give them to her.
“Where will she have this mythical, perfect life?” I demanded, my voice sharp. “Living in Adraedor isn’t like life on the estate. It’s war. Each day fighting for survival, living on scraps. Would you rather her go back to the mines? So she can watch some imagined husband die in a collapse? So her child can live in squalor? Just for the illusion of freedom?” Zora’s mouth fell open, her eyes welling with tears, and I stopped, shame filling me as I hung my head. “I’m sorry. It’s just—“ I floundered, at a loss.
Oz stood, kneeling in front of me, his brows drawn. “I should be the one apologizing.” He glanced at his sister, pain in his expression. “I sometimes forget what you went through after Uncle Larion was murdered. I trust you. If you say, you’ll do the right thing. I believe you.”
“We love you, Theron,” Zora said, scooting closer to pull us both into an embrace. “I’m sorry we can’t be here for you more.”
After my cousins left, my mind was consumed with thoughts of Kael. I couldn’t wait to have her alone again, to feel her body writhing beneath me as I took her, claimed her, made her mine. But as much as I wanted her, there was a nagging feeling in the back of my mind. Was I doing the right thing in claiming her as my own? Would I be able to give her the life that she deserved, or would I be dooming her to a loveless existence by my side?
Chapter 20
Kael
Isteppedintothebedroom, greeted by the sight of Kadir. His iridescent scales set his olive skin aglow on his cheeks, and his pink hair was styled to perfection. He gave me a slow once-over as he raised an eyebrow at my outfit.
“Why do you say you have nothing to wear when I made you a full wardrobe?” He asked in that strange accent of his.
