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“What do you want, Raura?” I growled.
The empress entered the suite; her gaze flickering into the bedroom and over Kael’s sleeping form. My protective instincts flared, and I stepped in front of the doorway, blocking her view of Kael. No one else was allowed to see her when she was soft and relaxed, only me.
“Theron, darling, I need to speak with you,” Raura purred.
I rolled my eyes, not falling for her flirtatious attempts. “We have nothing to talk about, Raura. I’m not interested in your games.”
Raura clicked her tongue and sauntered closer to me. She ran a manicured nail down my chest and smirked. “Come now, Theron. Don’t be so uptight. We’re adults here.”
“I didn’t know you liked adults,” I spat, and her eyes flashed.
“Theron...” She reached out again, and I grasped her wrist and pushed it away from me, my expression darkening further. “Don’t touch me,” I hissed between gritted teeth. “Say your piece and leave. I have nothing to say to you.”
Raura took a step closer to me, her body was as beautiful and sensual as I remembered. Too bad it covered a heart as black as pitch. “Theron, please, hear me out. Your mother is planning something, and I fear she may have turned on me.”
I narrowed my eyes at her. “I don’t want anything to do with your political games, Raura. Being the heir means nothing to me. And if you’re interested in power, then you’re trying to fuck the wrong brother.”
Raura’s eyes widened in surprise and anger. “This concerns you too.”
“I don’t see how.”
“Who do you think Rhazien is going to target first once he ascends the throne?”
“If you think that scares me, you’re mistaken. I’ve been dodging murder attempts from him my entire life.”
“But this time, it won’t just be you. He’ll come for your pretty little concubine, too. You can defend yourself, but can you protect her?”
I clenched my fists in anger, a chill running down my spine as I realized Raura was right. If Rhazien took power, then Kael would be in danger. And I couldn’t be sure that I could keep her safe.
I held my tongue, unwilling to be drawn into her machinations. But Raura wasn’t easily deterred. She stepped closer and laid a hand on my forearm, her stiff fingers like icicles against my skin. I jerked away from her and shook my head.
I stepped back, breaking Raura’s hold on me. She looked startled and tried to take my hand in hers, but I stopped her, keeping my distance.
“Thank you for the warning, Raura,” I said icily. “But don’t forget, I’m not one of your pawns. Never again.”
Kael stood in the doorway, her attention focused on where I held Raura’s wrist. Anger flashed across her face as she stormed over to my side. She grabbed my arm, pulling me away from the empress as she glared daggers at her.
“What are you doing here?” she demanded, her eyes flashing dangerously.
Raura’s lips twisted into an ugly smirk. “Just having a conversation with an old friend.”
Kael scoffed and pulled me closer to her side. “It’s time for you to leave,” she snapped, her grip on my arm never wavering.
Raura’s eyes hardened as she took her in.
“I’m done here,” she said coolly, turning away from us. “Don’t forget my offer, Theron. My door is always open for you.” She gave me a smirk before walking off without another word.
Kael glared after the Empress. “What did she want?”
“It doesn’t matter,” I replied, pulling Kael closer to me. A flicker of guilt flashed in her eyes, and I pulled back, forcing her to meet my gaze once more. “What’s wrong?”
She hesitated for a moment before admitting. “Raura saw us in the hot tub last night.” She watched my face, biting her full lower lip as she waited for my reaction.
“What?” My eyes widened before my brows furrowed together, my stomach queasy. That disgusting woman soiled everything she touched. The idea of her seeing Kael while she came undone... A growl escaped me. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
She shrugged, unable to meet my stare. “I don’t know.”
I thought of the night before, the way she’d clawed my back, as if desperate for me as she coaxed my cock into her once more. “Was all that just a show for her?”
