“That I can’t explain.” I wasn’t in my aspect when it happened. I thought of the goddess saying that women were the guardians of life and carried the magic inside us—maybe it had something to do with that. “And I’ve lost my chance to ask the goddess about it.”
He folded his arms over his chest. “Yes, you have, because you’re not dying again. Understood?”
“Yes, my king,” I said, trying not to sound too mocking.
He growled and then pulled me to him. “Why do I like it when you call me that?”
“Because you’re an arrogant, overbearing beast who relishes his power,” I responded innocently.
That led to him tickling me and I giggled, trying to wriggle away. But he kept me in his arms. “I may need to punish you later for saying something so unbecoming of a queen.”
My heart immediately sped up. “Do I get to pick the punishment?”
Desire flamed to life in his eyes. “What did you have in mind?”
“There is something I’ve been thinking about. What we did in the throne room.” I glanced around. We were not alone—there were soldiers everywhere. So I decided to use a euphemism. “I have been thinking about what it would be like if we were to do that again, only this time I ... impaled myself on your dagger.”
A wicked grin lit up his face. “I know that you have no basis for comparison, but let me assure you, my love, it’s a broadsword. And speaking of, aren’t you sore?”
I pressed myself against him. “I’m a warrior. Soreness doesn’t bother me. Or deter me.”
“Yes, I have firsthand experience with that,” he said, his hands traveling down my back. He was apparently unaware of the people around us. “So you wanted to go back to the throne room?”
“No. I wouldn’t want someone to walk in.”
“We could easily accomplish the same thing in our room. We can use a chair or our bed.” He somehow managed to pull me even closer. “I used to curse your insatiable curiosity, but it has become my favorite thing. Please know that I am always available for any experiment you would like to conduct.”
A man cleared his throat behind us. “King Alexandros?”
Xander reluctantly turned his head. “Yes?”
“Captain Thrax has specifically requested you and the queen join him at the docks.”
My husband nodded and the soldier left.
“What could Thrax want?” I asked.
“I’m not sure. I suppose we should go and find out. But not quite yet. I need a moment to put my broadsword away.”
Now I was the one grinning. I loved that I had that effect on him.
Twenty minutes later, we arrived at the docks. There were several large ships farther out, which surprised me. They had warned all the merchants and traders away because Artemisia had said they planned to attack by sea.
We found Thrax, who was beaming at us.
“What is it?” Xander asked.
“I have someone who claims to know the queen.” Thrax stepped aside, and I gasped when I saw the man standing behind him.
“Demaratus?”
Chapter Sixty-One
I was so stunned to see my former battle master that I couldn’t speak.
“Stupid girl,” he said affectionately. Then he did the most un-Demaratus thing imaginable and pulled me into a one-armed hug. If I hadn’t been part of it, I never would have believed him capable of it.
“Good work on the not dying,” he said gruffly when he released me. “Your hair is red. What did you do?”
