“Thank you.”
He turned, the movement an obvious dismissal, and I glanced at Kyla. She launched into motion, stalking down the aisle of the throne room. The guards obviously took too long for her liking, because she pushed the huge doors open herself.
Aubrey was leaning against the wall and he went still as we approached.
“How did it go?”
I rolled my shoulders and held up my hand. “I find the sword, and he’ll give me what I need,” I murmured.
He nodded, offering us both his arms as we walked back through the castle.
“Who is that Cellen guy?” Kyla asked.
Aubrey sighed. “Cellen was lucky enough to be born with a very specific type of power. One that had been thought to be a myth.”
His voice trailed off and I rolled my eyes. “Don’t leave us hanging.”
Aubrey gave me a faint smile. “He is able to bend time and space, opening his own portals between worlds.”
I stopped walking and stared at him. “He creates his own portals? Are you serious?”
“Yes. His Majesty keeps him close—usually within a few feet. He is more valuable than any number of guards, with his ability to remove the king from danger.” He met my eyes. “Be very careful with him. His sister was recently gaining favor with His Majesty, and she disappeared a week ago under suspicious circumstances.”
No wonder I’d gotten a bad vibe from him. I shook it off. “I’m going to need you to fill me in about the Dearg Due,” I murmured as we finally walked past the guards standing at attention on the front steps.
“I will,” Aubrey said. “But you may wish I hadn’t before all this is over.”
With that warning ringing in my ears, we got into the limo and drove back toward the portal.
* * *
DANICA
Samael stood in front of me, his eyes drinking me in. My eyes did the same, and my throat tightened.
I’d waited all day for this moment, hoping that when I slept I’d see him again.
“I miss you,” I told him.
He smiled at me, his eyes lighting up as I walked toward him. Did he look tired? Was the spell having an effect on him, even here? My chest ached at the thought, but then his arms were around me, and his mouth was on mine, and all thought disappeared from my mind.
“It’s difficult,” he murmured against my mouth. “Being here, aware but unable to act. Knowing you are fighting for me, alone. Even while you are scheming your schemes.”
The next moment we were in his bed. Or at least the dream version of his bed. My demon leaned over me, and I luxuriated in the feel of his naked body against mine.
He pushed the hair off my face and I smiled up at him. “I’m not alone. But Samael… you may not forgive me for the things I’m doing. We should probably talk about it.”
I explained my plans so far. Displeasure gleamed in Samael’s eyes as he lifted my hand, taking in the seelie king’s mark. But he nodded.
“You make an excellent ruler, little witch.” He gave me a wicked smirk. “Perhaps my demons will prefer you to me, if I live through this.”
“Believe me, we’re in no danger of that happening. But we need to talk about that, mister. Since when am I in charge if you’re out of commission?”
His gaze dropped to my mouth and he leaned down to nibble on my lower lip. “Since you chose to bond me fully, witchling. That is just one of the consequences of your decision.”
He raised his head and the expression on his face made it clear he was getting ready to give me another lecture. So I slipped my hand between us and wrapped it around him.
He jolted as if I’d given him an electric shock, and I grinned up at him.
