“Why would you say that?” she asked.
“Because as soon as Rhaif finds out about Aydra and I, he’ll think her seduced by me, that this has all been part of my plan to take his crown. Unless she somehow convinces him differently, he’s likely to come up with some bogus charge against me. I am certain I’ll find myself in chains before this year is out.”
Balandria’s hand tightened around her sword. “I’d like to see him try—”
“No,” Draven cut in. “You are much too valuable to this Age to risk your life.”
“If you expect me to sit back and watch my King rot in some cell above this ridiculous castle, you’re—”
“Oh, you won’t have to,” he interjected. “I’m sure my death will be a swift one.”
Balandria glared at him. “Now is not the time to joke, Draven.”
“No jokes,” he told her. “If that day does come, you are not to do anything to prevent it. You will take my place as Alpha, become the Venari King you have long known yourself to be.” His weight shifted, and he reached for her shoulder. “Your word, Balandria. Swear on our giver you will do nothing to save me when that day comes.”
She swallowed hard. “You are my king,” she managed. “You cannot expect me to do nothing and allow him to kill you for something as ludicrous as simply falling in love with his sister. He doesn’t deserve your life.”
“No, he doesn’t,” he agreed. “But I am not the one destined to lead our people to a greater war than even our ancestors could fathom. You are. And as such, I need your word. Swear to me, Balandria.”
Her stern gaze weakened, and he could see the clench in her jaw. “I swear,” she finally said.
He pulled the necklace off his head and started to place it over her neck, but she shook her head and pushed his hands back.
“You are not dead yet,” she told him. “You are still my king. Until this life rips you from me, you will keep the honor of this stone.”
She closed his hand around the stone, and then he pulled her into his chest, hugging her close.
“I couldn’t have asked for better than you,” he whispered in her hair. He pulled back and cupped her face in his hand. “I have no doubts that you’ll be the greatest of us.”
He could see the apprehension in her dark eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but he shook his head.
“Get some rest,” he told her. “We have a long week ahead of us. You’ll need to learn the in’s and out’s of the meetings, the castle, handling the guards. But, your first job, tomorrow, will be to get to know the Prince and Princess. I have a feeling you’ll need them as allies soon.”
“What will you do?” she asked.
Draven began walking backwards away. “Enjoy my time with her while we have it.”
He’d nearly reached the door when he heard Balandria call out for him again. He paused at the threshold and looked back at him over his shoulder. Her arms were hugged around her chest, a cautious look in her gaze.
“Is she worth it?” she asked.
He swallowed hard as Aydra’s face filled his mind, the warmth, security, and love he felt when he was with her radiated through his core.
“Only her.”
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
EACH TIME SHE woke in his arms, she settled into it instead of rising. And each time her morning started with his hardened length pressing against her backside, she surrendered to the ravenous moments, relishing the way he held her firmly against him. He would be gone in a few days, and she wanted to savor him.
Draven left Aydra’s bed before the sun rose to go to Balandria. He had plans for her, wanting to show her around, let her get to know the rest of the Council. Aydra offered Lex to him to help her get adjusted to things. She wasn’t sure why Draven had decided to suddenly bring Balandria into the mix of things, but she wasn’t about to argue or push him for reasons.
She trusted him.
Whatever he was thinking, she knew it was for the better of their kingdoms, for both their people.
Rain pelted the windowsill when Aydra finally rose. She smiled at the sight of it and pulled on her riding clothes, along with her cloak.
“Ah, should have known,” Lex mused as she stepped inside Aydra’s bedroom. “Shall I tell your lover where you’re off to?”
