I turn and wave my soldiers away. Maybe I’m being a bit protective, but I truly don’t want them to see my nightling naked. They retreat up the hill as I send another blast of flames whipping around the thrashing Malnaloch.
Pointing, I show her the monster’s lure. “The creature has three horns atop its head. From here, they appear to be great trees, but through them, the creature sends out its call. None can resist it.”
“You did.” She looks at me with wide eyes.
“I’m the king of this realm.” I allow my hand to slide farther down her hip. “No creature can hold sway over its master. And I can destroy Malnaloch as easily as snuffing out a candle. You have those in the night realm, correct?”
“Yes.”
“But what about that fae?” She points at Brock.
“He’s using his control of the wind to block out the sound.” I quirk a half smile. “And Brock is so uptight that I doubt a beautiful song promising his heart’s desire would turn his head.”
She coughs a bit more, and I pull her free from the water and sit her beside me on the warm grass. Her legs shut tight, and she drapes one arm across her breasts. But not before I get a look at her pale skin, her pink nipples, and the small patch of red hair between her thighs. Desire like I’ve never felt engulfs me, and I have to look away.
At least Brock is putting on a good show as he breaks each horn in two with mighty gusts of wind. Malnaloch screeches, then lowers into the water to try and escape the maelstrom. I add one more blast of fire, the entire top of the island going up in flames as the three great eyes disappear into the sizzling water.
She moves, and I force myself not to look until she returns, her dress in her hands.
It’s still wet, so I send a wave of heat through it, the water turning to steam.
“That’s handy.” She clutches the clothes to her, hiding her fair skin that I’d like to lick.
“As a king, it’s my duty to serve.” I capture her gaze and glance at her lips. “As a member of my realm, you are entitled to my service.”
Her heart flutters faster as her eyes travel down my bare torso. I don’t hide from her, not when I want her to desire me the same way I want her. And, after all, it’s only a matter of time until I’m on top of her, her hands on me as I take her and give her every bit of pleasure she can stand.
“When you look at me like that …” She trails off and bites her lip.
“Like what?” I lean closer, her mouth a lure all its own.
“Like I’m … beautiful,” she breathes.
“You are, nightling.” I brush my lips against hers, my touch soft. “Exquisite.”
“I’m just a changel—”
A blast of wind steals her breath as Brock lands beside us. I turn so she’s hidden behind my back. The idea of him looking at her naked flesh sets my teeth on edge.
But Brock, being Brock, keeps his gaze averted. “Malnaloch will remember this for quite a while.”
“Good. I should have ended it.” I glower at the smoking island.
“You could.” Brock nods.
“I allow it to live only because it’s a natural creature of the realm.” I sigh. “It has as much right to be here as the fairer creatures, but a reprimand every now and again will do it good.”
“You almost burned it to nothing. That’s a reprimand?” Emma moves around at my back, presumably dressing. “Not that I’m complaining. It did try to drown me and eat me.”
“My lord, the next time you decide to swim into Malnaloch’s grasp—or into danger of any sort—would you be so kind as to alert me beforehand?” Brock doesn’t mince words.
I suppose the creature isn’t the only one due a reprimand. But when I saw Emma in the water and swimming into the creature’s waiting maw, I reacted. There was no rational thought in my mind, just desperation. Because if I lost her … I don’t understand the pain such an idea causes.
“I’ll do my best.” I rise and turn toward the road. “Dress, nightling. And have more care for the dangers of my realm. Don’t let the sunshine fool you. There are plenty of pitfalls, and death holds the same sway here as it does in the Nightlands.”
“A girl can’t even take a bath here without running the risk of being eaten. Noted.” She still clutches her dress to her as Brock stalks away. “You can’t watch.”
“I can’t?” I smirk. “You’re my consort. I can do whatever I want with you.”
