“I rather like it. The sun reveals so much about people that they’d like to keep hidden.” I smile pleasantly.
He raises a brow but doesn’t respond. Instead, he gives a stiff, shallow bow to Solano, then turns on his heel and leaves.
I can finally breathe again.
“Revolting creature.” Solano runs a hand through his flaming crown. “Damn him to the Spires.”
“Why is he here? Is something wrong?”
Solano doesn’t look at me. “It’s fine. King Sigrid is needling me, testing me to find out what sort of a ruler I am.”
“Have you decided?”
“Decided?” He finally meets my gaze.
“Decided what sort of ruler you are.”
He takes my hand and stands, pulling me up with him. “One for all my people. One that they can be proud of.” Lifting my chin, he brushes his lips against mine. “One that makes you happy.”
My stomach seems to flutter, but then I remember all the ways he and Lord Caroldon dismissed and demeaned changelings and lesser fae during their meal. “Why does it matter if a changeling is happy?”
His brows lower. “Are you cross with me?”
I back away from his hold. “I just want to know if the king I just saw is the real one, or the one who saved me in the lake, the one who held me last night. Which is it? Because the fae king you presented to that vile noble only emboldens him.”
“Just because I act like a simpleton to fool Lord Caroldon, don’t mistake who I am.” He advances, his heat licking out and stroking my skin with the promise of fire.
I back against the wall, and he presses his body to mine, his golden eyes intense.
“I am the same king who licked you until you moaned.” He rests his palm at my throat as I grip his biceps. “The same king who will claim your maidenhood when I’ve met your vow.” He leans closer, and I can’t seem to find my breath. “The same king who grows more obsessed with you by the hour. The same king who wanted to burn Caroldon to ash for daring to touch you. The same king who hated every word he spoke. I would never devalue my people, no matter their race. But I couldn’t tell him that, couldn’t tell him that you are more precious to me than any trade deal or peace treaty, than any noble or high fae. That you are myweakness.” His gaze darts to my lips. “Do you have any more questions for me, anything else I need to prove?” He inhales, his fangs lengthening. “I can taste your desire, nightling. It dances on the air, promising me so much pleasure. Soon.” He nips my bottom lip with his fang. “I hope you’re ready, because once I meet my vow, I’m claiming your mortal body and soul in every way that matters.”
With that, he releases me and stalks into the hall, his shoulders tight, his crown crackling, and his ire like a whip of fire, one that promises pain … and pleasure.
22
Solano
She sleeps in her own bed, her breaths soft in the dim room. I lean against her doorframe, wanting to wake her but also wanting her to continue her peaceful slumber. Do all kings feel this for their consort? I suppose not. After all, my father cast his aside when he was done with them. They were simply things to be enjoyed to him. To me, Emma is so much more. I can’t explain it.
It’s best I let her rest. Telling her about the fate of the other consorts would only make her time here so much more difficult, but I’m a fool if I think she won’t find out. Even so, I want to protect her for as long as I can. The truth is hard. The third changeling died only hours ago, her wrecked body too weak to survive the sun after the brutal treatment from Caroldon. My crown lights at the thought of it, and I have to duck out of her room before the light wakes her.
I wander back to my chambers and am considering getting into bed when a knock sounds.
“Enter,” I call.
Anolius hurries in, helmetless, his golden hair curling against his brown skin. “Grimelda has arrived.”
“Thank the Ancestors.” I throw my tunic back on and hurry with him.
“I’ve also gotten word that more villages along our border have been attacked.”
“Which border?” I ask as we make our way to the far wing of the palace, the area nearest the healers.
He clears his throat. “All of them.”
I don’t stop, but I slow down. “All?”
“Whatever is striking can move through our borders as if they aren’t there. The magic doesn’t hold them back.” He keeps pace, his armor clinking. “There is some sort of strong alchemy or perhaps something darker at work.”
