Kendan is going to hear an earful for this stunt. Forcing Sabine to reveal her fae nature is an asshole move—even though, I begrudgingly have to admit, itworked.
Still, Sabine’s fey glows in uneven bursts—she’s so damn overcome that I’m afraid she’s going to break apart at the seams, burn every person’s eyes with her silver light.
I’m desperate for a second alone together. I’m her acolyte—her protector. She’s worried she’s going to hurt me, but the need to check onherburns through me.
“Congratulations to our Queen and Goddess,” a stiff advisor cuts in, eyes flashing like a fox’s. “We are eager to discuss potential negotiations with your father, King Rachillon. If we were able to get our hands on that monoceros…”
“We will speak soon enough.” She smiles tightly, cutting him off. It’s more of a grimace, really, and I lay a protective hand on the small of her back.
I say, “Of course, Lord Blakely. We look forward to long, productive meetings with you…at another time.”
More well-wishers press in, anxious to lay hands on us like we’re blessed statues, and my own heartbeat starts to hammer.
Damn, these stiff clothes.Iwasn’t even the primary one thrust in the spotlight, but the seams poke at me in all the wrong places. I wish I could rip them off, go back to my loose hunting garb.
“We are graced with your presence, Lady Solene!” an elderly cook proclaims, stepping forward with the kitchen staff.
Sabine stiffens under the sudden attention.
I smile disarmingly while I lock hands with Sabine and form a barreling ram with my other arm to push us through the crowd as politely as I can.
“Yes, yes,” I murmur through clenched molars. “Such an honor…she’s a marvel…will work hard to serve the kingdom…”
Women surge toward Sabine, reaching to touch her gown like it’s spun from legend. They press in so closely that I’m forced to tighten my grip on her hand just to keep her near.
On the other side, advisors close in around me, voices clashing, each trying to claim a piece of my attention.
Then, in a blink, the crowd shoves between us—my fingers slip—and she’s gone.
Swallowed whole.
Her wide eyes find mine one last time through the crush, a silent plea hovering there—before the tide takes her.
“Enough,” I grunt. “Fuck it.”
I barrel my way through the crush of bodies like a beast. Gasps ripple as I reach her and, wordlessly, scoop her into my arms, lifting her right over my shoulder like a sack of flour.
Regal? No. Effective? Absolutely.
She yelps, but her arms loop around my neck on instinct.
Hell, let everyone gawk and stare. If they want her, they’ll have to go through me, first.
“Basten!” Sabine cries, clamping a hand onto her crown to keep it from falling off. “What are you doing?”
“I’m getting you out of here, wildcat,” I murmur, adjusting her on my shoulder.
I’ve shocked the crowd enough by manhandling a goddess that it’s easy to push through now. Gaping sentries scramble to open the castle doors for us, and I stride right past shocked staff up the stairs and don’t stop until I’ve plunked her down on the royal bed.
Gods—it reeks of sandalwood in here. Rian’s signature scent. No doubt the maids wanted to ensure our marital bedroom was appealing, but they really shouldn’t have.
If Sabine’s between the covers, that’s all I need.
“Your pulse was skyrocketing,” I say. “I had to get you out of there before you opened the earth and swallowed everyone whole.”
I tug at my stiff collar, practically growling at the uncomfortable fabric.
She bounces on the mattress, pupils blown, lips trembling, fey flaring across her temples. Her crown tumbles onto the black satin sheets.
