But even as his words brand my soul, the weight of tomorrow presses in. Mori. Elison Kolbek. The desperate search for answers that might define our future, or end it.
forty-eight
. . .
raea
We’ve been givena pass from school for the week to visit Mori. The crown’s response came the next day, and we boarded the Treon transport two hours later. I’ll be honest. After all the dreams and visions of Mori, I’m a little on edge, but Ry has promised he’ll keep me safe. And I’m not the same person I was when I started school. I might be forced to my knees, but I’ll never yield.
The palace here is unique, situated right in the middle of their capital city, with towering sandstone walls erected in the shape of a large rectangle. The high afternoon sun’s golden light streams through intricately carved archways and trellises, illuminating the calm waters of the numerous pools that dot the interior. Lush green vines cascade from high ceilings, wrapping around ornate columns—a stark contrast to the arid landscape outside. The air is thin and dry with the scent of dust and exotic blossoms growing in pots. Low seating that’s piled high with plush cushions in rich, jewel tones fills the halls and rooms.
My chambers are equally impressive, offering two distinct perspectives of this city. From one terrace, the view stretches across a sea of ochre clay homes, their flat roofs creating a patchwork mosaic. In the distance, the vibrant green of the central oasis shimmers. It’s the vital artery that feeds life into the sprawling city.
The other terrace offers a private view of the interior palace. It overlooks a lush courtyard, where the gentle trickle of water from a grand fountain at the center of a long pool can be heard. Here, mature trees provide generous shade, complemented by comfortable seating arrangements.
Mera gets to work instructing Aza and Zhel on where to unpack my belongings. Both Kuron and Ezra traveled with me. So did Cassia, Anneli, Kaes, and Maya, who will spend the week capturing Ryker and me together with the King and Queen and visiting the colonies.
Queen Meganna has already put out a memo searching for Elison. We have two hours before we’ll be introduced at a feast they have planned for us, to celebrate our Bond, of course, and encourage the system to follow suit. Queen Meganna and I aren’t close, but I’m grateful for her support nonetheless, and I plan on remedying our friendship while I’m here. Having a friendship with another crown, especially a young one, could prove beneficial in the coming war.
I slip into a lightweight cotton dress that leaves my back bare before heading to Ryker’s chambers down the hall and up a flight of steps. I only knock once before he opens it. My mouth waters at the sight of his bare chest, making him grin.
“I love when you look at me like that,” he confesses, pulling me inside. He dismisses Bo and Leif, his footmen, before capturing my mouth with his.
I melt in his arms. His kiss is slow and reverent, his tongue gliding gently along mine. I’ve wanted to return those three words for days, but he’s right; I need time. His hands tangle in my loose hair, tugging until my head tips up, deepening our kiss.
I’m breathless when I step back. “Anneli and Maya want to take a few photos of us on the terrace in my room. Do you feel up for that?”
He sighs, interlacing our hands before pressing a kiss to my hand. “Do I have to get dressed? It’s so hot.”
My eyes drop, then widen. His pants are unbuttoned, hanging loose on his hips. My body flushes. I look up, giving him my best flirtatious smile, running a single finger down his chest, over the ridgesof his stomach, and further still, until I tug on his waistband. He steps closer, his gaze heating and nostrils flaring.
“Careful, Princess,” he purrs. “I might be tempted to see how well your little flimsy shield holds up.” His fingers trace down my spine, then his hand cups my ass, pulling me flush against his growing desire.
I hold in the moan that threatens to escape. Instead, I grin. “That feels painful,” I tease, my voice a low hum. “Guess you should take care of that before you come to my room—dressed.” I step out of his arms, but before I make it three steps, he scoops me up, throwing me over his shoulder. He smacks my ass—a sharp, playful sting that makes me laugh—before dropping me onto his bed.
He’s on me in an instant, his whole body covering mine, his weight a delicious press. My legs fall open, and he settles between them, a heated energy zinging through me. His teeth graze along my neck, and his fingers interlace with mine on either side of my head. When his tongue licks a sensitive spot, I arch into him. There have been so many times I’ve wished for this, and now, there’s no reason why we can’t. We aren’t at school, and the elders of the Isles confirmed we are mates, so…
"Don’t torture me,” I demand.
He nips, moving south to my shoulder, then to my chest, taking his time to kiss and suck, careful not to leave marks. We’re alone, in a palace far from home, and right now, I want him.
"Don’t stop,” I say breathlessly. It may have been a plea though.
“Raea,” he groans, pulling away, but I tug him back down, too consumed to think straight.
Bond.
My Bond.
“Are you sure?” he asks into the crevice of my neck. I nod frantically. I feel confident in my mental shield until his mouth moves over the material of my dress, sucking my nipple into his mouth. I moan again, and the wall I’ve built in front of my mental shield shatters.
He chuckles but moves to the other side, giving equal attention. My body writhes beneath him as I try to construct another wall, as if itwill help. When it comes to him, I’m hopeless. Forming coherent thoughts is a chore, much less building a shield meant to last a world-ending kiss, and dare I say, more?
When his mouth returns to mine, he mutters, “Raea, please, let me touch you. I need to feel you,” the words a low thrum against my lips. I meet his blue gaze and smile. “Focus on your Bond, love. Let me take care of the rest.” I sink into the silky sheets, loving the delicious weight of him above me, as he kisses me, his hand trailing down my thigh, finding the edge of my dress, sliding it up until my soaked, throbbing core is exposed.
He doesn’t stop kissing me as his hand cups my center. A guttural groan rumbles from him. “So wet for me, Princess.” He kisses me again, his fingers toying with the lace. I arch, needing more, focusing on the Bond, yet unable to stack bricks fast enough. I don’t want to. I just want to let go.
He slides the lace aside, his fingers brushing against my bare center. I’ve never experienced anything like this, and for once, I’m glad I waited. Every first belongs to him—my mate.
