That’s interesting. I almost believe he loathes my husband as much as I do. “Bold words for a king’s guard.”
He steps closer. His eyes are a deep shade of brown, but there is a sheen in them, an ember that draws you in as it tries to burn you. “I’m nothisguard.”He wavers. His voice dips so deep it touches my toes. “I am yours.”
His eyes sweep over me, leveling me like a baker’s hands flatten flour.
My lips part on my inhale.
A volatile intensity, a thirst for vengeance and answers, darkens in his eyes.
Answers to what?
There is also a hint of sorrow, an apology that has yet to be spoken.
My dry mouth snaps shut. I run my tongue over my teeth as I glare at his audacity. “You expect me to believe you’re loyal to me?” I snort. “You’re no more loyal than my lady’s maid.”
“I expect the queen to be wise enough to form her own opinions based on my actions.”
Why can’t he be a daft, humble doll like the maid is?
“Kings can form opinions. Not queens.”
His head tilt highlights his unshaven jawline. Galen always has a clean face. I heard that beards can enhance sexual pleasure. The tickling sensation of their steel-like hairs can… stop!
What the hell is happening?
Yes, I enjoy sex, but I have control.
Yet in Titus’s presence, I keep circling back to sex. The deep rasp of his voice; his vigilant eyes are not shovels tearing away at me—they are nets, catching me.
Just let me fall into the abyss of my yearning for retribution.
My toes curl. I need a mage tonic to assuage my mind.
My forearms stiffen. Did Galen slip something into my wine last night?
“That’s funny.” Titus breaks my train of thought. “The queen I protect has no problem voicing her opinions. I don’t blame her.” He peers over his shoulder again.
Now I understand; he was checking the hall to ensure no one was spying on us.
“I… we should talk,” he whispers.
His aura shifts.Are you scared, Titus? You look like a beggar. What’s got your tongue twisted?
The hair on my body rises, brushing against the hard, relentless vines holding me down. “Oh, trust me, Titus, the last thing we should do is talk. You killed my brother!” I shove my chest against the vines.
“It was an accident.”
“An accident?”
“A reaction.”
“Reaction?” My blood boils. “Don’t insult my brother by declaring that murdering him was such an elementary task.”
His eyes pinch shut. “I didn’t mean that. I…” He looks at the vines. “Let me untie you so we can talk to one another with respect.”
“You want my respect?” My eyes target his sword. “Take your sword and drive it into your heart.” I glance away, pressing my cheek into the vine Galen used to push my face towards him. A tear slips free. “Leave me alone,” I whisper.
I… let him see me cry.
