“Yes, I gathered that from the scent of sex permeating the air.” Aurion’s expression was caught between amusement and horror. “Perhaps I should have announced my presence sooner. Or later. Much later.”
“Perhaps you should not have broken into my mate’s bookstore in the middle of the night,” Mal countered.
“I did not break in. I came through the portal. It deposited me in this... room of old books.” Aurion looked around the archive with interest, then back at me. “You run a library?”
“Yes, it’s a mix of library and bookstore. Family business.” I crossed my arms, very aware I was still only half-dressed.
“I’m Aurion Ashborne. King of Noctherion. Malachar’s older and significantly more responsible brother.” He gave me a small bow. “It is a pleasure to meet you, despite the unusual circumstances.”
“Wen Woods. Owner of said bookstore. Not a queen of anything.” I gestured vaguely at my state of undress. “As you can probably tell from the whole... situation.”
“The situation being that my brother was mating you like a rabbit when I arrived?”
“Oh my god, can we not-”
“She is my mate,” Mal growled, stepping closer to me possessively. “Show respect.”
“I am showing respect. I have not drawn my sword on her despite the book assault.” Aurion’s eyes glinted with humor.“Though I admit, it is strange to see you so... domestic. Running a bookshop? In the human realm?”
“Bookstore,” I corrected. “And yes. He’s been helping me. He’s actually pretty good at customer service when he’s not being territorial.”
“What is that customer service?” Aurion looked at Mal like he’d grown a second head.
“It means I’m good at selling books. And I am also quite good at organizing shelves,” Mal said dryly. “I have also learned much about human romance literature.”
“Romance literature?”
“Yes. It is very educational.”
I bit back a laugh at Aurion’s expression of pure bewilderment.
“Brother,” Aurion said slowly. “What has happened to you?”
“I found my mate. Everything else became secondary.” Mal’s hand found mine, squeezed. “But tell me of home. You said Mother is worried?”
Aurion’s expression sobered. “She is frantic. We all were. You vanished in the middle of a challenge, Malachar. One moment you were fighting Andreas, the next - gone. Swallowed by light.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I have been searching for any sign of the portal. It took me days to find it, and it has been unstable. Dangerous. Apparently, after it swallowed you up, it moved down levels. It was in a hidden passage beneath the throne room.”
“How did you cross?” Mal asked.
“With great difficulty and plenty of nausea.” Aurion’s jaw tightened. “But that is not the pressing issue. Andreas has been causing trouble in your absence. He claims you fled. That you abandoned the throne rather than face him in the challenge.”
Mal’s expression darkened. “I fled nothing. The portal opened during our fight. It pulled me through before I could react.”
“I know. I witnessed it. But Andreas is using your disappearance to sway the nobles.” Aurion’s voice was grave. “He claims the throne should be his by default. That a king who abandons his people is no king at all.”
“That is ridiculous. I did not abandon-”
“I know that. Mother knows that. But the nobles are restless. They see weakness, opportunity.” Aurion stepped closer. “You must return, Mal. Now.”
The word hung in the air like a death sentence.
I felt Mal’s conflict through the bond. His duty to his kingdom warring with his desire to stay with me. To finish what we’d started and to keep me safe.
“How long do I have?” Mal asked quietly.
“Days at most. Andreas has called for a formal challenge again. If you do not appear, he will claim the throne by forfeit.” Aurion’s expression was pained. “I am sorry, brother. I know this is not what you wish to hear. But your kingdom needs you. Your people need you.”
Mal looked at me. His eyes were conflicted. Torn.
