We bathed after that and actually washed ourselves and each other with soap that smelled like herbs. He was gentle as he cleaned me, careful of sore spots. I returned the favor, running my hands over his body and marveling that he was mine.
When we finally got out, he wrapped me in a towel that was softer than anything I’d felt in this realm and helped me dry off before finding clothes for both of us. I dressed in a simple gown with a high neck to hide my mark. He dressed in formal clothing of leather and dark fabric that made him look every inch the king.
“I need to gather the council,” he said as he fastened his shirt. “Talk about you being my mate. Address any animosity head-on before it festers. And Aurion has been investigating some financial irregularities. Money that might have been used to sway councilmen to support Andreas. If he finds proof, we can finally imprison Andreas, his family, and any corrupt councilmen.”
I nodded as hope bloomed in my chest. “That would solve everything.”
“It would solve many things.” He crossed to me and cupped my face in both hands. “This needs to work. I need my kingdom secure so I can focus on making you happy.”
“I’m already happy,” I admitted. “Frustrated and confused and still processing everything, but happy. Because I’m with you.”
He kissed me softly. “I do not deserve you.”
“Probably not. But you’re stuck with me now.”
“Best fate I could imagine.” He kissed me once more before heading for the door. “Stay in the chambers for now. Please. I will send for you when the council meeting is over.”
“I’ll stay,” I promised.
He left with one last lingering look.
I stood there for a moment staring at the closed door. Then I looked around the massive chamber.
I did not want to spend the entire day locked up. Not after a week of mostly staying in these rooms. I was going stir-crazy.The library kept calling to me. Sorcha had told me about it earlier this week, said it was beautiful with ancient tomes and high windows letting in natural light. I’d seen the outside of the building during my limited walks but had never gone inside.
I wanted to see it. Badly.
I walked to the door and opened it. Two guards stood in the corridor and turned to bow slightly when they saw me.
“My lady,” one of them said. He was young, maybe mid-twenties with kind eyes. “Do you need anything?”
“I want to go to the library,” I said. “Can you take me there?”
They exchanged a glance. “The king asked that you remain in the chambers...”
“The king asked. He didn’t order. And I’m going stir-crazy in there.” I smiled at them. “Please? I’ll be in the library. It’s in the castle. It’s safe.”
The older guard, probably in his forties with graying hair, nodded slowly. “Very well, my lady. We will escort you.”
We walked through the corridors and I tried to memorize the path. Left at the corridor with the wolf tapestry. Right at the bronze statue of some past king. Down the stairs with the worn stone steps. Through the hallway lined with painted portraits.
The library doors were massive and made of dark wood with intricate carvings of books and scrolls. The guards pushed them open for me.
I gasped.
It was beautiful. More beautiful than Sorcha had described.
The room was enormous and rose three stories high with balconies wrapping around each level. Ancient tomes lined every wall and shelves stretched from floor to ceiling. High windows let in streams of golden afternoon light. It must be golden hour because everything glowed with warm color.
“We will position ourselves at both entrances, my lady,” the younger guard said. “Call if you need anything.”
One guard stationed himself near the main doors I’d entered through. The other walked across the expansive room to where a second exit stood on the far wall. They were both inside with me, covering the two ways in and out.
I moved deeper into the library and ran my fingers along the spines of books. Most were in languages I couldn’t read. But some were in English or at least close enough to English that I could make out titles.
I climbed the stairs to the second level and found myself in a section on history and magic and mythology.
One tome caught my attention. The leather binding was worn from age and the title was faded but still readable: “Ancient Magicks and Rituals.”
