Aras helped me out of my clothes and then tucked me into bed.
“There you go, being adorable again.” I snatched his hand and kissed it. “Could you send for some lunch?”
“You're about to go to sleep.”
“I need food too. I'll rest my eyes until it comes.”
Aras grimaced. “All right. But if you're asleep when I get back, I'm not waking you.”
I grunted and closed my eyes.
It felt as if a moment had passed, but when I opened my eyes again, Aras was lying beside me, asleep.
I stared at my mate. Aras had removed most of his clothes, leaving only his undershorts on, and he was sleeping above the covers, on full display. Night had fallen while I slept and a cool breeze came in through the open balcony doors. With his fur, Aras didn't need a blanket. Still, his nipples pebbled in the chill.
After I glanced at the balcony to make sure none of our eager new knights were out there, I reached for one of those pert buds. Just a little rub. A playful tap to roll it. I loved how large his nipples were. How long they got when I tugged on them.
“Damn it all,” I growled and drew my hand away. That one touch had hardened me. But I didn't want to rouse my mate. I wanted him to have his rest.
So, I carefully climbed out of bed and crept away. There was a tray of food on the low table before the fireplace, but a bowl of stew and a loaf of bread sat on the hearth, as close to the flames as they could get without burning. I grinned at Aras's thoughtfulness and retrieved the food. Sitting on the couch before the table, I put the stew and bread on the tray and then pulled it over to me. There were also honeyed carrots, a jar of butter, a carafe of water, and some chocolate confections for dessert.
I set into the meal voraciously.
It wasn't until I was halfway through my meal that I realized how peaceful it was in my head. No voice badgering me. Great Gods, that was such a relief. I'd gotten used to the Eye somuch that I had forgotten what it was like to not have her there. Now, I remembered.
Breathing deeply, I sighed and enjoyed my quiet repast. Would she be with me forever? Even after I won the war—if we won—would she remain, talking in my mind and reading my thoughts whenever it suited her? I would still be in possession of Ensarena's Eye. I assumed that meant that she would continue speaking to me.
A shiver of dread ran through me.
I couldn't keep going like that. She and I would have to come to an arrangement. I needed my mind to myself or I would truly go insane. And no one wanted a mad king.
I was staring into the fire, the empty bowl in my lap and the taste of chocolate still on my tongue when Aras sat down beside me. With a jerk, I turned toward him. I hadn't heard him approach. And this time, I didn't have the Eye to blame, only thoughts of her.
Aras chuckled, the sound low and sexy. He was still in his shorts, as was I, and so his fur tickled my back when he slid his arm around me. “Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you.”
“It's all right.” Inside me, my dragon rumbled, akin to a cat purring. “Thank you for keeping my food warm.”
“You're welcome.” He looked over the tray. “I see you didn't save any for me.”
Horror filled me. I had failed to provide for my mate.
But then Aras started laughing. “Your face!” He laughed harder. “Ly, I ate before I went to sleep.”
“Oh.” I frowned. “Aren't you hungry again?”
“Actually.” He smacked his lips. “Yes, I could do with more food. But I can send for another plate.” He stood up. “Would you like anything else?”
“Cake,” I said. “I'd like three slices of cake.”
Aras widened his eyes at me. “Any particular kind?”
“Tell them to make it a selection, if possible.”
“All right.” He headed for the suite door, chuckling again. “You've got a sweet fang.”
“I do love my dessert,” I murmured as I watched him prowl away, his tail swinging gently.
An image of lifting that tail and sucking on his sacs came to mind. They were hairless like his cock, so I could enjoy them thoroughly. Maybe I'd smear some frosting on his dick and make that my dessert.
