“You just spoke about accepting me and lamented that you couldn't change me.”
“I merely meant that you have beliefs that differ from mine, and I must accept them because I know what kind of man you are. You are steadfast—unshakable in what you believe. I want to be with you, so I must accept the things I disagree with.”
I lifted my stare to his. “You don't have to lie to me. I'm here. I've already conceded.”
“Conceded?” The King puffed out a breath. “Why is it a war between us? Or do you see it as a contest of wills?”
“Neither. What we have is a nebulous thing. Indefinable at the moment, but evolving. I can't classify it yet.”
“Classify? Dear Gods, Tek. It's a relationship. We're lovers. We may become more if the Gods agree with me. And you call it—”
“If the Gods agree with you?” I cut him off, my heart leaping, going from the depths of my belly and right into my throat. I swallowed it back down. “What does that mean?”
Tor'rien softened his expression. “I think you're incredible and, just as I said, I think we are perfectly matched. I would be overjoyed if you became my mate.”
I gaped at him.
His expression twisted into something more smug again, and he took the serving spoon from me to fill my plate. “Eat, my Claw. You need your strength. I fear it will be a long night of both bafflement and revelations for you.”
I looked from my plate—full of the best bits of meat, vegetables, and bread—then at the King. “Thank you.”
“You're welcome. Now, tell me how I can make you more comfortable here.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
I ran a hand through my hair. Again. Dinner had been hours ago. I was back in the King's office, staring down at the case notes. I had them spread across the King's desk, with the notes I thought held the most importance on the top. And I saw nothing. Nothing I hadn't already seen.
“Enough.” Tor'rien took my hand. “It's time to get some sleep.”
“I can't.” I waved at the case. “He's going to kill someone else if I don't stop him. I feel it.”
“If he does, that crime lies on his shoulders, Tekhan. You are not responsible.”
“Yes, I am!” I spun to face him. “Haven't you been paying attention? This is about me. I don't know what I've done to attract Hallaxgral's attention, but he's doing this for me. I can't just hand this off to another claw and get some sleep.”
“Again, that doesn't make you responsible. We are in control of our own actions. That's all. You cannot control what that bastard does. And so, you cannot take responsibility for his actions. Now, come to bed.”
I was exhausted enough that I let him lead me out of the office and up the stairs. Fucking stairs. A lifter had brought usup to the royal apartments, but once inside, we had to use the stairs to access the floors. Something about security. I couldn't care less about it when I was that weary, each step a study in willpower.
And then I was in Tor'rien's arms.
I yipped in surprise. “What are you doing?”
“You're about to fall on your face, and we still have two flights to go.”
“Of course, you sleep on the top floor,” I muttered as my head fell onto his shoulder.
He chuckled. “You're even grumpier when you're tired.”
“I'm not grumpy.”
He laughed harder.
I fell asleep on the way up and woke as the King was removing my boots. “Oh, dear Gods! I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I can do that.”
“Lay down!” Tor'rien pointed at me. “I am not your king in here. I'm your lover, and it's my right to take care of you. So, be still while I remove your clothes.”
“Thank you,” I whispered. Then added, “Tor.”
