A knot formed in my chest, apprehension and curiosity churning through me. His jaw remained set, his green eyes calculating, while his face remained neutral.
Smoke curled beneath his words.
“But enough of that.” His posture loosened, and he offered me his arm again. “We'll deal with what we must when it happens. Why ruin a gorgeous day like this with talk of murder and trust?”
I linked our arms, and we strolled around the deck again, passing sailors tugging on ropes and adjusting the enormous, billowing sails, all while sending us polite nods. A wiry man climbed up the rigging, fastening ties with deft hands. Another sailor coiled ropes around metal posts mounted on the deck, pausing long enough to give us each a soft smile. Respect shone in their eyes when they looked at Merrick, along with a touch of wariness, as if they knew better than to disturb us.
Our pace took us toward the bow, and we stopped there with the wind whipping across the ship, making my lips tingle with the taste of salt.
When the tension between us began to leave on the sea breeze, I spoke again, keeping it lighter this time. “Describe Evergorne for me. What should I expect once we arrive?”
He waited before speaking, as though he wanted to choose his words carefully. “The castle, our home, is nestled into the side of a big mountain that's part of a long range stretching across the horizon. It was built high for the view but also for defense. It's impenetrable, strong, and the stone is warded with protective magic.” His lips twisted as he gazed out at the water. “It and the entire city are surrounded by a high wall that protects every member of our court.”
Curiosity sliced through the unease swirling inside me. “Walls for protection? From what?”
“Predators.” He said it much too casually.
I arched a brow, attempting to hide the ripple of uncertainty he stirred. “Care to elaborate?”
His gaze locked on mine, and a shadow drifted behind his green eyes. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
A shiver ran through me despite the warmth of the sun. “I need to know now.” Predators, threats from within and possibly beyond. I'd married into a kingdom with layers upon layers of secrets, but wasn’t that the norm in the fae world?
I’d brave the jaws of Evergorne Court, predators and all. I was sure I’d even set some fires along the way. The trick was to avoid being scorched while I did it.
He didn’t answer my question, suggesting instead that we continue walking. And despite further prying on my part, sometimes without much delicacy, he evaded answering, tellingme only that I’d soon see, but that I’d love Evergorne and the castle, that he’d make sure I was safe.
When the sun slipped lower to hover above the horizon, he took me to my cabin door.
“I’m sorry, but I have things to take care of now, though I wish they didn’t call me away from you, Fawn,” he said, his intent gaze on my mouth.
He wanted another kiss—and so did I, interestingly enough.
“I understand.” Not really, but if he needed time by himself, who was I to deny that? I wouldn’t mind being with Farris. “Do you want to share a late dinner? We can eat by moonlight on the deck.”
“I’m afraid I can’t.” He flashed me a heady smile. “Soon, though. When we reach Evergorne, I’m sure you’ll share so many meals with me, you’ll get tired of seeing my face.”
I wasn’t sure that time would come, and not only because he was gorgeous. I liked him more than I’d expected and more than I’d wanted, but there it was.
It appeared Iwasembracing whatever might come next.
Merrick leaned in, and I had no urge to draw back. My breath caught in my throat, hesitating, as if the air between us was about to collapse.
I wanted it to.
He hovered, his face near enough I could see the faint flecks of gold in his eyes. My pulse flickered in response.
Strangely, this wasn’t like the times I’d shared with Kinart, moments bathed in a comfortable warmth that made sense, that eased into me like sunlight breaking through a chilly morning. This felt different. When I was with Merrick, wildfireblazed through me, untamed and dangerous, more consuming than I’d ever thought possible.
When I looked into his eyes, I saw the promise of something deeper than simple affection. One day soon, he’d take what he wanted from me, and truthfully, I wanted him to do it. The thought both frightened and thrilled me.
I’d never felt this way with Kinart. Guilt pricked at my soul, but not with the sharp, bitter sting I might’ve expected. This felt softer, gentler and filled with sadness. Had I ever known passion like this before or let myself feel this way? Kinart's love had been pure and steady, but what Merrick offered?
This man’s kiss could unravel me. His touch could fuse our souls.
Despite the whirlwind inside me, I stayed where I was. Ineededwhatever Merrick was about to give, like it was a delicacy I hadn’t realized I’d starved for all my life. A hunger burned inside me where grief had once thrived.
His hand slid around my waist, his fingers brushing against my gown before he pulled me toward him, firm but not forceful. Heat rolled off him, and where his body met mine, it was a molten wave, flooding through the barrier of the material between us. His chest pressed against me, strong and solid, his steady breathing contrasting with the erratic pace of my own.
