She tossed the book onto the bed. When it landed near where Farris had settled again, he huffed, jumped onto the floor, and trotted into the sitting area where he wouldn’t be disturbed.
Reyla wrapped her arms around my shoulders and with a quick buck, she sent me onto my back, though if she asked, I’d admit that I’d allowed it to happen. I knew all her moves. And adored them all with equal fervor.
When she rose over me and placed the head of my cock at her entrance and plunged her body down, I forgot about everything else.
46
Reyla
The diary was waiting, and I was determined to read it as soon as I could.
But we’d spent a night together and part of a day.
As much as I wanted to stay in our suite forever, we couldn't do that to our people. We'd taken a few stolen moments for ourselves, but we needed to ensure that those in the city were receiving the help they needed.
We rose from the bed.
After bathing, Lore stood inside the closet, pulling on his leather pants and tunic, the faint creak of the straps breaking the quiet as I finished strapping a blade to my thigh. His eyes trailed over me, a smirk teasing at his lips. “I love how skilled you are with weapons,” he said. “You already know that you’re utterly lethalto my heart.”
I rolled my eyes while a grin tugged at the corner of my mouth. My leather armor clung snugly, the dark hue bringing out flecks of silver in the embroidery along its seams, a royal touch I didn’t ask for but couldn’t exactly turn down. “Lethal?” I arched a brow, slipping a dagger into the top of my boot. “Lethal works both ways, you know. One look at you, and I'm questioning if we’ll make it out of this room today.”
He crossed over to me in a few bold strides, his warm hands settling on my hips, pulling me close enough for the air between us to disappear. His lips brushed my ear, his voice low. “You know what I mean.”
I sighed as bliss sunk through my bones. This husband of mine… He kept undoing me then putting me back together again, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I looked up at him, almost ready to suggest we take a bit more time together before leaving, but guilt stabbed through me. I didn't begrudge this time with him, but I wouldn't love him at the expense of others. We had to make sure things were going well in the city.
I pressed a hand against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. “Soon, love.”
His grip tightened as though he hated the idea of letting me go, before he nodded, his jaw flexing as he stepped back. “You’re right.” The sultry look in his eyes promised things that sent warmth flooding through me despite what waited for us outside our suite.
He cupped my jaw, his fingertips brushing my cheek, and kissed me.
I curled my fingers into his leather tunic and kissed him back. Heat coiled low in my belly, that magnetic pull I found impossible to resist. But reality was insistent, and the city wouldn’t wait for us.
Not long later, we stepped out into the hallway, Lore’s handbrushing mine before linking our fingers together. At our appearance, our guards snapped to attention.
“We’re going into the city,” Lore said.
The guards nodded crisply, falling in step behind us.
As our carriage wound down the hillside, approaching the city, the scent of death hung in the air. On the outskirts, we left the carriage and proceeded on foot. Smoke lingered like a ghost refusing to be banished, curling up from smoldering funeral pyres and buildings alike. People bustled around what remained of the marketplace and the streets surrounding it, their faces streaked with soot, busy hauling timber, sacks of grain, and crates of supplies.
The market was a sea of overturned stalls and splintered wood, the air still sharp with the tang of destruction.
Lord Briscalar hurried over to join us. “Welcome, welcome. Delightful to see you both.” Dressed in a simple tunic and pants, one might think he lived one street over—if they didn’t catch the flint of authority in his eyes. “We’ve made considerable progress,” he told us both. “The bodies of those who perished have been collected. The head of the castle guard has been coordinating food, water, and supplies for construction, and I’ve set up a central area near the market well, where healers are giving aid. Castle staff are handing out bags with provisions, and others are ensuring we fill whatever need our citizens may have.”
“Thank you,” Lore said.
I barreled into Briscalar and hugged him. His breath whoofed out, and he patted my back. Easing away, I braced his arms. “You need a raise. A new manor house, perhaps? Or elevation to the highest position in the court.”
“That would be ours, love,” Lore said with the curl of his lips. “But I see where you’re going with this.” His mouth smoothed, andhe met Lord Briscalar’s gaze. “Find me in the throne room soon. I have something in mind.”
“Oh, my king. My queen!” Briscalar bent forward in a deep bow. “I do this with my heart, not with the expectation of any sort of reward, and while I’m delighted that you think of me kindly, please don’t.”
“Throne room, Lord Briscalar,” Lore said, though his eyes gleamed with humor. “You will not dissuade me.”
“I thank you, then.” Briscalar’s gaze scanned the area. “If you’ll excuse me…” He rushed over to help someone heft a bundle of slate tiles onto a roof where they would replace those destroyed by the borgons.
We continued across the marketplace.
