“Not one thing.” Lore braced both of the lord's shoulders. “Thank you. We wouldn't be able to leave if we didn't trust you'd ensure everything went smoothly while we're gone.”
“You can rely on me, my king. I promise this with all my heart.” With that, the lord left, his footsteps sweeping down the hall in a flurry, his voice calling out orders with authority already.
“Good choice,” I said once the door had been closed behind us. I glanced toward Moira and Calista, who gaped at us, no doubt having listened in on the conversation. “We'd like a meal brought to the room. And Moira? Please draw a bath and lay out clean leathers for us both.” I unstrapped my blades and tossed them onto the sofa. “Please see these are cleaned immediately. Ensure they're returned to me in pristine condition and quickly. Leave them with the guards outside the door.”
“I'll go to the kitchen after starting your bath,” Moira said with a sparkle in her eyes.
Of course she would. She and the head chef were falling in love.
She rushed toward the bathing chamber.
“And I'll take your weapons to the guards with strict instructions,” Calista said. “Surely you'll take a few things with you? I fear you’ll need something, and it will be here, out of your reach.”
I met Lore's eyes. “A pack for each of us. I’ll use the one I brought with me. Only vital things. Any suggestions other than a few changes of clothing and extra throwing knives for me, Lore?”
He barked out a list, and I could see Calista taking notes in hermind. “We're traveling light. Dried provisions. A full flask of water in each pack.”
“I'll see to it immediately.” Calista dipped in a curtsy and hurried to the door.
“Leave them with the guards. The meal as well,” Lore called out to Calista. “My queen and I would like to be alone.”
“Very well,” she said as Moira hurried back into the sitting area. “We'll see you in the morning, then. Shall we bring breakfast?”
“At dawn,” I said. “Leave it with the guards.”
They sped out into the hallway, and Lore called Talvon and Surren inside where he explained that we were leaving, and that Lord Briscalar would be regent while we were away.
“I'll ensure the heralds announce the news.” Surren's gaze met mine. “Are you sure a few guards can't go with you? I worry, of course.”
“We have to travel alone,” Lore said.
This was our quest, and I suspected we’d need to complete it with no help from others.
They left and not long later, Faelith brought Farris back, his fur clean and groomed and his eyes sparkling with joy. He bounced around us, panting as she stepped out into the hallway. As the door closed, he scampered over to hop up onto the sofa, curling on the cushion in front of the fire.
Lore flicked his hand toward the outer door and the lock snicked closed.
Then he advanced on me with a sultry smile. “Alone at last, my pretty little bride.”
58
Lore
My blink flitted us to the bathing chamber and a sweep of my hand made Reyla’s clothing disappear, leaving her beautifully naked. She gasped, her eyes widening with excitement. I scooped her up into my arms and spun her around. I’d never get used to the wonderful feeling I got from being with her. Her laughter filled the room, a sound that would ignite me until my dying day.
“What are you doing?” she squealed, though the grin on her face told me she knew exactly what I was doing.
“Sometimes I enjoy peeling off your clothing piece by piece, but other times, I want you like this right away. Time to get clean, love.” I also removed my own clothing with magic and carried her over to the tub. Steam drifted across the water, and I couldn't waitto let the warmth seep into my bones. I was tired. Unbelievably sad. But I wanted—no needed—this time with my wildfire.
I stepped into the tub and lowered us both into the water.
Reyla sighed and nestled into my chest. Grabbing a cloth, I dipped it into the water. I began to wash my love, my queen, my wife, starting with her shoulders and moving down her arms in slow, sensual strokes.
She moaned and tipped her head back, watching my face.
I kept the cloth gliding over her skin, taking my time, trailing it along her sides as I moved lower. Her breath hitched, and I couldn't resist teasing her further. “I do enjoy washing you, Wildfire. Consider me your personal bath attendant.” I kissed her temple, and my voice rasped out of me. “It’s so much fun getting my hands dirty.”
Her laughter danced in the air. “And I love how dirty you can be. But what if I said that you washing me is only half the fun?”
