“There is,” I replied. “And it’s perfectly suitable.”
“Show it to me, then,” he challenged.
Damn him. I’d taken out all the stuffing from the mattress already, so it was practically nonexistent. Only the frame was intact right now.
“Even if I stayed in the village, it wouldn’t prevent me from coming here,” I told him. “I’d be traveling through Stellara more, if anything.”
“Then you’ll stay at the keep,” came his reply. “One of my keepers will take you here every morning and return you in the evenings. Not that’s it up for discussion—I’ve already decided.”
A small exhale of disbelief left my lips. I was reminded that KythelwasaKyzaire. Sometimes it was easy to forget, especially when he was relaxed. But this was a male who was used to giving orders and getting exactly what he wanted.
“It will be a convenience,” he continued, nodding to himself, “for the feedings.”
“Is that the only reason?” I couldn’t help but ask. Truth be told, I was a little hurt by his flippant words, that he only wanted me at the keep forconvenience.
“No,” he said. My breath hitched in surprise. His gaze turned molten. “It’s not the only reason.”
Tension thrummed between us. I was all too aware that his come was drying stiffly in his pants right underneath me and that the bite marks on my neck felt hot and tingly.
“You’ll have your own room in the north wing,” he added. “I’ll even give you free reign of my kitchens whenever you wish.”
“I don’t think your culinarian would appreciate that,” I said, distracted, actually entertaining the idea.
“You’ll find that Telaana is not like most culinarians you’ve met,” he replied, piquing my interest.
“But you’ll allow me access to the cottage during the days?” I asked quietly.
“Yes,” he said. “But once night falls, you need to return to the keep.”
Becauselyvinswere nocturnal hunters?
“Millie,” he said. “Do this for me, yes? And once the cottage is finished, I’ll file a new deed in the Erzan archives. I’ll put it under Ruaala and Joss Seren’s names, relinquish my own control and House Kaalium’s control over it and the surrounding forest.”
“What?” I breathed. My heart fluttered, warmth spreading. “You will?”
“I vow it to you,” he told me, inclining his head. And my heart filled with want. With joy so bright that my eyes filled with unexpected tears. His features twisted briefly, appearing sad but also curious about the tears. “So easy to please you,sasiral.”
Leaning forward, I embraced him tight, grinning into his neck.
“Are we in agreement?” he asked after a moment.
“Yes,” I said. “Yes.”
“Good. Then gather your things,” he rasped. He shifted, a short, impatient breath leaving him. “I need to get out of these pants and soon.”
My laughter filled the cottage.
I felt a soul trail against my left arm. But this time, instead of icy tendrils, it felt warm. Like the heat of the sun. Like a warm kiln.
And I knew, deep in my own soul that this must be Ruaala. She was here.
Soon,I vowed to her as I crawled off Kythel’s lap.Just a little while longer.I promise.
CHAPTER25
KYTHEL
Aweek later, I was watching as the builders broke ground on the South Road.
