My fingers thrummed against my thigh as the carriage slowed to a stop. I reached up and opened the vent, letting the breeze filter in; it was too damned hot to be stopping. I unbuttoned the top three buttons of my shirt, slightly pulling the fabric apart to let myself cool.
“Please talk to me.” She placed her hand on top of mine, suppressing my tapping fingers.
I drew in a deep breath, and my voice came out as a growl. “Donottouch me.”
“I’m sorry.” She pulled away and shifted on the bench. “I’m sorry for everything. Whatever I’ve done—I’m sorry.”
Shouts erupted in the street. I released a sigh and sunk back, letting my head hit the wood behind me. Probably another beggar claiming my father was somehow responsible for their poverty when all they needed to do was get a job. Nobody wanted to work for their own coin anymore; they only wanted to live off of the wealth of others.
Audryn shifted and tilted her head toward me, trying to catch a glance through the narrow gap in the fabric.
“Sit back,” I ordered.
She listened promptly, which was more of a surprise than learning about her connection to the resistance. Moments passed as the shouting grew louder instead of dissipating like I’d expected.
With a knock on the door, Fisher pressed his head in. “There’s a woman delaying us. She’s asking for money and blocking the street. It will be a moment and we’ll be on our way, Your Highness.”
Rolling my eyes, I waved a dismissive hand. Trapped in a confined space with someone I was desperately trying not to hurt was the worst possible scenario—I needed to get away from her. She sat staring at the door, breathing more heavily than she should. She was only making the space hotter.
Minutes passed before metal clanked outside and full chaos erupted. “Stay right here.” I turned to Audryn as she picked up her skirts and removed a dagger from a thigh holster.
My eyes widened. So many times I’d been alone with her and never once considered she’d had a weapon within arm’s reach. I pulled back the curtain to see guards surrounded by a mob of two dozen, all bearing swords and magic. Reaching for my sword, I debated whether I should exit or stay within the walls. My key to the throne was next to me, and if something happened to her, I’d remain a prince forever.
“We’re staying here.” I turned to look at her. “You’re safe as long as you stay next to me.” Unintentionally, my magic hummed through my body, something I’d gotten so used to suppressing in fear of being discovered.
“Honestly, I’d feel safer outside,” she huffed. “At least they air their grievances instead of ruminating on them.” She angled toward me. “Everything was fine, and then it wasn’t. What happened?”
“You really want to talk about this now—while we’re being ambushed?” I shouted over the noise.
“I tried earlier,” she said, refusing to back down, “but you ignored me.”
I looked out the window and found Hunt pushing back three men with his air magic while fighting off another with hissword. And he was doing it all with a smile on his face. He might’ve been an ass, but the man was ruthless in a fight. Two other guards struggled to fend off their attackers while he made it look effortless—like an enjoyable activity.
I stretched across Audryn and looked out her window, where Fisher was defending her side of the carriage. He’d developed some personal issues over the years, but I never doubted he’d take a sword for me if needed.
“I was given some information, and it spoiled my mood,” I said before looking out my window. A guard took a blade to his chest and collapsed. At least there’d be one less person I’d need to worry about spilling the Clair family’s secrets.
“I’m sorry for the way I acted,” I said, turning to face her. “I’m working through some things, and the information I received was pretty appalling.”
“Are you okay?” Audryn’s tone was full of worry. “Is it your father?”
I shook my head.
“To which question are you answering?”
I looked out her window once more. Fisher was still fending off several people alternating between water magic and sword. Steam erupted between him and a fire wielder in the street.
“Both.” I pressed my mouth into a thin line. “Everything is fucked.”
Her eyes softened, and her hand cupped my face. The fighting dimmed to nothing as I leaned into the warmth of her touch and closed my eyes. Anger melted away, and the love I’d felt only an hour prior began to flicker. It was small at first, but roared to a hearth filled with flames.
My mouth moved to hers, and I pressed in, feeling my body shudder with need and passion. Shifting her dress up, my hands found their way to the apex of her thighs. She guided me as she parted gloriously, warmth and moisture beckoning me home.
Our mouths remained connected, fighting for breath andeach other, both of us going without air to keep our lips on one another a moment longer. I slid her panties to the side and found her soaked with anticipation as I dipped two fingers into her center. The bent bond might consume me altogether, but I’d let it if it meant I got to experience everything it offered. Everything she offered.
She let out a moan, and my dick hardened more than I thought possible. I wanted to be inside her—no; I needed to be inside her. Pleasing her with my mouth or hand wouldn’t do when I had to have her wrapped around me, squeezing every ounce of pleasure out.
“I need you,” she breathed, her voice raspy. “Right now—I need you inside of me.”
