Move over.
I’m not moving,Roark says.
Me either,Evander adds.
Fine.I crawl to the end of the bed and curl around her feet, giving Roark’s large feet a push. There aren’t instructions on how to sleep as a thunder, and I never experienced it growing up since my parents had a thunder of two. They also weren’t the sort of parents who allowed us to tumble into their bedroom during a thunderstorm. They barely saw us, what with their duties of the crown. Evander has told stories of how his fathers like to sleep around his mother. How their bed is so big it takes up the entire room. It’s fine. I can sleep here for now, as long as I can be near her.
Move your foot. I give Roark another push.
Deal with it. I’ve got big feet, big everything.There’s a lightness to Roark, one that wasn’t there when I left through the portal. One that I’m not going to deny I wish I had.
I lift my head, and Roark glares at me.No, move over. I need to sleep next to her.
Roark puts his hand on her hip. It’s clearly a dare.All members of a thunder are equal,he pushes at me.
Fuck this.I sit up. I’m about to dive between Raine and Roark when Evander places his foot on my leg.
Don’t. She’s just settled down.He rolls back.Move to this side.Evander rolls away, and Raine’s nose wrinkles as he does.
Don’t wake her up, prince.There’s less levity in Roark’s tone now.
I’m not planning on it. I lower myself next to her, taking in her chamomile scent. A relaxing wave comes over me. Isettle my hand on her hip above Roark’s. I might not sleep. Watching the slight movements of her face is better than getting sleep myself.
We’re finally settled with all the movement on the bed when her blue eyes blink at me.
“Kieren,” she says sleepily. “You’re back!”
“I am. And I’m not leaving anytime soon.”
“No, you have to take care of your sister.”
“I have to be here.”
“You have responsibilities through the portal.”
“I have responsibilities here,” I say. She opens her mouth, and I put my lips on hers before she can try to tell me I don’t. She tastes sweet. Like home. I’m on fire. I want her so much, but I can feel the weariness radiating off her. I break the kiss. “You need to sleep.”
“Sleep, Raine. We can figure out the rest in the morning,” I say.
She nods. Her hand is in the middle of my chest. Having her hand on me while I sleep is all I need. Her breathing changes, and she drifts off again. I’ll tell her in the morning.
Iwas sure I wouldn’t sleep at all, so I’m surprised when I open my eyes to see her watching me. Roark and Evander are gone.
“You slept a long time. I’m glad you did, though. You’ve been pushing yourself too hard.”
I inwardly laugh because I feel like I haven’t given enough. There’s so much more I can do. Things I haven’t done. I’ve spent too much time trying to sway the king and queen, and they’re immoveable. It’s foolish to even try anymore. Keeping Aisling secure and Raine in my life—those are the only two things I need to do anything about. Any more than that is pointless.
It’s time. Time to show her what I’ve been doing.
Her thumb swipes at the side of my lips. “I like your smile.”
“You put it there. Come.” I jump out of bed and pull on her arm.
“Kieren, wait.”
“I can’t wait. I need to show you something, and I need to show you now.”
“Well, unlike you, I don’t walk around Cloud Rift naked. I need a minute. More like fifteen. Can I take a shower and get dressed?”
