I want to remain someone to worship, not a tool for destruction.
“Never, my niece. I am with Kaden, and even I know how important it is to keep your magic a secret until you have control. Right now, you are vulnerable. Without magic, you’re invisible. I would rather keep you that way for some time.”
“When do we start?” I ask, standing. The red haze is bright, the heat sweltering, and I shift, sweat dotting my brow. The boulder burns under my leathers.
“Right now.” He points to the ground. “With meditation. We need to figure out the source of your magic. We can only do that by way of mediation.”
Chapter
Twenty-Four
MAX
By the time the red haze disappears, I’m tired, sweaty, headed back to the bedchambers, Oslo depositing me there with a friendly smile. He reminds me the halls aren’t safe, and that I shouldn’t travel alone.
I’ve yet to see the actual danger, but, strangely, I trust the general.
Only Oslo knows that my powers are resurfacing, slowly, too slowly for my comfort. My fingers are still pink as if I’ve touched something cold, and the distant hum of a heartbeat is faint when near him, but there is nothing else. The meditation didn’t pan out the way I had hoped, only knowing that my magic seemed to be located in my gut but he was positive it would come.
Whatever that means.
Entering the bedchambers, the heir is sitting on the bed, one knee bent, a tray of food beside him. It’s fruit and pastries, all odd colors and tastes, with cold tea beside him.
Those amber eyes flare as I enter, covered in red sand, body tired. I’ve never noticed it before, but he seems to track me when I’m close, needing to be aware of where I am at all times.
“How was training with Uncle?”
“I assume you asked him.” I sigh, kicking off those thick boots. The Hadeon lies with a loud huff in the sitting room, as if exhausted from the day of watching from the shadows. “And that you let the Hadeon in.”
He scans me, searching for injuries. “You need all the protection you can get.”
It’s such a simple phrase but it winds up my anxiety. I need protection because of what I am, what I can do and the king who would hurt me.
I can’t deny the small thread of warmth that eases my nerves at Kaden’s words. His concern over my safety, his need to protect me. I wear a crown around my neck, I have a beast made from hellfire, and Kaden’s life tied to mine because he wants me safe.
Being nervous is natural, but I am overcome with gratitude. No matter what he’s done, Kaden has always done itforme. In my best interest. Because I matter to him.
He hands me the cup, waiting until I taste a small amount. “I didn’t drug it, kitten. I told you I’d stop.”
“Never can be too sure,” I retort, drinking the lemon and mint herbal tea. But, deep in my soul, I know he would. He gave me his word to do so.
Kaden is many things but he keeps his word.
“Come here.” His legs drops, a sudden noise that has me jumping.
My body responds, no thoughts needed as I step between his legs, allowing him to place his face into my neck, smelling my sweaty essence, taking it into his heart. It’s such an intimate moment, and I sink into it, running my hands through his loose locks.
The betrayals, the hurts, melt away as I lay between his arms, belonging here.
“There are things to discuss,” he murmurs, lips tracing against my skin. “And you won’t like it.”
“Do I ever?”
He laughs, fingers scratching lightly against the dress. He’s reminding himself that I’m here, I’m real.
“We’re needed for a dinner tonight.”
Groaning lightly, I step back to look into his face. “Why continue to put on this mask? Why bother to play to his whims? Can’t you deny his requests?”
