Kennix throws his hands down in frustration. “Duties? What duties could possibly be more important than?—”
“My wife.”
She’s still awake when I return to my bedchamber. Her eyes are closed and her face is nestled against her bound arms, but I can tell she’s not sleeping. There’s a little shudder in her breath as I pull the door shut behind me. Even with the heavy curtains closed, I can see the crimson blush on her cheeks.
“Have you been grinding against my bedsheets, little monster?” Within seconds, my clothes are in a messy heap on the floor and I’m slipping into bed beside her.
“I was trying to sleep,” she whispers. There’s a sweetness in the air, but nothing more than her usual flowery scent.
“You’re not lying for once.” Stroking her hips, I nuzzle into her neck. “You’ve been good for me, sweetheart.” I breathe against her skin. “So good.” Reaching for her restraints, I loosen the rope until her wrists slip free. I don’t miss her small moan as I massage them, placing a soft kiss against each wrist.
“Tauren,” she sighs when I position myself on top of her, easing her thighs apart.
“Tell me to stop and I will.” I press a line of gentle kisses against her throat, but my hands are gripping her thighs like they never want to let go.
“Tauren, please…” she moans. I want to drown in the sound. “Please just fuck me.”
My cock nudges her entrance. “You’re all mine, human.” I thrust inside of her.
Fuck, I wish I could keep her like this forever. I thrust into her again. I’d collar her to my bedchamber if she didn’t look so happy when I removed it at the wedding. Another thrust. Her smile when it hit the floor... I’d give up my palace to have that painted.
Back arching, she grips my shoulder. “Tauren… I—” Her thighs shake. Anything else she might’ve said is lost in a moan.
I capture her lips with mine, inhaling her little noises while her walls strangle my dick. I come seconds after her. Each slam of my hips fits perfectly with the rolling of hers. Like she’s made for me.
And now I have to give her away.
Breath ragged, I clutch her to my chest.
“Tauren?” she murmurs. “Is something wrong?”
I can’t meet her gaze. “I’ve spoken with my advisers.” My nose brushes her soft hair. “They believe it is in my court’s best interest for you to go to Elheart’s palace and bring back Maeve.”
Her body tenses. “You’re letting me leave?”
“I do not want to,” I grumble, “and if you no longer wish to go, I will not force you.” Kennix would have to rip her from my arms himself before that would happen. “But if it is still your wish to help my sister, then I will let you go to her.”
Dahlia breathes slowly. “I want to do it. I want to help you both. She was so kind to me. If I have the chance to help her, then I’m going to take it.”
“Very well,” I say, not feelingvery wellat all. “Girabalt will be here at moonrise. We will prepare for your departure then. We’ll make it seem like you ran away from me.” I tighten my grip on her. “It is the safest option for you.”
“Why is Girabalt coming?” She tilts her head. “Will he be taking me there?”
“No.” I pull back to kiss her one last time. “He’ll be making your armour.”
26
DAHLIA
When Tauren said armour, I was expecting to look like a knight or at least to be put in something made out of metal. I was not expecting the silky white gown that looks exactly like something a maiden would wear on her wedding night.
“There is still time to change your mind.” Tauren’s voice is heavy from across the carriage. “I won’t hold it against you.” I feel his gaze settle on my bodice. My chest tightens, as if it wasn’t already a struggle to breathe in this gown.
“I’ll be fine. I doubt I’ll even be in there a day. I’ll be in and out, just like we planned.” I grin, but it feels odd under all the dirt his maids smeared on my face.
“In and out.” He glares at the trees outside. “Just like we planned.”
Despite Tauren protests, I’m not going into this completely defenceless. Girabalt did a good job with my fake wedding gown. The bodice is tight due to the leather armour sewn into the fabric, and under my bloomers is a belt hiding two small daggers.
