I took a step forward, anger rising like a wave. “How can you say that? He had you released, Remy. We figured out the message was forged.”
Remy stood slowly, eyes still locked on Zander. “You figured it out now, sure.”
“We’re at war, and things will get a lot worse before they get better,” I snapped. “But you’ve always done whatever the hell you want, and somehow we’re still supposed to trust you.”
“You trusted me once,” he muttered.
“I did,” I said, voice quiet. “And now I’m giving you another chance. Don’t throw it away because you’re pissed that the crown didn’t end up where you wanted it.”
Zander’s voice cut through the tension. “Enough. We don’t have time for this. We need to find out who forged that message and why.”
Remy’s expression shifted, less anger now, more wary understanding. “Then let’s find them.”
Zander turned and started back toward the stairs, and for a moment, I hesitated. But then Remy fell into step beside me, silent. Not forgiven. Not forgotten. But for now… still one of us.
Zander’s fingers wove through mine as we left the dungeon, the message in my pocket a reminder our enemy was close.
“I’ll make sure the others know,” Remy said, pausing by the corridor that led to the barracks. “Zander is acting regent now. Most will adhere to the law.” He gave Zander a long look. “Try not to give them reason not to.”
Zander inclined his head. “Thank you.”
With a brief nod to me, Remy turned and disappeared into the shadows of the corridor.
Zander exhaled slowly, then turned to me and tugged me gently toward the west wing. “It’s late. Let’s get some rest.”
I nodded, more exhausted than I wanted to admit. The halls were quiet as we walked hand-in-hand through the castle, the torchlight flickering across his cheekbones and jaw. He looked tired too, but there was something in his expression, a quiet determination that didn’t leave room for fear.
He opened the door to his chambers and stepped aside to let me in. Once the door clicked shut behind us, I unfastened the clasps of my jacket while Zander unbuckled his belt and dropped his armor pieces onto the bench by the hearth. We moved in silence, familiar with each other now, the quiet between us almost comforting.
We finished undressing before he pulled back the blankets, and I climbed into the bed, the warmth of his sheets chasing the chill from my skin. He joined me a second later, drawing me into the cradle of his arms. His fingers brushed down my spine as he pressed a kiss to my temple.
I sighed, curling closer, but then his mouth found mine, and the spark that had slumbered under war and lies roared to life.
His kiss was slow at first, reverent, like he wanted to savor the moment. Then deeper, hungrier, the press of his body against mine awakening a fire I had no hope of taming.
You’re mine, the lust in his voice undeniable.
I kissed him back with every piece of me that still believed in love, in us, in the promise we hadn’t dared make aloud.
His hand cupped the back of my neck, fingers threading into my hair, and I moaned softly against his mouth. My leg curled over his, pulling him closer. The heat between us crackled like a live wire. My body trembled under the pull of his need, my own rising to meet it.
The world outside could burn—for now, there was only this.
Only us.
Zander’s hands skimmed down my sides, reverent and sure, as if relearning the shape of me. The firelight danced across his bare skin, casting golden shadows along the ridges of his chest, the sharp lines of his jaw.
“You’re staring,” I whispered, breathless from the intensity in his eyes.
“I haven’t had the luxury.” His voice was low, rough, his thumb brushing the side of my mouth. “Every time I’ve looked at you lately, we are fighting to hold this kingdom together.”
And now?
His lips ghosted over mine.Now I want to remind you you’re more than war and blood and prophecy.
I reached for him, sliding my fingers into his hair and pulling him down to me. His mouth crashed against mine, no hesitation now, no fear. Just need. Heat. Love sharpened by longing.
I arched beneath him as his hand slid under the hem of my shirt, fingers trailing fire over my stomach. My back lifted from the mattress, pressing closer, needing more. The thin layer of fabric between us may as well have been steel. I wanted his skin. All of it. I moaned when he pulled my clothes off.
