The blood drains from his face. “Sire, I meant no—”
“Leave him alone, Zev,” Mayah says, hands on her hips. “I’ll have no friends at all if you keep scaring everyone. Ignore him, Sauzon.”
The medic bows deeply, then hurries to the supply room, muttering to himself.
I playfully narrow my eyes at my wife. “You think it’s appropriate to tell our subjects to ‘ignore’ me?”
She smiles at me, a beam of sunshine in this dismal palace, and I can’t contain the chuckle that escapes me.
In the corner, a small cart is tucked against the wall, laden with assorted food. I ladle a bowlful of vegetable stew before sitting across the cot where she’s perched, crisp white healer’s apron stretch taut across her chest.
I’m aching. Last night, the strap of her nightgown had slid off her shoulder as she reached for her latest book.
I’d damn near lost my mind.
“I’m in need of your services, healer.”
“Oh?” Mayah smiles, eyes twinkling. “And what is troubling you, sir? You seem like a big, strong man.” She giggles, and it heats my blood.
“It’s my wife.” Her eyes darken as I pitch my voice lower. “She’s driving me insane.” I hover the spoon near her mouth until she takes a dainty sip.
“I don’t know if a healer is the right person to help with that,” she whispers.
Another spoonful of soup.
“I think you’reexactlythe right person.”
She folds her arms over her chest, scowling. “How exactly does your wife drive you insane?”
“She’s cast a spell on me. When I’m away from her, she’s all I can think about—what she’s doing, if she’s eaten, if she’s happy.” I drop my voice lower. “If she’s thinking about me.”
Another spoonful. Her tongue darts out to lick the edge of the spoon, and my eyes snap to her mouth.
“And when she’s with me,” I continue, gaze still fixed on her full lips, “my heart doesn’t know peace until she’s in my arms. I can barely function. The palace gossips about their inept prince, smitten with his wife.” I’d heard enough whispers yet can’t bring myself to give a damn.
I set down the bowl and raise an arm in invitation. She sits beside me, warm body pressed against mine. When I settle my arm across her shoulders, she leans into me, whether she realizes it or not.
“And you want me to rid you of this spell? So you might have some peace?” She pouts so fucking prettily, I’m tempted to kiss her senseless until she’s arched beneath me, willing and ready.
“Absolutely not,” I rumble, taking a deep, steadying breath. “I want you to help me cast the same spell on her.” I play with a lock of her hair. “Tell me how to make her ache for me. The same way I do for her.”
I lean closer until our faces are scant inches apart.
She’s breathing hard, her pupils blown wide.
“I don’t think you need any help in that regard,” she whispers hoarsely.
No prickles.
She aches for me?The truth snaps the last of my restraint.
Fuck it. I’m going to kiss her.
My nose brushes hers, and she parts her lips, trembling with anticipation, eyes falling shut as her hand rests on my chest. I lean in, closing the distance between us—
Thudding footsteps sound out, and Mayah jerks away, rising up and smoothing her gown, cheeks flaming. A woman walksinto the infirmary, then stops cold, wide eyes flicking between us.
“Lightning strike her and her entire—” I growl.
