“You did threaten to take his,” Fee says, brightly. “I’m sure he hasn’t forgotten that.”
“Probably not.”
“We should stock pile the armory,” the Woodland Fae offers. “Weapons, shields. I can help the blacksmiths.”
Fee cocks an eyebrow. “You know how to work metal?”
He winks. “There’s plenty you don’t know about me, Princess.”
I watch the interaction, confused. Looking to Zeke, I see a frown on his lips as well. Only Samkien seems to be amused by their banter.
“Whatever this is, can stop,” I say, finger gesturing between you. Looking at Mal, I jerk my chin. “Head out to the blacksmiths. Tell them we will pay double for their time.”
I see the surprise on my soldier’s faces. Zelos never offered it. But our coiffeurs are well stocked. Money isn’t what I’m worried about now. Only that we survive Griffin’s assault.
“You,” I command, pointing at my sister, “will work with Zeke training the current guards and the new troops that come in. I want them as one unit, not separated.”
Fee bows once, Zeke taking her arm to direct her to the training guards. She knows where to go, but I’m sure he feels the protectiveness I do rising in my chest.
She throws a look at Mal and fuck, I don’t like that at all.
Later.After the war, I’ll kill him.
Looking at Samkien, I call him forward. “We’re going out.”
“Is that wise?”
Shrugging, I grab my sword from the table, and ignore the crown everyone wants me to wear. “No. But I need to see things for myself.”
“And where are you going?”my mate calls, chasing after me as I stride through the main gates. Looking back, I try to keep the teasing smile off my face.
It’s a losing battle. Especially when it comes to her.
“Out.”
“LikeSeti’sHell,” she exclaims, skidding to stop before me. I’ve only just seen her that morning, and yet, she steals my breath. Dressed in a typical gown of silk with high slits, her hair hangs around her shoulders and her eyes shine brightly.
The look suits her.
Her crown, the blue gem, sits proudly on her neck, right under her scar. She hardly touches it now. In such a short time, the meek kitten from the peace summit has grown into a strong queen.
“I need to see for myself what is happening,” I placate, holding up my hands.
“And be killed in the process?”
She’s challenging me and I can’t help but smirk.
“Do you want to come with?”
“I want you to stay here,” she says, pointing to the black floor. “Safe. Where we can plan for the worst.”
Grabbing her chin, I kiss her deeply, uncaring of who watches. As king, this is my right. To shower my queen with love. A queen who sacrificed everything for me.
I hear a few servants murmur and I angle her head, tasting more of her perfect mouth. Brightness with a sharp tartness, she is a warm summer day to the coolness of life.
Pulling back, I laugh as it takes her a moment to fully open her eyes. “Ride with me.”
It takes her less time to change and mount the horse with me than it did to argue. As badly as she wanted me to remain at the castle, she’s going insane with the anxious energy. We are waiting for the attack, and it bothers both of us.
