“I know these sessions are beneficial for our community, but they are so taxing. And every time we have them, I’m always reminded to be grateful they’re not more often.” He rolled his shoulders and stretched his neck as he explained.
“I’ve been very impressed with the fairness of your rulings today.” His green eyes beamed at my compliment.
“That means a lot to me. I’ve never had a prospect to listen in. It’s usually just Gorvin and myself.”
I picked at a loose thread on my gown. “Well, I’m not sure how much my opinion means.”
“It means everything.” He squeezed my hand. A spark of admiration ignited in my chest. My opinion mattered to him. Andthatmattered to me.
I just wished Dommik hadn’t soured the evening. His words echoed across my mind on a ceaseless loop.
In an attempt to block out his voice, I changed the subject and inquired, “How was Oddo?”
Rhazien exhaled heavily. “He’s well. I had asked him to look into a rumor that had been circulating. He has quite a network amongst the Hives so if there’s ever something to know, he’s the best person for the job.”
“Oh?” He had my full attention. I was, after all, only human. I enjoyed good gossip as much as the next regular person. “So, what did he learn?”
Rhazien leaned on the arm of his throne as he spoke. “Enough to warrant a visit to our Northern neighbors.”
“Exciting,” I gritted through a rolling cramp.
“It is. I have Alba packing your things for you already.”
“My things?”
“Yes, we’re leaving tomorrow.”
“We?” I asked with a volume I wished I could amend. Based on the stories Rhazien had shared, a visit to the Northern Hive sounded about as welcoming as going back to the axe in Illica.
Rhazien chuckled. “Yes, a small convoy of my most trusted associates within court.”
Outwardly, I nodded in support. Internally, I was battling a flavor of fear I hadn’t felt in weeks. Fear of vampires. Of a more violent Hive. A Hive that produced and celebrated monsters like Vaspar. I swallowed hard and absently rubbed my forehead.
Rhazien abandoned his throne to kneel at my side. “Are you well? Be honest.”
This is exactly the worry I’d wanted to avoid.
“I’m fine.” I wasn’t fine, but I was determined to try. For him, the kind and handsome vampire male who had done more for me than anyone I’d ever courted—a short list, but still.
I took his bearded chin into my hands and gave him a gentle kiss. His appreciative hum danced across my lips.
“Because we could leave. I have a light-tight estate near the ocean. And I’d rather see your naked body amongst the waves than continue this bureaucratic choreography.”
I couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “It’s nearly winter, Rhazien!”
“Oh, right. Too cold for humans. We could just lay naked in front of the fireplace and I’ll let the old sea gods watch as I worship you.” His hands slid on either side of my legs and urged me forward in my chair. “We could leave now.”
“Gorvin would send a search party.” I chuckled between kisses.
“Ugh.” The distraught regent laid his head on my lap. “You’re right.”
I absently rubbed his neck and back and wondered what someone would think if they walked in on this moment. To see Rhazien kneeling before a prospect.
Then I realized I wanted people to see. Not people. Dommik. I wanted him to see the intimate moments that had become natural and normal for Rhazien and me over these few weeks. Maybe if he saw us, he would understand. He would let this thing between us die. And if I knew he’d let go, then I could too.
Did I want him to give up?
“Are you happy?” Rhazien asked from his submissive position.
