Something like amusement or even genuine happiness flashed across Gorvin’s normally statuesque presence. “I—as always—was a model citizen and an example of our community of the Hive, but the same cannot be said for others in your court.”
Gorvin tapped at a hefty stack of parchment tucked under his arm.
Rhazien sighed and stole a glance in my direction, weighing his responsibilities against his promises to me. “Prioritize offenses by gravity. We’ll discuss later.”
The dutiful steward placed the pile of missives before his regent and said, “Already done. Review at your leisure, Majesty.” After a sweeping bow, Gorvin turned and ushered a loitering Alba with him.
My body sank. After a day of nothing but straight-backed posture and an evening of vigorous sex, my muscles were relieved at the release.
I speared a piece of fruit with my fork as Rhazien’s gaze bounced from his goblet to the papers, his obligations begging for his attention. “All business all the time, that Gorvin.”
I tipped my head side to side as I chewed on a suspiciously sweet strawberry.
Unable to resist the call to his royal duties, Rhazien collected the papers and straightened them into a neat pile. “May I propose something?”
“As long as it’s not marriage,” I quipped into my goblet. My cheeks flared.
Rhazien’s eyes flashed in surprise before he erupted into a booming laughter, melting away my fear of overstepping.
“Maybe someday, but no, not today,” he said as he composed himself again. My mind clung to the idea that the regent might propose marriage to me someday. “If I know Gorvin, which—of course—is rhetorical because I’ve known him for many decades, he’ll linger. And I’d prefer to remain undistracted.”
Mischief beaded within the greens of his eyes.
“What are you scheming?” I asked, pointing my fork in his direction.
He stood abruptly and strode to my chamber door. I watched, wide-eyed, as he moved with haste, unable to take my eyes off the expanse of his exposed back. Muscles perfectly formed for hard labor poured into the deep ravine of his spine. Down, down, until they met the hem of his pants, held up by brawny thighs and his thick, round…
Thud.My heart pounded.
Thud.My core tightened.
Thud.
No, not a thud. A turn of a doorknob.
“Alba! Oh, here you are.” She must have been just outside the chamber door. Rhazien gestured for her to re-enter and she skittered around him. The door shut softly behind her gray figure and he instructed in a low whisper, “Prepare yourself to be a distraction when Gorvin comes looking for me.”
“What is happening?” I chuckled as I stood, fanning away the heat in my cheeks.
“Shh.” In a blink, he was in front of me. The whirlwind sent nearby candles into a frantic dance. “We haven’t got much time, my lady.” He swooped me into his arms. “But don’t worry, I’ve already planned our escape.”
My chuckle graduated to full laughter as he played out the dramatic, fictional scene. Even Alba, who couldn’t help but steal glances at us from my armoire, was clearly smiling beneath her veil.
I let out a huff of air as my stomach met his shoulder and he continuedto role play. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe.” He pretended to fend off invisible attackers.
Rhazien spun as I playfully pounded his back, insisting he place me on solid ground. ”Keep me safe! Whatever from?”
Rhazien conceded, ending the battle against his invented, invisible forces. My feet met the floor and I had completely forgotten Alba was there when I saw his face. Rhazien was smiling so wide it made his eyes crinkle and I returned the expression. My chest lifted and fell from the unexpected excitement while he stood perfectly still.
“Everything,” he whispered sweetly.
He tucked a piece of hair behind my ear and cupped my face in his palm. I leaned into the heat and Rhazien’s blood purred.
“I’ll keep you safe…from everything.”
“And what about your kingdom, Your Majesty?” I tilted my chin, lifting my lips and hoping he would close the gap.
Rhazien pressed his forehead into mine, ran a thumb over my bottom lip, and growled, “The kingdom can wait.”
