Page 43 of The Reaping Rose

“Up for what?”

Wilder stands, holding out his hand. “Meeting my court.”

Chapter 15

Elorie

“How do I have an entire wardrobe when I’ve only just arrived here?” I stop in the doorway to the dressing chamber, my hands at my hips.

“It’s been waiting for you.” Wilder smiles, sweeping me with his gaze.

He paces toward me, and I wait for him to comment on how I chose a set of leathers instead of one of the hundreds of starlight silk dresses hanging on the rods. I considered them, remembering Malachi’s requirement that I be draped in the finest gowns when inside the palace and wondering if that’s what’s expected for someone standing beside a king.

But Wilder isn’t Malachi. So I chose comfort in an unknown place over the stunning gowns.

After all, the leathers are just as beautiful in a different way and incredibly soft. The leather is unworn and thick, unlike the thinly stitched sets I’ve been wearing these past few months on Alyssium. The pants have an intricate, tightly stitched braid that weaves up the front of the thighs, while a formfitting corset hugs my ribs in a way that’s more for protection than to steal my breath. It’s as if these clothes were stitched with my exact measurements in mind.

The sleeves are loose to allow easy movement, and my clavicle is exposed, showing off the rune that matches the one on my mate’s chest. A rune he proudly displays with how he leaves his shirt open to that point.

Wilder isn’t dressed in as grand attire as Malachi used to wear around the palace, but his black shirt and pants are stitched with gold designs, much fancier than what I’ve chosen. Royal and stunning.

“Wear whatever you wish.” He soothes my worries, walking over to me. “I’d be fine if you wore nothing at all.”

“I’m sure you would.” I roll my eyes, glancing down as he pulls something from his belt. “My daggers.”

“Greer had them polished for you when you arrived.” He doesn’t hand them to me, stepping closer to slip one into the sheath at my hip himself instead. “I thought you might want them back.”

“What do I need to know about this meeting with your court if you’re fitting me for weapons? Are we walking into battle?”

Wilder presses closer, the heat between us instantly scorching. His fingers graze the sheath at my thigh as he slips the second dagger into it so slowly it’s intimate. His eyes don’t leave me the entire time. The static of his magic plays beneath his palm. So hot it tickles me through my clothes. His mouth hovers a breath away as I crane my neck back to look up at him.

We’ve yet to kiss, just as we’ve yet to discuss the secrets he kept in the Ley Court. And that simple fact is all that stops me from lifting onto my toes and giving in to this undeniable pull between us. This hot need pooling in my belly.

Wilder’s gaze drops to my mouth. “We’ll see when we get there.”

His tone is light, but his posture is stiff, as if he also doesn’t know what to expect from this meeting.

When he steps back, the heat of his magic retreats, snapping my body to attention again. It’s so easy to get lost in his eyes. His attention. His scent.

I clear my throat, keeping a gap between us as he guides me through the palace. We weave through the hallways, lined with stone bricks. Vines creep through the cracks, climbing the rocks and adding greenery to the gray. Flowers offer pops of color. It’s so different from the Ley Court, which was decorated in gold and adorned with cold metals. The Quietus Court is full of life; it’s practically breathing.

Those we pass in the hallways nod, not dropping to a knee for Wilder as they’d often do for Malachi. I suppose if he hasn’t claimed his crown yet, that might be why they don’t bother.

“It’s because I don’t ask that of my people,” Wilder clarifies through the thread, whispering a caress against my thoughts that sends a flush of goose bumps up my arm.

Our connection was always undeniable, but with the mating bond in place, it’s visceral. Hard to ignore when I’m still struggling with all that’s unfolded between us.

We pass another group of Fae, and their gazes follow me. Their focus is on my rounded ears and blue hair. Wilder must sense my unease because he places a hand on my lower back and guides my path until my shoulders loosen. The hallway narrows with Fae bustling around us, but he keeps me close.

Every time we pass a window, I get a glimpse of the lush landscape. Like in the bedroom, there is no glass. Simply a magical film tempering the temperature and wind.

“You once told me a territory’s landscape changes based on the heart of the ruler,” I say through the thread. “But there’s so much life here.”

“What did you expect?”

“Something more… electric. Something more unpredictable. Something that felt more like you.”

Wilder smirks, pulling me closer with his magic. “I’ve been gone a long time, remember?”