Page 71 of Throne of the Wolf Queen

I laced my fingers through hers, noting how loose she kept her grip.

‘You’ve forever commanded my heart, Villente.’ I grinned as she rolled her eyes.

‘Can I… can I see it?’

I narrowed my gaze.

‘The tattoo.’

I nodded, wondering how she’d react to find the empress had added to their number in her desire to master me.

I struggled to breathe as she settled next to me, her gaze on my lower hip.

‘May I?’ Her hand hovered by the hem of my top. I nodded.

I resisted the urge to shiver as she lifted the top, her breath caressing my waist as she moved closer.

Her fingers traced the design, flames igniting under her soft touch. ‘Cariad. The rune you put on yourself. It means cariad in the old language.’

‘Love.’ I didn’t know much of the old tongue, but I knew that one.

She outlined the inked whorls. My stomach tightened as she traced it, slowly, achingly slowly.

‘I suppose it’s sweet you chose that.’ Her clipped tone showed how pissed she still was. I reached round, grabbed her hand.

‘Sorrow, I didn’t choose it.’

‘Ifan did then. I⁠—’

‘No.’ I grabbed her hand. Looked her deep in those brown eyes. ‘I told you I only had one drink.’ Damn woman rolled her eyes. ‘And I swear it was one. Surely you know how desperate I was to be with you. To love you. I had one drink, and then…’ A muscle in her jaw ticked. ‘I woke up the next morning on my front. Ifan sat there, sober as a Sister on Blessing Day, a huge smirk on his face. Thanking me, actually thanking me, for agreeing to the tattoo.’

She glanced down, her hand curling around mine, and I swallowed. Gods, I should have told her the truth sooner.

‘There was something in the drink he gave me. I’m certain of that now. When I swore I wouldn’t get the tattoo, I meant it. I knew when I awoke, he’d taken away my choice. I’d never do that, Sorrow.’ She closed her eyes, and I lay my hand against her jaw. ‘He’s my brother. When he said I’d drunk too much, I knew something wasn’t right, but I didn’t want to see any wrong in him. Didn’t want to think he’d turn on me. And yes, I should have told you. I had so many chances, but…’

Gods, the words built, pressing against my ribs as she opened her eyes, tears shining, and keeping them within was no longer an option. I owed her the truth.

‘I knew it was a disaster. I’d no idea just how bad, but I-I fuck up all the time, Sorrow. And all I want is to make you happy. Make you proud of your husband and not think I’m some idiot who never thinks anything through. Telling you was an admission of yet another failure. And it’s the failure, Sorrow. It follows me. The ghostly shape of my father constantly on my shoulder, digging in frigid claws and dragging me down. Each step I take as a king echoes his path. A shared destination. Failure. Ruination.’ I swallowed, unable to meet her gaze as her fingers clutched mine. ‘I’m scared. Scared of being my father. Of failing those I love. And I have. Ifan. You.’ I dragged in a shattered breath. ‘Mum.’

‘You…’ She turned my face so all I could see was her. ‘Don’t you ever blame yourself for that. It’s me, Matthias. My gift.’

Sorrow’s voice broke as she gripped her chest. For a moment I stared, unsure why Sorrow would lay the blame at her feet. I grabbed her hand. Panic flooding me. A wonder she may be. But she was also a Deviant.

‘The balance?’ I took her hand, laced my fingers with hers as she nodded.

‘I think… the wolf… the feral wolf…’

Gods. I pulled her close. How could she think that was her fault? After all she’d been through, all she faced and still she worked to master these gifts.

‘But you don’t know, Sorrow. You don’t.’ Her eyes closed. ‘I can’t pretend to understand all you face, each battle you endure, but I know your heart, Sorrow. And I know it burns with kindness and justice. If anything, Mother…’ The pain lodged in my throat. ‘Her death was my fault.’

Her eyes narrowed. ‘I’ll be the first to point out your flaws, but even I’m struggling to work that one out.’

I tucked a loose strand behind her ear, smiling as she shivered at my touch. ‘Raine. I signed to them. Told them to tell Mother about Ifan. I should have known she’d fly up there to reach…’

Sorrow placed her finger over my lips.

‘Maybe we both need to realise she is… was a grown woman. Strong, dignified, but also a tad stubborn.’