EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS MORNING WOULD’VE been perfect if not for the incessant banging on the king’s door.
“Go away,” I huff, and bury my head under one of the overstuffed pillows. It is to no avail as the knocking continues.
“Your Majesty, the king is requesting your presence in the throne room at once. Do you need assistance dressing?” I sigh and sit up, wincing at the ache between my thighs. This is going to be fun. Arkain was the one who told me to relax and now he is summoning me to the throne room?
Something must have happened. I dismiss the guards and tell them I will be along shortly. Washing quickly and slipping on a pale pink gown, I make my way down the hallway, trying my best not to limp. I’ll have to see what pain-relieving herbs Kae has. I’ll mix them in with my contraceptive tea I need to drink this morning.
That brings a smile to my face. Even though it is harder for elves to conceive than humans, the number of times Arkain has come inside me over the past few hours has put that to the test. The thought of that warms me. A child between me and Arkain. What would such a thing even look like?
I am still smiling as I enter the throne room, but it is quickly wiped away when I notice Arkain’s furious eyes from where he stands on the dais. Even with his anger, I am struck by how handsome he looks with his crown. How powerful and dangerous. I am confused until I hear my name called by a voice I’d recognize anywhere.
“Elveena, thank the gods you are alive.”
My skin crawls and I recoil at the sound. Ryvik. He is walking closer to me with an outstretched hand. If he touches me I’ll scream. Not even the fine clothes he wears can hide what he is. A snake. A true beast.
Trian follows behind him. Always the loyal dog.
“What are you doing here, Ryvik?” I ask, trying to keep my voice even.
“I’ve come to rescue you, to take you back to Lysan.” I back up until I am almost pressed against the wall. My hands are shaking. No, this cannot be happening. Arkain wouldn’t allow this. I glance up to the dais and see that he is gone. My stomach plummets.
He’s left me, he’s going to let them take me…
I feel him at my back. The king steps between me and Ryvik and I almost sag with relief.
“This male claims that you are his betrothed. And if that is the case, your participation in the Night of a Hundred Faces cannot be counted as you were already spoken for.” His red eyes bore into mine. “Is this the truth, Elvie?”
He sounds wounded and it takes me a moment to realize why. Arkain, who believes himself so unworthy, thinks I’ve only stayed with him as a way to avoid Ryvik. I won’t stand him thinking like that.
“My parents dissolved the betrothal to Ryvik years ago. He is lying.” Arkain nods but his face still remains guarded. He turns, blocking me completely from Ryvik’s view.
“There is your answer, now get the fuck out of my kingdom while I still allow you to breathe.”
“I’ll duel you for her,” Ryvik counters and I can’t help but scoff.
“He’ll kill you within a second.” Ryvik’s eyes find mine even after Arkain lets loose a warning growl.
“You cannot wish to remain here, Elvie. Not with their kind. Let me take you home before Myrkorvin sullies you further.” Ryvik tries to make a grab for me but Arkain stops him.
He’ll protect me. Of course he will. He said as much over and over while being buried inside me. With that knowledge, I laugh under my breath.
Ryvik narrows his eyes at me before grinding out. “Come back home with me and we can be married. You cannot wish to remain with a beast like him.”
“She’s mine,” Arkain growls and Ryvik backs up even further.
“You see Ryvik, that’s why a union between us would never work. You cling to our old traditions.” I sidle up next to Arkain, gripping his hand and leaning into his side. “Would you still wish to marry me if I told you how many times King Arkain has fucked me between yesterday and today?”
Ryvik’s face turns red. Trian looks me over with disgust, but I only press closer to Arkain, who tucks me into his side, baring his own fangs. “I didn’t think so.”
“You traitorous whore—”
Ryvik’s tirade is cut short as an invisible force wraps around his throat. He claws at his neck, and Trian scrambles to try and help him but it is of no use.
“I am not a whore. I am the future queen of Myrkorvin. This beast” —I wrap my arms around Arkain—“gives me two things you never could. Protection and pleasure.”
I kiss Arkain’s cheek. “He’s not worth the headache of killing.” The magic choking Ryvik dissipates and he gasps for breath. Arkain’s eyes are all predator.
“You have one hour to get across the bridge and into Lysan. If I find you lurking around here I’ll kill you myself.” With that final warning, Trian grabs Ryvik by his collar and the two disappear from the throne room.
My adrenaline leaves me as quickly as it came and my knees buckle. Arkain catches me, carrying me into a back room before setting me down in a chair. Handing me a glass of water, he strokes my hair as I drink.
“Elvie.” Arkain’s voice is soft. “You do not have to tell me if you do not wish to, but that male…did he ever hurt you?” I know what Arkain is implying and in truth, I understand his concerns. My reaction to seeing him. His concern loosens some of the tension in my chest.
“He never got the chance to,” I say, drinking the last of my water. “Ryvik’s favorite weapons were his words. He knew what to say at what time to inflict the most pain. My parents could see that and they dissolved the union shortly after it was announced.” I set the glass down and smile up at him. “I liked seeing you all possessive over me. Made me all tingly.”
Arkain laughs and helps me to my feet. “I’ll show you possessive.”
Leaning down, he captures my mouth, but before we can get too carried away there is another knock at the door.
“My king, the nobles are arriving.”
“Nobles?” I ask.
Arkain sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. “The messenger from last night brought word of the orcs’ movements in the east. Any day now they could march on us. I have to inform the nobles and prepare their bannermen.”
Cupping my cheek, he smiles down at me. “And officially announce you as my intended to all of them.”
I return his smile softly. “Are you sure? That means you are never to take another. After our conversation this morning, you do not wish to wait for your mate?”
Arkain runs a clawed hand through my hair.
“I’ve lived a long time, Elvie. Long enough to know that this”—he gestures between us—“isn’t normal. And whatever it is, I am grateful for it. I meant what I said before to Ryvik. You’re mine. I want everyone to know it.”
My smile is full of emotion as Arkain leans down towards me, pressing his gray lips against mine. The kiss is soft and heated and over far too soon for my liking.
