Page 83 of The Kingdom of Ruin

“Why do you always make me soft on you?” I grumble, and she beams, knowing she has me in the palm of her hand.

“Because you love me.”

“Hmm, I’m reconsidering.”

“Of course you are,” she says with a roll of her eyes as I try to find the words to explain.

“The fae guys here are pretty quiet, or maybe that’s just in comparison to the other origins,” I explain, getting comfortable against my headboard.

“So it’s not a fae.” How do I even articulate that I have my hands full with two guys, neither of which are fae? “Is he dreamy, at least?” she asks when I don’t respond right away, and I scoff.

“No, dreamy would hint that they’re nice.”

“They?”

“Hmm?” I frown at her in confusion as she gapes through the cell phone at me before her mouth spreads into a huge smile.

“You’re so cool, Addi. It’s clear that the new world changes are starting to take shape.”

My frown deepens. “What does that mean?”

She shrugs. “I just mean the whole creating partnerships between one woman and multiple men.”

“You knew that?” Did everyone but me know this?

“While you’re outside practicing until all hours, I like to know what’s going on in the world outside of the ranch,” she retorts, a smug grin tipping her lips further.

“Of course you do.” She always likes to remind me that she’s far smarter than I give her credit for.

“When you become the heir, I’ll be your top confidant. I’ll keep you in the loop on all things, don’t worry,” she promises, and my heart lurches as I quirk a brow at her.

“Do you really think I’m going to let you show your face to the world and make you a target simply because you’re at my side?”

“You’re just begging for me to rebel. You know that, right?”

“You wouldn’t.”

“I feel like I could rise to this challenge,” she insists, making my chest ache. I know I’m overprotective, but with good reason. Our history is painful. She’s suffered enough and I want to shield her from the rest of it. I know I shouldn’t, and deep down, I know I can’t forever, but I’m just not ready to admit that to myself yet.

She’s so strong-spirited, despite everything we’ve been through. It only illuminates how much love I have for her.

“I love you, Nora,” I breathe, letting my heartfelt emotions rise to the surface, if only for a minute.

“I love you too.” A knock at my door startles me, and the knowing look in her eyes that I have to go tightens my chest. “Is that one of them?”

“I hope not,” I retort, and she chuckles.

“Have fun and make sure you use protection,” she sings before ending the call, leaving me to gape at a blank screen.

Protection.

Last night, with Cassian, did he…?

Fuck. I don’t recall any mess, but that guy's dick is huge so it could still be lodged all the way up there. I don’t fucking know.

Another knock echoes from my door, pulling me from my thoughts. Placing my cell phone in the drawer, I place my palm against the door for a brief moment before I swing it open to find Kryll standing before me.

His auburn hair looks darker without the natural light glowing down on him, and it only deepens the black markings that cover his skin. In black jeans and a quarter button-up, he looks as sinful as ever. It’s a shame he’s half-hidden by his origin-assigned cloak too.

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