Page 100 of A Shattered Kingdom of Steel

Wiping my face, I sigh. “Why do you have to be right?”

“It’s my curse to bear.” The corners of his mouth tug upward into the hint of a smirk. “To be devastatingly handsome and knowledgeable.”

“Oh, come now.” I give him a light shove, then stand and retrieve my clothes from where his shadows had thrown them last night.

“You know you love me,” he teases.

“And you’re lucky I do,” I counter, my voice light with amusement.

“You’re right,” he admits, baring his heart to me. “I am so gods-damned lucky you love me.”

Turning around, I tilt my head back to kiss him. His hands rise to my cheeks, cupping my face. We hold the kiss for longer than we probably should, then break apart to get dressed. Once we’re fully clothed, we emerge from the tent.

The others are gathered around what remains of the campfire talking.

Ronan’s the first to see us. “There you are,” he hollers. His mouth splits into a wide smile. “We weren’t expecting you two for at least another couple of hours.”

Placing a hand on my hip, I arch a brow.

“Unless they finished another round without us hearing,” Savell adds, throwing sideways glances at Asheros and I, a small smile playing at his lips.

“Oh, please,” Gryska chimes in. Chuckling, she shakes her head. “After all the racket we heard last night, we would know if they went at it again.”

Rubbing the back of his neck, Asheros’s cheeks flush red.

“Don’t tell me you’re shy, now,” I tell him through the bond.

“I wouldn’t dream of it, Bladesinger.” Winking at me, he adds, “If they could hear your screams of pleasure, then it means I thoroughly worshiped you the way you deserve.”

Heat dances across my cheeks as his words bring forth naughty, naughty memories.

“Here we go,” Ronan teases. “Now they’re talking in each other’s heads and eye-fucking.”

“Oh, leave them alone,” Kheldryn scolds, though the others break into fits of laughter instead. Ignoring them, she turns to us. “We’re all really happy for you. Both of you.”

Taking my hand, Asheros smiles at me. “Thank you.”

“Of course, we are,” Savell says, his tone shifting to something more serious. “And while we’re happy for you, we need you both to stay focused.”

“Right,” Asheros replies, leveling his expression. “Illnamoor is waiting.”

Nerves gather in my stomach. Gods, I wish it wasn’t. Who knew what could be waiting for us there. What if we’re too late? What if the red-eyed male is already there?

What if he already killed—

Asheros gives my hand a light squeeze, bringing me back down to earth. A wave of comfort flows down the bond. Meeting his eyes, I take a deep breath.

“What’s our plan?” Savell asks, looking at both of us. “Even without the threat we’re facing, I don’t recommend going in blind.”

“The first thing we’re going to do is arrange a meeting with my mother,” I say. “Since we suspect an attempt on her life, we’ll want to alert her immediately so she can increase her security detail.”

“Then what?” Savell crosses his arms, pressing them flat to his chest.

“Then, we lay a trap for the red-eyed male,” I tell him. “We create what seems to be an opportunity for him to strike and wait for him to take the bait.” I turn to Asheros. “Would you be able to restrain him with your shadows?”

He nods. “For a decent period of time, yes.”

“A decent period of time is all we need,” I say. “I’ll speak to my mother about having some of her guards assist us. Once we uncover the red-eyed male’s identity and take him into custody, we’ll leave it to Viridian to decide his fate.”

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