Page 87 of Ruined Kingdom

Kaine was contemplatively quiet as we closed the remaining distance to Ulric Castle—my home. As we approached it, the place was positively buzzing with excitement.

With the repairs and new renovations being made, the castle was looking more beautiful and much stronger than ever.

“Soph!” Lexi was the first to greet me as she ran down the front stairs.

She had moved permanently into the village but frequented the castle so often it felt like she was still staying here—though I doubted she came here so much to see me…

My mind fell to a certain attractive Centaur, and I couldn’t help but let a little laugh slip through my smiling lips.

Kaine lowered me down from the horse, and Lexi threw her arms around me even before my feet were completely back on the ground.

“Goodness, Lexi. You only saw me last week.” I poked fun at her, but I still made sure to hug her back tightly.

“I'm sorry, but after seeing you almost die, I can't fathom greeting you any other way now.” Tears were even glazing her eyes as she looked at me.

We hardly ever talked about it, not just Lexi and I, but everyone seemed to avoid the subject. It was as if it never happened, even though the sorrow and terrors we went through that day still loomed over us.

We still mourned those we'd lost in the fight. The sacrifices made were great, leaving a hole we still couldn’t entirely fill yet. But, thanks to them, we were now able to look forward to brighter days stretching out ahead of us.

“Where’s Sharra?” I looked around at the hustle and bustle of the staff, soldiers, and our friends.

“Sharra still isn’t back from her walk with Berrok,” Lexi admitted matter-of-factly.

I could feel my forehead creasing as my brows furrowed. “Those two have become increasingly close. You don't think?—”

I looked at her, unable to even speak the insinuation.

Sharra wasn't a fan of most people, but she certainly hated Berrok’s guts when they first met. Then again, she hated my guts, too, back then.

“Things do change, I suppose.” Lexi tried to stifle her sly smirk.

“They certainly do.” I shook my head and smiled at the ground before I felt a strong arm wrap around my waist and lift me over a broad shoulder.

I let out a screeching laughter as I beat at Kaine’s back while he carried me into the castle.

“I'm sorry, Lexi, you're going to have to finish your conversation later. Much later. I haven't seen my mate in a week, and I can't stand to share her with anyone else for another minute.” Kaine was genuine in his apology, but there was an ever so slight playful tone in the back of his throat.

“Don't mind me. She's all yours, buddy.” She waved her hand as if to shoo us away, a giant grin on her face.

I flicked my long hair over my shoulder to see where he was taking me.

Tieni passed by, her face running red hot at the sight of us. “Glad to see both of you back home.”

“Glad to be back, Tieni.” He was so nonchalant in his response as he carried me up the grand staircase, while I was beyond embarrassed, though I wasn't fighting him so much anymore either.

A few seconds later, he was hauling me into his room, shutting the door, and locking it.

“Excuse me, sir, but I planned on reading today,” I reprimanded him jokingly.

“I apologize, miss, but you're going to have to postpone. I’ve been away a long time, you see, and I’ve missed my queen terribly for every second of it.” He plopped me down onto the bed, and I bounced off the mattress before sinking into it again.

“You are incorrigible.” My voice shook as his hand dragged down my neck to my corset.

He brought out his claws, ripping through the delicate fabric of my dress until my bare chest was exposed to him.

I tried to cover up the hideous scar that I knew my chest bore now, but he only pulled my hands away.

He trailed kisses down my body, and everything else in the world fell away.

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