Page 18 of The Sorrow of Shadows

But Breyla already knew that. She had interrupted this very thing three times in the last several weeks. All in retaliation for when I interrupted her rendezvous with Simon a month ago. It was now a game to her; one I ruefully engaged in. We went back and forth, finding new and creative ways to inconvenience, interrupt, or insult the other.

Breyla hammered the door with her fist again and shouted, “Aurelius, you can fuck your whore later! You’re needed now!”

“Fuck off, Breyla,” I grunted, knowing damn well there was no emergency council meeting.

“Last chance before I break the door down and drag you out myself,” Breyla threatened.

“Perhaps she’s telling the truth,” Elle said breathlessly above me.

“She’s not, but she will break down that door,” I said as I flipped our positions on the bed. “So, I’m going to need you to come for me.” I growled and thrust into her. Leaving her no time to adjust, I quickened my pace and rubbed her clit in slow circles. Right as I felt her clamp down on my cock in orgasm, I heard the door slam open, splintering on impact with the wall.

“Woops,” Breyla said with a shrug.

Elle’s head is thrown back in pure ecstasy, but I’m still painfully hard inside her, no closer to my own release.

“For fuck’s sake, Breyla.” Throwing a blanket over Elle’s naked body, I stood and stalked toward the infuriating princess standing in my room. “Was destroying my door necessary?”

“It was an accident. I don’t know the strength of my own power.” She batted her eyes in faux innocence.

“Fucking horse shit. I’ve seen you craft actual keys from shadows and open doors that way. You did that on purpose,” I seethed.

She didn’t reply but bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. In an attempt to appear innocent, she cast her eyes down. Realizing her mistake too late, her eyes widened in surprise as she got an eyeful of my still fully erect cock.

“For the love of the gods, Aurelius, put some pants on,” she said dramatically as she threw her head back to avoid looking at me any longer. I resisted the urge to wrap my hands around her delicate throat and squeeze the attitude out of her.

Sighing, I found the nearest pair of sleep pants on the floor and pulled them up my legs. Using every bit of my Hemonia Gift, I willed the blood away from my cock and let it soften, once again aching for the release she had denied me.

Bringing her eyes back to mine, she smirked. “They’re waiting for you in the council room.”

I pushed past her, off to a meeting I knew didn’t exist, while I plotted how to repay her for this latest interruption.

She outranked me, but at that time she didn’t overpower me, and I was prone to flaunting it in front of her, so making me submit was her way of getting back at me. Eventually, she would bow before me; I would get her on her knees one way or another.

As I make my way to breakfast, I pass a soldier that informs me that the twins have arrived but were already meeting with the general and would be unavailable until the council meeting this afternoon. I don’t know if it’s intentional, but Breyla has already worn my patience thin, and the day is still young.

My train of thought is interrupted by the soft voice of a servant. “Pardon me, Lord Aurelius. The queen has requested you join her for a private breakfast.”

I wasn’t expecting an invitation for a private breakfast with Gen, but it will help keep my thoughts away from how much I currently want to wrap my hands around the princess’ throat. Giving a nod to the servant, I let them guide me to where the queen waits.

It’s not typically used for eating, but a table has been set up near two stuffed armchairs. A fireplace occupies the center of one wall, surrounded by shelves housing various books and trinkets. Given the late summer season, the fireplace remains empty, but the windows have been opened to allow in the sunshine and a light breeze. There’s an air of peace in the room, something that often accompanies Genevieve.

She’s sitting in one of the armchairs, smiling warmly at me as I take my seat across from her. A spread of breakfast pastries, potatoes, sausage, and fruit has been set out for us on the table. I let out a sigh of relief at the absence of eggs. As the last of the servants leaves the room, Gen visibly relaxes and curls into the large chair, tucking her feet underneath her.

“Good morning,” she greets.

I sit beside her and reach for a cup of steaming tea. “Good morning.” I smile in return. Taking a long sip, I relish the warm herbal tea. “Lavender?” I ask, quirking a brow at Gen.

“I find it helps quell my nerves before having to endure council meetings.” She finishes her cup, setting it down next to her, and reaches for one of the flakey chocolate-filled pastries she’s fond of.

“The council makes you nervous? Since when?” Being born a royal, she’s been dealing with council members since she was very young. Undoubtedly for longer than I have. I grab a dish full of raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, then begin popping them in my mouth.

“Since I lost Raynor,” she says solemnly. “Since I stopped knowing who to trust.”

Her words cause something to click, and I set down my fruit. “You didn’t just bring me here because I was the only one you could trust, did you?”

Her lips quirk in a half smile. “No, I didn’t,” she replies quietly, shifting uncomfortably.

I keep quiet, waiting for her to explain.

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