Page 111 of The Sorrow of Shadows

His large frame and hard muscles feel heavenly pressed against me. He stares down at me, brown eyes sparkling in the low light. My lips part slightly, and he seizes the opportunity, leaning down and capturing my mouth with his own.

The kiss is slow and exploring, his tongue tracing my lipsand begging entrance. I open for him and let my tongue dance with his, tangling and tasting every inch of his mouth. I whimper softly when he presses himself against me, and I feel his hardness against my lower belly. I’ve wanted him alone all evening, and now I have him.

He breaks our kiss and trails his lips down my neck before asking, “How do you plan on looking into your father’s whereabouts and intentions, O?”

“Hmmm?” I hum, not totally processing his question in my lusty haze.

“Tell me your plan, Ophelia,” he demands as he nips my earlobe gently. I whimper softly, my back arching off the wall.

“I’m going to break into his study. He keeps meticulous records.” I wind my arms around the back of his neck and pull him closer, trying to direct his lips back to mine.

“Then I’m coming with you.” It’s a statement, not a question.

“Why?” I pant between the kisses he peppers down my throat.

“To keep you safe, of course.”

My body stills, and he pulls back to look me in the eyes. I'm filled with pure awe, surprised someone would care enough.

“I will never not keep you safe, Ophelia. Always,” he vows, stroking my cheek gently.

“Okay,” I agree quietly. “Now fucking kiss me, Elijah.”

He replies, “Yes, ma’am,” then takes my mouth again in a fevered kiss.

I melt like butter under his touch and savor every bit of his dark kiss before he bids me goodnight.

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

BREYLA

The next day Elijah, Aurelius, and I leave the castle walls in search of Delilah’s family. Elijah was able to locate the part of Ciyoria they live in, but it will take some time to find their home. Having never been there, I rely on neighbors and other residents to point us in the right direction.

Today is the first day I can feel the coming autumn. There is a slight breeze that rustles the multicolor leaves that fill the trees around us. It’s the first day that I’m not sweating by midday, and I can finally let my hair hang loosely down my back without it sticking to my neck. I let out a contented sigh, relishing in the momentary peace.

“You seem happy today, B,” Elijah says, nudging me in the shoulder as we walk.

“I’m just enjoying the peace while it lasts. And the weather is beautiful,” I say with a smile.

“Autumn has always been your favorite season,” Elijah says.

“It never lasts long enough,” Aurelius adds.

“Agreed,” I say, grinning at him.

We walk a few more minutes in silence, just taking in the sounds and scenery of the capital. The area we’re going to is a less affluent and older part of the city. I hate that anyone in my kingdom would want for anything, but I’m also not naïve enough to believe it doesn’t happen. I hadn’t given it much thought previously, but my conversation with Nameah shifted my perspective. Her family had struggled, asked for help, and were denied by the people sworn to protect them. I couldn’t continue to live in denial. This kingdom isn’t perfect, and there are people that struggle, but I want to change that.

The houses gradually decrease in size, the paint more weathered, and some showing signs of damage. I wonder how much of it is truly neglect and how much is due to the owners not having the resources to fix their homes. We reach the section of the city that Delilah was from and split up to speak with the people who live there.

I knock on the first door I come to. The paint is chipped away, and the glass in the windows is cracked. I make a mental note to send masons into this section of the city to make repairs before winter arrives. A thin female with wispy brown hair answers the door. There’s a baby on her hip and a toddler hiding behind her legs.

“Can I help you, Your Highness?” she asks, her eyes cast downward.

“I hope so, miss...?” I ask, waiting for her name.

“Emilia, Your Highness.”

I smile, trying my best to put her at ease. “Well, Emilia, I’m trying to locate a family that lives in this area of the city. Do you know the Howards?”

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