Page 58 of A Crown of Fates

Of course it is. There’s so much to be done but making time to visit the children just moved to the top of my list.

“Thank you for taking care of them,” I tell Drea as she opens the door to leave.

“It’s been my pleasure.”

In the hallway, one of the staff members waits with a cart of food. I exchange goodbyes with Drea as he brings it in.

Theo comes toward me, fully dressed and commanding the room like the king he was always meant to be. His finely pressed white dress shirt clings to his broad shoulders, the tailored black slacks accentuating the effortless grace with which he moves. His strides are measured, deliberate, and every inch of him radiates authority.

My stomach aches with a hunger that’s no longer for bacon.

I barely register the quiet coming and going of the staff as Theo prowls toward me, his stormy gaze locked on mine. Each step carries an unspoken promise, and by the time he’s standing before me, I’m breathless.

“Mine.”

The singular word comes from deep in his chest, his voice filled with possession and devotion. His hands find the lapels of my robe, and with a swift tug, he jerks me forward until we’re flush against each other.

Heat pools in my chest as I reach for him, my fingers curling into the crisp fabric of his shirt. There will never be enough moments with this man. I’ll never tire of his presence, his strength and determination, his love.

The tray of food sits forgotten behind us as I rise onto my toes, seeking his mouth. His scent—crisp yet earthy—wraps around me, intoxicating my senses. I decide right then that devouring him will be all the sustenance I’ll ever need.

That is until his need-filled growls turn harsher, more frustrated. His fingers tighten around my waist and his sigh of disappointment tells me reality has come crashing back into the room.

“What is it?” I ask, staring into his loving gaze.

“Queen Sloane is here,” he murmurs. “As much as I’d prefer to stay in this room with you, we shouldn’t ignore her.”

He’s right. I forgot Asher said to send for her, and her arrival serves as a reminder that there are still things to be done. Our days need to be reserved for responsibilities. Night will fall soon enough and then we can lose ourselves in each other all over again.

“I’ll go back to my old room to get dressed while you greet her,” I tell him, taking a deep breath to calm my libido.

Theo leans in, and what I expect to be a brief kiss quickly steals the air from my lungs. His tongue sweeps against mine, his lips coaxing a response I have no power to withhold. By the time he pulls back, I’m dazed and clinging to him for support.

“I’ll go with you,” he declares, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Jerome’s already bringing her to my office. We have time to eat first and then we’ll go get your clothes.”

“You don’t have to?—”

He cuts me off, his eyes darkening. “I’m not ready to let you out of my sight.”

I can’t blame him there, and truthfully, I don’t want to. “Then don’t,” I say softly, lacing my fingers with his. A smile pulls at my lips.

It doesn’t matter what awaits us or what’s to come, as long as at the end of every day I get to lie next to this man. Nothing in all the worlds can take that from us.

Not even a banished god with a chip on his shoulder.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

ESTEE

Jerome awaits us outside Theo’s office, a picture of composure marred only by the exhaustion on his face. His grey slacks and maroon three-button jacket are immaculately tailored, as always, but the dark circles beneath his eyes tell me he hasn’t slept in days.

He bows slightly as we approach. “Your Majesty. Your Highness.”

I step forward before Theo can respond and lightly grab Jerome’s elbow, softening my tone but remaining firm. “Take the rest of the day off, Jerome. Go home and rest. If you return to work before sunrise tomorrow, you’ll be relieved of your duties for even longer.”

He blinks, visibly startled, before glancing at Theo as if seeking confirmation.

Theo nods in agreement. “Estee’s right. You haven’t stopped since she went missing, and I’ve relied too heavily on your support. Go home to your family. If something urgent comes up, I’ll contact you.”

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