Page 387 of Heat of the Everflame

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words existed to give life to the feeling blazing in my heart.

It didn’t take long before the thrill of the books restored my energy. I tore eagerly through each one while Luther took care of me. He found warm water and cleaned me up, fussed at me to eat, tended the fire, and covered me with blankets. Then he wedged himself behind me, my back to his chest, stroking my hair as he skimmed the books I discarded.

Every now and then, I’d catch him watching me with his small, grateful smile, and the books would instantly lose their appeal. I’d pounce on him, and we’d stumble around the room, indulging in each other until we were collapsed and gasping once more.

Shortly before dawn, exhaustion caught up with us. Luther drifted to sleep, one arm draped over my hip. I shoved the books aside and curled against his chest. Against the lullaby of his heartbeat, I succumbed to dreams of the future I was finally ready to claim.

Chapter

Seventy-Three

“Eat,” Luther demanded.

His hand appeared beneath the book my face was buried in, nudging a plate across the table.

I flipped a page. “I’m not hungry.”

“I can hear your stomach growling from here.”

“Fine, Iamhungry, but I’m also Descended.” I flipped a page. “Hunger won’t kill me for weeks.”

“Diem.” His rumble of warning set my heart skipping. “You need to eat. They’ll be here any minute to take us to Coeurîle.”

I flipped a page. “Which is why I don’t have time to eat. I need to read while I still can.”

“You had time to stop earlier this afternoon. And at lunchtime. And several times this morning.”

“That’s becauseyouwere on the menu.” I lowered my book just enough to see his eyes. “Is that what you’re offering?”

His expression heated. “If I lay you out on this table, will you eat while I make you come?”

I chewed on my lip, debating my options. “Can I read while you make me come instead?”

I yelped as he plucked the book from my hands. His jaw muscles feathered with the telltale sign of his temper. “Ifsomething goes wrong on the island again, you won’t have magic to rely on. Your body needs to be strong.”

He had that very serious, very endearing crease between his brows that appeared every time I was doing something that might get me killed. Adorable as I found it, we’d both had enough danger lately. I needed to know he was safe, and he needed the same. I grabbed a sprig of grapes and lounged back in my chair, then gave him an adoring smile as I popped one into my mouth.

His muscles eased. He poured a cup of tea and set it beside my plate. “I don’t like that we haven’t heard from Doriel. I thought they would at least come by to check on the roof.”

“I’m sure they’re busy with the repairs from the battle.” I shot him a knowing look. “And we know they’re doing lots of research.”

We’d learned that the hard way when a group of attendants had stopped by yesterday to collect some books at Doriel’s request and let us know we could stay an extra night—and nearly walked in on us naked with me on my knees and Luther halfway down my throat.

My core burned hot at the memory. “I’ve had youandthe library all to myself for a day longer than expected. I say we consider that a gift from the Old Gods and not question it.” I let out a sad sigh. “I wish it didn’t have to end. I know we’re just hiding from our problems here, but these last two days have been some of the happiest of my life.”

A fond softness fell over his features. “Of mine, as well. Going back to Lumnos will be bittersweet.”

“Indeed. Though I am eager to unseat Remis, now that I finally know what I want to do as Queen.”

His brows rose. “You do?”

I spread a pat of golden butter across some crusty bread, nibbling on it as I frowned in thought. “What do you think of acouncil to govern Lumnos, like the one they had in Montios? We could set aside half the seats for mortals and half for Descended, with me holding the tie vote.”

“The Twenty Houses will say you’re always going to vote on the side of the mortals.”

“Good. Let that motivate them to negotiate with the mortals on plans they can both agree on.”

Luther stared off thoughtfully. “It’s not a bad idea. You now have three realms. If they can self-govern day-to-day matters, it would free you to focus on bigger things.”

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