Page 58 of Warlord's Plaything

Then, finally—he smiles.

"Good."

I arch a brow."Good?"

He leans back, stretching like a satisfied beast.

"You should always be uncertain, my son."His voice is silk and steel, warmth and warning."It keeps you from becoming weak."

I stand, my chest tight, my mind turning.

Xiva lifts his goblet in silent dismissal.

"Be wise, Xyron. Be ruthless. And remember?—"

His eyes glint, sharp and golden.

"Love is the deadliest weapon of all."

20

HIRA

Iwake to the smell of him.

Not just the lingering spice of his skin, the stench of steel and war and something darker.

But him.

His presence.

His weight in the air, heavy as a storm rolling in.

I don’t need to open my eyes to know he’s watching me.

I can feel it.

Like a blade at my throat. Like a brand against my skin.

My body aches.

Every muscle, every bruise, every reminder of the battle lost, the rebellion crushed, the moment I let him fucking take me.

The silk sheets beneath me feel too soft, too wrong.

I don’t belong here.

Not in this bed.

Not in this world.

And yet?—

Here I fucking am.

"You’re awake."

His voice is smooth, dark, edged with something that we both don’t want to delve into.

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