Page 27 of Heart of the Shadow King

I answer by kissing him. Hard. My tongue presses through his lips, fills his mouth, as the crystals around us sing the song of our joining, and the waterfall laughs in the face of every inevitable disaster.

12

VOR

My queen and I make our way back through the garden, walking hand-in-hand. Somewhere behind us, Lur and Wrag trail at a respectful distance. I trust they had the good sense to stay away, despite my dire warnings not to let the queen out of their sights. Though they couldn’t have missed that explosion of crystal light which accompanied her pleasure. The whole kingdom probably noticed that.

I chuckle softly and look down at the woman beside me. We’ve not spoken. Not when we left the warm waters behind and helped each other back into our damp garments; not now as we progress down the pathways through crystals and broken rock formations. Neither of us wishes to break the spell. Her hand is in mine, and occasionally she leans her fair head on my shoulder. What a glorious feeling it is to have her so close to me, her palm against mine. It would be heaven to remain like this indefinitely.

But the moment we enter the palace, the familiar pressures of kingship settle upon me like a mantle. Even with her fingers entwined with mine, I feel as though Faraine is being slowly torn from me. I’ve lost so much already—my father, my mother. Yok. Sul. The confidence of my court, the support of my ministers. It all feels so transient. Did my display of power at theVulug Ugdthdo anything to secure my faltering rule? Only time will tell. Time and, of course, my few remaining loyal ministers, who must even now be wondering where I am. I plucked up Faraine’s inert body and bolted from theyunkathuwaters so fast, my court had not yet come back from their stone-wrapped meditation. I’ll have to face them, sooner rather than later.

Faraine stumbles. I look down sharply, my brow furrowing. “You’re tired.”

She tips back her face, smiling impishly. “What do you expect, great king? You are rather vigorous in your attentions.” The next moment, she lets out a little scream as I scoop her off her feet. “Put me down, Vor!” she protests, pressing her small hand against my chest. “It’s not like I’m about to faint for the third time thisdimness.I’m just a little worn out, that’s all. It’s been a busy few hours.”

That it has. And if I had my way, I would carry her back to her rooms and busy her for a few hours more. “Please, Faraine, indulge me,” I say, adjusting my hold against her wriggling. “If you will not let me protect you, at least allow me to coddle you. Your body has undergone a great deal of strain.”

“I can’t argue with that.” She sighs and, relenting at last, tucks her head against my shoulder. My heart leaps at this small display of trust. In this moment, I feel as though I could carry her through any danger or darkness that might assail us. “Tell me, my King,” she says, “will our joinings always be quite so . . . so . . .”

I grimace. “I was ungentle. Forgive me, I should have taken more care.”

“No, no! It isn’t that.” She strokes my cheek soothingly, a smile in her voice. “I am very new to all this, you understand, and my expectations were . . . rather different.”

“Different how?”

“I expected the pain. I did not expect to want you so much. Even through the pain.”

“As I understand it, the pain will fade in time.”

“And the wanting?”

“It is my intention to make certain that never fades. In fact, I hope to increase your desire with each passingdimness.” I kiss the top of her head, closing my eyes for a moment to savor the nearness of her. “That, however, is my concern, not yours.”

“And what is my concern, pray tell?”

“When it comes to such matters? Nothing at all. You are perfect as you are and in everything you do. You could not please me more if you studied a thousand forms of seduction across a thousand lifetimes.”

“That’s all very well, but—”

“Please, my love, believe what I say. I have no expectations. Only that you will let me learn you and test you and grow to understand you better. Only that you will let me adore you.”

She sinks into a contemplative silence as we proceed through the palace passages, keeping to the shadows and away from watchful eyes. At this hour, most of the household is asleep, and I know how to avoid those few still awake. We make it back to her chamber unseen, and I set her reluctantly on her feet before the door. She touches the latch, then turns and looks up at me. Her brow puckers slightly. “You cannot stay with me, can you.”

I shake my head. “I fled theVulug Ugdthrather abruptly. There will be rumors flying. I must go and restore what order I can.”

She nods. Then, letting go of the door, she wraps her arms around me. I feel the warmth of her body, each and every curve pressing through the thin material of her gown and the folds of my own robe. How easy it would be to push that door open, back her inside, rip these garments away, and lose myself once more in the pleasures of her flesh. But a different hunger yawns within me now, greater even than the hunger for her body. For as I lean my forehead against hers, breathing in the sweet scent of her, a ripple of peace flows through me. I do not know if it is her gods-gift at work or simply the rare beauty of her being. All I know is I never could have believed such a feeling was possible following the blows I bore today. The broken trust between my brother and I, his banishment, the terrible yawning void of defeat and devastation . . . all these fade to nothing while I share her atmosphere. To tear myself from her side is to lose that peace, that calm. I can hardly bear it.

A great sigh eases through my lips. “Word of my brother’s banishment will get out,” I whisper. “I hope to keep it quiet for a little while at least. If nothing else, I must prevent my stepmother from finding out. She’s in too deep with Targ and his disciples. It won’t take much to stir them into trouble.”

“I understand.” Faraine nods, her brow moving against mine. For a moment, I fear she will insist on joining me, on facing the ministers at my side. To my relief, however, she backs away and looks me in the eye. “I will wait for you. This time.”

I bend to kiss her, allowing my lips to linger against hers for a few heartbeats before drawing back. “I’ll return as soon as I can. Shut and bolt your door. Lur and Wrag will stand watch over you until Hael returns.”

“I don’t need a guard.” Her eyes flash in the light of the nearbylorststone set in the wall. Even now she fears being made a prisoner.

“Please, Faraine,” I say, “humor me. Let me take this one precaution, but with the understanding that you are always free to come and go. I will leave strict orders for the guards never to interfere.”

She considers this but finally nods. A last kiss, and she opens the door and steps into her room. “Good night,” she says softly.

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