Page 325 of Kingdoms of Night

They're protecting me.

The fact that both of them have seen fit to move confirms something I instinctively understood: this woman is dangerous.

She laughs, the timbre high and enchanting. "Not even with you? That's unlike him. I suppose if he's trying to breed her, he wants to ensure the resulting brats are his…but there are other holes he could give you. That's rather selfish, really."

"Lady Morag, the king may not appreciate you being in his room. He's due back shortly." Castov's voice has never been firmer.

Honestly, until right this moment, I thought he might hate me—and he could. He just hates this woman much, much more.

And so do I, after she made me stare at her pussy and asked me to service her. I understand something in this moment: Dryan never treats me like a whore. He coaxes and seduces me, making me want him, rather than taking my sexual services for granted.

The king certainly doesn't respect me much, but in his own warped way, he cares a little. Things might have been much worse for me if I had ended up with a fae like this Morag.

"Do you really think you can stop me from taking what I want, Cass, darling?" Morag tilts her head.

My eyes could betray me, but I think I see silver strands flash at her fingertips—something as thin as thread, yet sharp like blades.

"Morag."

I've never been happier to hear his voice.

Dryan walks into the bedroom, not dressed in his usual slacks, or bare chested, but in shiny black armor, and wearing his crystal crown.

This is too early for him to be done with his day. He's somehow sensed what was occurring and he's interrupted his affairs.

My instincts scream at me to run to him, but I make myself remain still as he enters the room, followed by a dozen armored knights.

I note that the markings along his skin that I can see—at his wrists and under his collar—are glowing.

"Husband," she says, beaming as she crosses her legs and hops off the desk.

All my relief disappears, replaced by anger and resentment.

"Former husband, you'll recall," Dryan says lightly. "Our contract ended over twelve seasons ago. You'd think you'd be used to it by now."

They're no longer married? Relief crashes into me. I'm not someone's dirty toy.

Except…I am. Morag's existence is irrelevant to my position. I'm still the only one naked in this room.

"What are you doing here?" he demands.

She shrugs. "I heard you now return to your bed every night, and I was wondering what marvelous creature might entice you to do so." She snorts. "Who knew you had such base predilections? A mortal, really?"

Dryan's expression is unreadable, though he smiles back at her. "Yes, well, I've grown tired of spiders. Come. As you're here, let us feast and speak about the borders again. You want the lake regions, yes?"

"Yes. I'm prepared to increase the tithe—though not by much. There's little wealth to the lakes. It's purely a sentimental acquisition, you understand?"She shoots me a glare that freezes me to the bone, before walking out of the room.

"And a strategic one, for any forces tempted to attack the north." Dryan chuckles, following her without sparing me a glance. Though he does pin both Iara and Castov with a meaningful look before leaving.

I don't think I breathe until the sound of their footsteps dies in the distance.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

My pretty little pet is upset, and screwing her brains out isn't going to fix it. That doesn't stop me from trying.

She usually falls asleep soon after coming. I'm not surprised she doesn't this morning.

"So, you were married."

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