Page 187 of A Queen's Game
“Hello, Elyse,” he said. “I’m guessing your night went well then?”
“My friend, I have my lady over my shoulder and am on route to my bed. Do you truly think this is the time for such questions?”
“But she wants to?” Sylas said. “Elyse, are you alright?”
Based on their last conversation, she looked like a fool. She had made it clear she intended to not fall for Brynden’s promises, yet now she would marry him. “I’m alright.”
“Better than alright,” Brynden said. “I believe congratulations are in order.”
There was a moment of tormenting silence as Elyse squeezed her eyes shut. Perhaps she was a fool.
“Congratulations, indeed.”
“Now, if you’ll excuse us.”
“Elyse,” Sylas added, “I’m sure Keyain is expecting you back at the palace at some point.”
“Always playing the caretaker,” Brynden said as he turned around and started on the stairs. “Now, back to the important part.”
Elyse came face to face with Sylas. His brows were knitted together, a frown tugging at his lips. Then he tapped his temple as his voice sounded in her head. “Is this what you want? Are you alright?”
It took her a moment to realize he did magic. Elyse nodded her head. Brynden was what she wanted.
“If you need anything later, my bedroom is down the hall.” There was a moment of silence and then she heard, “Whatever comes of this marriage, know that I’ll be there if you ever need me.”
His words brought a smile to her lips, gaining one in return from him. She hadn’t yet moved to Chorys Dasi, but she already had a friend. With a final look, Sylas turned around and went back down the stairs.
They reached the top floor and started down the hallways. “Goddess,” Brynden murmured, “you stopped petitioning for me to set you down. I don’t know if I should be delighted or worried.”
“Delighted,” she said. “I’m just a bit nervous.”
“Of course, my goddess. I promise to take care of you.” His hand rubbed down the length of her back, causing heat to blossom at the bottom of her stomach.
When they arrived at his door, he kicked it open and brought her inside. Once the door was shut behind them, he finally set her down. The room was spacious but cozy with its thick carpeted floor, lush red curtains flanking a fireplace before it sat two chairs and a small table between them. To the other side was his bed, draped in black fabric and red pillows. Elyse walked to it and drifted her hand along with the silky fabric, uneasiness filling her. Gods, she had never done this before.
“Goddess, this is a very surreal moment.” Brynden drew her attention, his gaze roaming Elyse’s body. “I have imagined you in my bedroom a thousand times over, yet to see you stand here, next to my bed.” Brynden swallowed hard, walking to her. “You are not of this world, my goddess. Let me prove to you I can be worthy.”
Her heart skipped a beat as he leaned in, caressing Elyse’s face with a kiss as he pulled her closer to him. Brynden’s touch set her alight and his words made her swoon. He was everything she never thought she could have, and more. His love meant freedom, a life that only existed in dreams. Brynden fought for her, and now she couldn’t imagine not being his. “What if you’re already worthy?” she whispered.
Brynden silenced her with a deeper kiss, his tongue sweeping across her mouth as a hand moved to her chin. With a finger, he tilted her head, kissing down her neck. “Well, I want to make sure I am. Let me make you feel incredible, my goddess,” he murmured into her.
Elyse’s hands found his shirt, tugging him closer as her breathing turned ragged. His soft lips brushed over her collarbone, Elyse shuddering from his touch. Brynden’s hand slipped behind her back to her zipper. “May I?”
Heat flared at her core, and she managed a nod. The fabric slid down, encouraged by Brynden’s hand, and she stood nude before him. His gaze turned liquid as he took her in.
Elyse reached for his shirt, lifting the fabric up over his head. Underneath, Brynden’s body was hard, his chest broad, his stomach lined with muscles. She placed a hand on his heart, causing him to shiver.
“Surreal,” Brynden murmured, pulling her tight to his body, his skin against her. The closeness took her breath away. “And incredible—I’m the luckiest male in Syllogi to see this bit of you. I only ask that I can have more. I want all of you, Elyse.”
“I’m yours,” she said, kissing his chest.
“Say it again.”
“I’m yours, Brynden.”
“Call me Az.”
Elyse pulled back to give him a look. “Your childhood nickname?”
