Page 91 of Cherished By the Gargoyle
I grip his forearm, and he grasps mine in return. “It was an honor to fight beside you,” I tell him. “You will be missed, my friend.”
He smiles. “Same to you.”
Lorys steps forward and bows in respect. When he straightens again, he grins. “Perhaps next time we meet, we can spar as we planned.”
“Next time,” I agree.
Aurora embraces the Fae Prince warmly. “Thank you, Ryllen. For all you’ve done. We’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you both as well.” He nods and then turns to leave.
As soon as he’s gone, I notice we’re finally alone, except for Kaen—Aurora’s new Gargoyle personal guard. His head snaps to mine and he dips his chin in confirmation, signaling to me that everything is ready, just as planned.
He bows low and then exits the reception hall.
My instincts flare as I turn to my mate. Resting my hand on the small of her back, I guide her toward the open balcony.
Cool night air brushes my skin, carrying the scent of jasmine and stone.
I gaze down at Aurora. Moonlight bathes her in silver. She’s the most beautiful female I’ve ever seen. And she’s all mine.
She gasps in delight as I sweep her into my arms. “What are you doing?” she laughs. “I thought we were going to our chambers.”
“Not yet,” I reply cryptically as I step onto the railing. I flex my wings and then leap from the balcony. Her brilliant laughter fills the air as we lift into the night sky, soaring high above the castle.
“Where are we going?” she asks breathlessly, clinging to my shoulders.
A smile curves my lips. “It’s a surprise.”
The city falls away beneath us as we make our way toward the high mountains only a few miles beyond. To the nest I’ve been preparing especially for her. I’ve been shaping this place since our engagement, carving and arranging every detail, weaving magic with Fiora, Lyria, and Maribel’s help.
If Aurora were a Gargoyle, this would be our life—a permanent dwelling in high places. A nest carved in stone. But she is heir to a kingdom. The castle will be our home. So this place will be our private escape.
As we draw near the cliff wall, anticipation fills me. “Close your eyes,” I whisper.
She smiles and does as I ask. I take great care to land smoothly at the cavern’s entrance and then carry her inside.
Gently, I set her on her feet, keeping my hands at her waist to make sure she’s steady. “Now, you may open them.”
When she opens her eyes, her soft gasp sends pride surging through my chest. Fire burns in the hearth in the far corner, the warmth chasing away the chill in the air. In the center of the cavern lies a great nest. I built it just for her, layering it with the softest furs and the thickest pillows.
Along the opposite wall, recessed shelves hold her collection of gemstones that I’ve gifted her over the years.
She brings her hand to her mouth as soon as she sees them. “These are from the cottage. All of them. Fiora said I couldn’t bring all of them, and I hated leaving them behind, but you brought them here.” She throws her arms around me. “Oh, Thalric, I’m so glad you brought them.”
My tail brushes along her calf, winding upward in a slow, instinctive caress as I hug her tight to my chest. “This cave is wonderful, my love,” she whispers in my ear. “It’s perfect.”
A smile crests my lips. “You haven’t even seen all of it yet.”
“Show me,” she says, her eyes bright and curious as she looks around the space.
I guide her to a door across the way. Fiora and the others used their magic to create a waterfall-fed bathing chamber, a discreet toilet area, and another large room with a kitchen stocked with food. All of it built for her comfort.
“This is beautiful,” she says as she explores the cavern. “I love it, Thalric.”
Fierce aching joy fills my chest as she brushes her fingers along the various shelves and plush furniture. This is what I’ve always wanted: to build her a nest, to have her as my mate. And now she is here, and she is mine. My mate, my love… my everything.
When she turns back to me, she stretches up on her toes and loops her arms around my neck. She brushes her lips to mine in a tender kiss, full of longing.
