“The king won’t appreciate that very much.”
“The king?” I asked. “That’s where you’re going?”
Maddox nodded. “He’s expecting me at the castle first thing in the morning. So stop fretting. There will be no fighting involved.”
“Does this meeting with the king have anything to do with your business at the Guild yesterday?”
His smile remained in place, but his eyes tightened at the corners. “You’re determined to figure this out, aren’t you?”
“Yep.”
Maddox expelled a sigh. “I met with someone at the Guild who had valuable intel. No, I won’t tell you what was discussed, so get that adorably inquisitive look off your face. I then requested an audience with the king to relay this information. Depending on his decision, I’ll need to meet with Captain Vander of the Royal Order to make arrangements.”
The Royal Order, also called the First Order, was the highest tier of knights. They guarded the royal family, like Sir Noah did with Prince Sawyer.
“Arrangements you won’t tell me about?” I slid a finger over his pec. “What if there’s a nice little treat in it for you? Let’s say…twobatches of yummy blueberry muffins? I’ll even throw in those strawberry ones you like.”
Maddox leaned in and brushed our lips together. “No amount of muffins in this world could persuade me to tell you. But how endearing of you to try.” He nipped at my nose before pulling back. His gaze shifted to Lake. “I assume you’re sleeping here tonight?”
“I made no plans to,” Lake responded. “I only wished to see Evan. Didn’t consider anything beyond that.”
“You should stay,” Briar said, setting his cup of tea aside. “I’ll prepare the guest room for you.”
Lake glanced at me, then at Maddox. “Only if it’s not an imposition.”
“It is,” Maddox said and breathed out a low laugh when I bumped his arm. “Really, it’s no trouble. We have the room, so you might as well use it.” Hardness touched his eyes. “Just remember what I told you last night.”
“What did you tell him?” I asked, looking between them.
Maddox took hold of my chin and angled my face up, meeting me for a kiss. Kissing me to stop me from demanding an answer, probably. He glided his lips across mine once more before pulling away. “Good night, muffin.”
“You don’t play fair,” I said.
He smirked and joined Briar by the doorway before the two of them left, leaving me and Lake alone.
“Did you get full?” I asked.
Lake nodded. “Thank you again for cooking.”
“You’re welcome.” I shifted my weight to my other foot, then back. “So. What did Maddox tell you last night?”
Yes, it was bugging me. My nosiness knew no bounds.
His purple-eyed gaze darted away. “The knight reminded me many times how special you are, which I needed no reminder. We discussed my feelings for you and came to an agreement that, if you wanted, we could explore these feelings. I’m still trying to process that bit of news. I never expected it.”
“Neither did I.” I reached for his hand. “But I’m happy about it.”
Lake studied our joined hands with a crease in his brow. “I am too.”
“Did you talk about anything else?”
“He gave me a warning. If I ever hurt you in any way,againhe specified, he swore to rip my heart out.”
I cringed. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be. He loves you deeply and only has your well-being in mind. Both of them do.” Albeit subtly, Lake smiled. “I believe the knights who were here earlier feel the same. All of them will come for my head if I step out of line.”
A yawn came out of nowhere, so big that my eyes watered.
