Page 8 of King of Knights

I cut her off.

“We have power until humans figure out how to use us for this same power you envy. I am not a man to be controlled. Yet it is my fate to someday fall into enslavement. I do not see the glory or honor in this. We are kings and queens in name and name alone.”

I don’t tell her that she’s no simple witch of conjuring. I have held this fact to myself. I fear the consequence of others knowing what I know.

“You and your brothers have avoided enslavement thus far. Perhaps you will continue to,” she says, hope ringing clearly in her voice.

“My brothers avoid it by going into slumber. What life is that? To live but not live. I want to live, to taste, to feel the energy of the earth,” I reply.

She releases a breath. I take notice of the sag in her body. We’ve spoken of my brothers’ choice before. I cannot, will not, lie in rest for centuries in hopes of never becoming a slave.

“Again, it could be against your father’s will.”

Turning in my arms, she looks up at me. I can see how much she wants this to be true. We both know she is not my mate. If my mate were to appear, it would be the ruining of what we have.

“Perhaps,” I say to appease her.

A smile brightens her face, taking over her features. It is too beautiful for me not to capture her lips. I begin to ascend to return to our lovemaking, but she breaks the kiss.

“No, Kendrick,” she giggles, shaking her head at me. “I have to tend to the people.”

“Your sister is a healer. The other two give wise counsel, just as you do. You can take a day off.”

“My sister Yanique is still learning to heal. Annaniah and Zandra will have the village in tatters with their antics. You want me to leave the people to them?” she says, lifting a questioning brow.

Lowering us back to our feet, I then release her. I exhale deeply. Her younger sisters are too mischievous for their own good. They also aren’t half as powerful as their older sister. The girls have power, but Venus is unmatched.

I believe she could stand her ground against one of my cousins’ strength and she would survive. Her cunning mind would be her advantage. Venus wields her magic with the wisdom of old. It is stunning to watch.

Venus summons both of our robes, the silk fabrics draping each of us, proving me right about her graceful skills. Mortal witch or not, she has mastered her gifts and talent. I reach to run the backs of my fingers down her cheek.

“I will walk with you to the sanctuary.”

“You scare them,” she says. “They can sense your power. They know you’re not like us.”

“They have nothing to fear. I have always been a peaceful being.”

“Are we lying now?”

I love the sparkle in her eyes. It reminds me of the day I met her. She intrigued me then and continues to do so now.

“No lies have been told.”

“Surely, my love. They have not,” she purrs with a wink. “Perhaps you should return this evening. My duties will be done, and I’ll be able to give you all my attention.”

“Ah, yes, you are speaking a language I love to hear,” I reply, tugging her into my arms.

“Kendrick,” she says in warning.

“I only intend to embrace you for a moment.”

I knit my brows. I felt it earlier, but I thought I could be mistaken. There is a current of power coming from her. It’s as if it’s not her own. It’s faint, but it’s there.

Just as quickly as it comes, it’s gone. I look into her eyes, searching. Venus has never dealt in black magic. Her soul doesn’t bear its marks. Yet, for her to harness another’s magic, that would be exactly what she would have to be involved in.

“What?” she asks warily.

“It’s nothing,” I reply.

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