Page 82 of Madness of Her Mages

I know.Drae’s mental sigh resonated in my mind.So do I.

Really?I asked accusingly.I thought you loved it here.

He blew out a long breath.I realize now my happiness here was an illusion. All I want now is to return to Abyssus with my family.

A knot of emotion formed in my throat.We have to make that happen.

We will after the war,he said.

I nodded and looked away. A fool’s hope, for I feared we wouldn’t be able to return to Abyssus for a long while.

AFTER TUCKING IN MYsleeping nieces and kissing their foreheads, I reluctantly returned to my wardrobe where Daminica and a handful of servants were waiting to dress me. Drae and Blaze sat on low, padded stools, watching me dress with hungry gazes.

We should cancel drinks with Felicity,I projected to them as the servants stuffed my boobs into another white gown, this one with several soft layers flowing down my hips and legs like an iridescent waterfall, one slit going up the side showing off a generous amount of my long, lean leg. This evening gown was a far cry different from the hoop monstrosities we were forced to wear at court.

No,Drae said while leaning back against the wall.We need to go and see how this plays out. They need to learn tonight what happens when they try to harm us.

I chewed my lip. I’d already told them what Felicity and her mates had said in the hall during our quick and simple supper by the hearth, and yet they still wanted to go into the den of vipers.They might not after what Malvolia did to Monte and Furori.

Oh, they will.Drae snorted.I saw the murderous looks in their eyes tonight.

That tightening in my chest returned, and I recognized my inability to breathe as my fear manifesting. It didn’t matter the cause, though. I couldn’t leave these rooms not knowing if thegirls would be safe.I don’t want to leave the girls. I regretted the panic that slipped into my voice, but it couldn’t be helped.

I’ll stay with them.

I spun around, smiling at Nikkos who stood in the doorway. He was looking as cute as ever, his shoulder-length hair slightly tousled, a juicy peach in his hand. He was so thoughtful for offering to stay with the girls tonight.

I wrung my fingers.Are you sure?

He bit into the peach.Yes.

After I waved away the servants who were fussing over the symmetry of the bows in my hair, I quickly crossed over to Nikkos, taking his hand in mine. His fingers were sticky with peach juice.I don’t like leaving you behind.

His eyes shone with sincerity, those dimples in his cheeks making him even more desirable.I’m exactly where I need to be, protecting them.

I’ll make it up to you later.Releasing his hand, I licked the sticky juice from my fingers while flashing him a coy look.

I know you will.My thighs quaked as he sucked the nectar from the peach, his wicked gaze on me while juices ran down his chin.

If he was trying to arouse me, it was working, damn him, and I was so very tempted to lick off that peach juice before Daminica came into the room, her brows drawn as she adjusted the thin sleeves on my gown.

“That’s good enough,” I said to her, unable to keep the note of impatience from my voice. I was sick of being poked and prodded like a roasted hen.

“Hold on, Your Highness,” she whispered, motioning toward the vanity. “One final touch.”

Something about the look in her eyes made me feel compelled to obey. “Yes, Daminica.”

Leaving my mates behind, I sat at the vanity at the far end of the wardrobe as she adjusted the pins in my hair. “I know it’s not my place to say,” she said in a low voice while leaning over me, “and I know Lady Felicity is your cousin, but be wary in her company.”

I swallowed as I looked at her reflection in the vanity mirror and that look of fear in her eyes. “Why do you say that?”

She stiffened, clearing her throat when a servant came in to remove my supper gown. After the servant left, she said, “There are rumors she seeks Malvolia’s throne for herself.”

I arched a brow. “Do you believe those rumors?”

“Your Highness,” she said, her cheeks coloring as she splayed a hand across her chest, “I’m only a simple witch.”

“You’re a member of Malvolia’s personal coven.” And perhaps, much like Lady Veronica, smarter than she let on.

---