Page 50 of The Kraken's Queen

Allarick sits up and covers me with the blanket, which I’m thankful for. I may be comfortable with my husband seeing my body, but I’m not eager for others to see it. When he goes to retrieve pants, I get a brief glimpse of his sculpted ass before it's covered up.

Pity.

I don’t get long to mourn the loss of my husband’s ass because, in the next second, Allarick gives his permission to enter. Delmare walks in, nude from the waist up. His pants are similar to Allarick’s, hugging his muscular thighs almost indecently. I don’t know what these krakens eat, but people would sell their firstborn for a bottle of whatever turns these guys into Herculean men.

Delmare bows. “My king,” he says and then looks at me. His gaze doesn’t stay on me for long because it’s evident I’m naked under this thin cover. “My queen.”

“Good morning, Delmare,” I greet awkwardly and sit up, still keeping myself covered. Allarick steps in front of me, providing another layer of protection. My husband is a good man, but I don’t think he’d take kindly to anyone seeing me naked. Even his best guard whom he admires and respects.

“Good morning, my queen. I apologize for interrupting, but this couldn’t wait.”

“Out with it then, Delmare. What is the urgency?” Allarick asks, not unkindly.

“Reports have come in from civilians and newrecruits about suspicious activities surrounding our borders.”

“What kind of activity?” Allarick asks.

“Unusual sounds. People are disappearing. Two more families have come forward and said they are missing several members of their families,” Delmare explains.

Allarick curses under his breath. “Is anyone within our borders claiming to hear a sound?”

Delmare frowns. “No, but the healers have reported a suspicious rise in headaches and fatigue cases. It could be nothing, but?—”

“I’m not willing to chance it,” Allarick interrupts. “I need to see and hear this sound for myself. Get a group together. We will be leaving shortly to look into these claims.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll gather a few trusted guards,” Delmare agrees.

“I want to go too,” I say, and both men turn to look at me.

“My queen…I’m not certain that’s a good idea,” Delmare says gently. His words take me by surprise. Delmare has never been one to speak out against me. Hell, he hardly ever speaks when he’s following me and Iris around.

“Why not? I should know what’s going on in Tetria, shouldn’t I?” I pin him with my stare. Delmare has the decency to appear appropriately chastised.

“Will you leave us, Delmare? My wife and I need to speak,” Allarick says.

I bristle, slightly hurt that Allarick didn’t immediately agree with me. I understand why though. I’m notexactly a strong swimmer, nor do I know these waters well. I’d be a liability and a distraction.

“Of course. In the meantime, I will get a group together for the mission.” Delmare bows and leaves hurriedly.

The moment he shuts the door, I address my husband, “I want to go.”

Allarick sighs and drops back down on the bed next to me. “I know you do,” he says in a way that does little to ease my nerves. He reaches for my hand, and I let him take it in his. “But I’m not sure that is the best idea.”

Even though I expected it, it still feels like a blow to the gut. “But why? Am I not your queen? Your equal? Tetria is my kingdom too. I want to help, Allarick.”

I pull my hand away from his, and Allarick doesn’t fight me. I’m not sure if that fills me with relief or not.

“You are correct, and I’m not denying that. Which is why I need you to stay here. Both of us leaving the castle during this time is dangerous. What if something happened while we were out investigating? Who would rule the kingdom in our absence? Our people have to focus on defeating the Leviathan and Nephilim. They can’t be focused on battling for the throne.”

My lips purse, and I hate how much sense he’s making. It wouldn’t make sense for both of us to leave the castle. We’re married now, and our Leviathan problem is only getting worse. We are up against enemies we know little about. I know even less than Allarick, who has been here his entire life. I’m still learning this world and the people in it. If anyone should go, it only makes sense that it’s Allarick.

Doesn’t mean I have to like it.

“How long will you be gone?” I sigh, giving in.

Allarick relaxes, reaching for my hand again. I let him. “A few days at most, but if we are lucky, then only a day.”

“And you’ll tell me what you discover?”

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