Page 56 of The Kraken's Queen

Erin’s moans only get louder. I roll my tongue over her clit and press two fingers inside her. She’s so wet, they slide in easily, and she clenches around them. “That’s right, sweet girl. Take your pleasure.”

“Fuck…Allarick.” She grinds down on my fingers, riding them as if it were my cock. Or tentacle. My wife is fond of those.

I help coax her to her first orgasm, switching between licking and sucking and fucking her with my fingers. It’s too much, and soon Erin moans my name and tightens around my fingers. I lap at her sweet cunt, licking the evidence of her orgasm away.

When I pull back, I’m sure my mouth is shiny with her release, but Erin doesn’t seem to care because she quickly lets go of the headboard and reaches for me. This time, I let her, and our lips meet in a clash for dominance. She submits to me, parting her lips as I thrust in my tongue, letting her taste herself. She does so eagerly.

“Best apology and show of gratitude ever,” she pants once we break apart.

I have to say, I agree.

Chapter 32

Allarick

After Erin’s suggestion last night, it was time to see my queen’s plan take motion. When she fell asleep after I ate her out for the second time, because once wasn’t enough, I slipped away to find Delmare. The poor bastard was eating a very late dinner with his wife. I nearly turned around to leave him to his night, but Iris noticed my presence.

We spoke in hushed, urgent whispers about the plan to open up the castle. Delmare is my most sensible guard, and even he saw the logic behind Erin’s plans. Iris, though not part of my guards, is still a valuable employee of the crown and agreed to help Delmare carry out the plan.

We spent our night recruiting guards to help set up family spaces and prepare the castle for our citizens. The normal furniture was stripped from the bottom story and carried out to storage. Cots and storage were set up throughout the ballroom and greeting room. A healing center was set up in the dining room.

We worked well into the night.

When I finally got back to bed, I laid my head down, pulled Erin close, and fell asleep.

It didn’t last long.

Movement in the room causes me to stir. My lids feel heavy, not ready to wake up. Absentmindedly, I reach out for Erin next to me, but the bed is empty. That’s when my eyes snap open to see her side of the bed. Growing alarm wakes my body immediately.

I jolt out of bed. “Erin?”

“Allarick,” a sweet voice cuts through my fear, and a soft hand touches my arm. Turning my head, I see Erin’s kind face staring down at me. I’m again hit with just how beautiful this woman is. How could anyone have her and want to cause her harm? If I’m ever able to ask one more thing of Ender, it will be to bring James here so I can dole out my own justice.

“I didn’t mean to wake you. You looked like you could use more sleep.” Erin reaches out to caress my face. I’m tempted to wrap my arms around her waist and pull her back into bed.

Except we have too much to do today.

And she’s right, I am exhausted. But I’ve worked on less sleep. “People will be coming in today.” I kick off the blanket.

Erin nods, not looking surprised. “Iris has been here. She told me what you did last night.” A small smile spreads across her lips. She leans in and kisses me gently. “Thank you for listening to me.”

“Of course. You had a great idea to keep our people safe. It’s only temporary until we hear back from Atina.”

“Have you heard anything from her?” she asks.

I frown, shaking my head. “No. It concerns me. I figured we would hear from her by now.” Sending guards out to track her down has crossed my mind more than once, but if I’m overreacting and she’s fine, Atina will be pissed I sent people from the sea after her, considering her history with us.

“I’m sure we will soon,” Erin assures, squeezing my shoulder. “You should rest up some more. Delmare is waiting outside to take me down to the first floor. I can meet you there later.”

“I’ll come,” I say.

Erin looks like she wants to argue but nods after a moment.

Five minutes later, Erin and I meet Delmare and make our way to the first floor, hand in hand. I didn’t know what to expect, not sure if my people would be willing to leave their homes and come here. The last thing I want is to cause mass hysteria, so part of me fears what I’m walking into.

Merpeople, sirens, krakens, and a few sea creature pets crowd the lower levels. My staff show families to cots and where to store their belongings. There’s a whirlwind of activity, but none of it is disorderly or filled with a sense of dread. It’s more a matter of logistics. Like knowing where to house each person and figuring out the needs of the civilian.

A family of three swim by, a mother with her two rambunctious mermaid daughters. She holds one, trying to soothe the crying guppy, while the other one drags behind her. The older daughter, only a year or so olderthan the small guppy in the mother’s arms, whines in attempt to get the mother’s attention. It’s clear the mother is flustered, trying to corral her daughters during this hectic time.

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