Page 77 of Conspirators' Kingdom

“Go ahead. I’ll be there shortly.” He sighed.

“Will you turn around?”

“No,” he said flatly.

“No?”

“No. I plan on enjoying the sight of your pert bottom as you run from the room.”

He snapped his fingers, ensuring any towels were well out of reach. She flushed.

“That’s not very gentlemanly.”

“I’m gentlemanly when it counts,” he purred, sneaking in a last taste of her lips. He squeezed her rear. She squeaked, pulling his hair in retaliation. He groaned, but couldn’t help his grin.

“I won’t be able to sleep,” she mumbled.

He snorted.

“Neither will I.”

She scowled, but there was no anger to it.

“It’s too hot.”

“The air under the bed canopy is spelled in the same way your necklace was.”

“Oh, thank the gods. I’ll, um, leave first.” She hesitated as she pulled away.

He did his best not to hiss at the sight of her fully naked before him. She possessed beautiful curves and breasts big enough to fill his hands. Her nipples were a shade lighter than her kiss-darkened lips. What he wouldn’t give to taste every inch of her.

She turned away quickly enough and tread through the water of the pool. Mereruka was pleased to note that he did, in fact, enjoy the view of her as she dashed away.

Chapter 31

“Youlookpleased,”Vasilisateased as she waggled her pale brows and sipped her drink.

“I suppose I am,” Taisiya replied with a smile.

“So… I don’t have to drag this one through the void as punishment for being a shit lover?” Vasilisa grinned.

Taisiya raised her brows. It had been their unspoken agreement that Vasilisa was free to torment as she pleased any man who ruined bed play for Taisiya—which was all of them. She’d had enough terrible, selfish lovers in her past to keep Vasilisa’s more sadistic tendencies fulfilled. Taisiya was beginning to fear that there was something wrong with her rather than her partners. Everyoneelseseemed to enjoy themselves. Maybe with Mereruka, it would be different, but she wasn’t ready yet for the potential disappointment.

“I don’t know what you mean,” Taisiya sniffed.

Vasilisa snickered.

Seated under the shade in the recently restored inner palace garden, they dined on sweet and savoury dishes as the morning sun inched towards its noontime brilliance. Mereruka had left early with Bas to survey the city, leaving her with a searing kiss and promises of gifts upon his return. A bevvy of servants had come moments later with Vasilisa at the helm to prepare her for the day ahead. Palace staff had seen to their every need and then retreated, allowing for privacy.

“And? What of the staff, bureaucrats and soldiers in our new home?”

Vasilisa leaned back in her seat, shrugging.

“Elated at their master’s return, impressed by you if a little wary. No one is particularly discontented, though I’ve been hearing rumours and speculation about the king.”

“As have I. Cursed for sending Meri to the Empire, squeezing his vassals for tax and religious tribute, generally destabilizing Maat…” Taisiya replied.

In theory, he was the perfect target. A king who brought strife and chaos to his people engendered his fair share of ill will. And in Maat, where the greatest purpose of royalty was to ensure peace, order and stability, the king’s actions were especially unwise. But would it be enough? Many tyrants inspired as much fearful loyalty as hatred.

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