Page 121 of King's Warrior

“They still hurt.”

“That you care makes you a good person.”

Regardless of the outcome, Bert remained lost. Something Niam needed to ask plagued his mind. “What will you do?” His heart sped as he waited for his answer. Rufe's vindication removed his status as a bastard soldier. He could return to his childhood home as a celebrated heir and king consort.

One side of Rufe’s mouth lifted in a half-smile. “Tired of me already?”

“No. I simply don’t want to keep you here if you wish to return home.”Please stay with me.

Rufe threw back his head. Laughter burbled out of him. “Silly man. I am home. With you. And the boys. Once we’re sure it’s safe, we’ve got to send for them.”

“We will. What about the dukedom?”

“What about it? My father’s still a young man with plenty of seasons remaining. When his time comes, hopefully, I’ll have thought of a plan. Idohave two sons now.” Rufe ran his hand down Niam’s arm and entwined their fingers. He didn’t meet Niam’s eyes. “I never thought I’d live to be an old man, or have children. I never thought I’d want to. Now I want all the days I can have to spend with you.”

Two sons? Rufe claiming Quillan and Uri sent warmth through Niam. And spending days together? Niam couldn’t fight a smile or help preening a little. “Who am I to refuse one blessed by a goddess?”

“You know the mark on my arm is like what many soldiers have, don’t you? If a blade falls right….”

“How many of those soldiers are secret followers of the Unnamed Goddess?” Niam wasn’t sure yet what he believed, but the cut on Rufe’s wrist would help endear him to the people. Plus, he’d been wounded fighting for the kingdom. Niam expected a sudden resurgence in the Unnamed Goddess’s popularity, or the Nameless Goddess, as most Delletinians knew her.

“I don’t know. I’ve never asked. Most soldiers pray to the God of War, or a deity unique to their own culture.”

Niam recalled a memory from his childhood. “My grandfather was a believer. He sometimes wore a silver pendant with the goddess’s likeness. I’ll have one made for you if you like.”

“All I want is you.” Rufe pulled Niam toward him, gently running his tongue over the seam of Niam’s lips until Niam opened for him.

Before they went further, Niam had something to say. He reluctantly ended the kiss. “You know I don’t care about any title, don’t you? I've been drawn to you since Captain Casseign brought a wounded soldier to the keep. The moment I laid eyes on you…”

Rufe gave a lazy smile. “You fell completely in love with me?”

Niam gave an inelegant snort. “No. I knew I’d never met a more dangerous creature in my life. I saw you then as a warrior, a Cormiran, possibly an enemy.”

“You don’t think I’m dangerous anymore?” Rufe mock pouted.

Niam ran a finger through Rufe’s dark curls. “You’re more dangerous than ever, for now, you don’t need a weapon to hurt me.” He whispered, “You can cut my soul out with a mere word.”

“I wouldn’t.”

“But you could.”

“I’d sooner cut my own heart out.” Rufe resumed the kiss. This time, Niam didn’t stop him.

Chapter Forty-eight

Niam watched Rufe sit at the foot of the long table beside Draylon and lifted a brow.

“I think he means for you to sit by him,” Draylon murmured. “You are his king consort.”

Would Rufe ever get used to being in front of people instead of simply blending with the surroundings? He rose and made his way to the head of the table, sitting next to Niam where he belonged.

Niam placed his warm hand over Rufe’s, as much to reassure himself as his mate. “You must get used to your place by my side. And lift your sleeve some. Even with your wound bandaged, rumors will spread. What’s the use of having a goddess mark if you don’t intend to use its influence?”

Men and women filed into the conference room; some Niam remembered well, others were unfamiliar faces at the castle. He recalled with a jolt the many nobles who’d been sentenced to death for their treachery. Faces flicked through his mind, his heart growing heavy. So many people tried to depose him. Had he been a bad ruler? Or had he simply not given them the power they craved?

Lord Whreyn was now dead. The woman he’d tried to force into the position of Niam’s consort had fled. They hadn’t won.

A few gathered around the table eyed Rufe suspiciously while some gave tight smiles. All saw him as an unknown. A woman noticed his bandaged wrist, gasped, and nudged the man beside her.

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