Page 124 of King's Warrior

Niam opened his eyes, sitting straighter. “Yes. In his own way, he tried to protect my family.”

Draylon cocked a brow. “You believe him?”

“Until he proves I can’t.” Niam gave a bitter laugh. “I can’t execute all my subjects now, can I?”

Rufe took Niam’s hand, which rested on the table. “It’s not a weakness to show mercy.”

“Do the people think I’m weak?” Niam’s father had been firm but fair. Niam strove to be the same.

“Not weak. They simply thought you outmatched.” Rufe raised Niam’s hand to his mouth and kissed the fingers. Heat burned in his eyes. “They know better now.”

The sweet relief of the past few days finally sank in. Niam and his allies had defeated their enemies and secured his throne. Now he found himself in a position to help his people rebuild.

All because of Rufe.

A shiver trailed up Niam’s spine. This man, this beautiful, scarred warrior, agreed to be his consort. Despite the empire's arrangement of the match, Niam couldn't imagine a more suitable mate to share his life with.

He raked his eyes over Rufe’s suitably royal—but not ostentatious—attire. Beneath those layers of cloth lay muscles, and chest hair, and…

Draylon cleared his throat, rising from his chair. “If we’re finished here, I must meet with Vihaan and Casseign.” Hopefully, to deliver Niam’s request to Vihaan: investigate the death of Rufe’s brother, proving whether or not he’d died by accident.

Niam forcibly tore his gaze from Rufe. “You have my undying thanks for all you’ve done.”

Draylon bowed, turned smartly on his heel, and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Niam and Rufe paused for a moment. Then they both pounced, knocking papers to the floor, toppling chairs, flinging clothing to the floor until they both lay naked on the table, Niam astride Rufe, plundering his mouth. Never had he wanted anyone more.

Rufe licked his palm and wrapped his hand around their erections, pumping with a firm, even stroke. Niam grunted, running his fingers along Rufe’s chest, tweaking a nipple.

Rufe let out a groan, thrusting up into Niam’s touch. Neither said a word. All thoughts descended into feeling Rufe’s hand on Niam’s shaft, the swipe of tongue against tongue, the steady rhythm of hearts pounding out a frantic beat, the pressure building deep within.

Their breaths mingled as Niam ended the kiss, staring deeply into Rufe’s eyes. He could get lost in those dark brown depths, never wanting to find his way back again. Rufe’s pace faltered, his eyes going unfocused. The pressure building in Niam’s groin grew, pushing him past the point of no return.

He slammed his mouth back onto Rufe’s, which caught Niam’s whimpers of ecstasy. Rufe pulled back, convulsing, roaring out his own release.

Niam collapsed, panting, to Rufe’s side, nestling between a muscular arm and a heaving chest. Niam’s body rocked as Rufe’s chuckles grew to full-on laughter.

“What is so amusing?”

“The next time you’re in here with a bunch of odious old toads, think back to this moment.”

Now, the image wouldn’t leave Niam’s head, which wasn’t a bad thing. One of many happy memories he planned to make with this man. He settled his head on Rufe’s shoulder, more content than he ever recalled being.

All might not be totally right in the kingdom yet, but with Rufe’s help, it would be.

Epilogue—Early Summer

Athoughtful ancestor insisted on simple but ornate chairs instead of the gaudy, jewel-encrusted monstrosities many nobles envisioned when thinking of thrones. Many were meant for pomp and pretension—two things Niam abhorred.

He stood at the door, admiring the festive décor. Someone, or rather, a legion of someones, had worked magic, changing the great hall from drab to something a little more in keeping with stories told to the young.

Colorful flowers filled the rafters, gracing the hall with sweetness, while newly cleaned tapestries lining the walls told the story of Niam’s illustrious ancestors. Would some future Fjell one day regard a tapestry depicting Niam and Rufe? Or perhaps a portrait in the gallery.

The seats had filled early, forcing attendees to stand against the walls or even to listen through the open windows—thank the deities for summer finally deciding to arrive, making for a pleasant day. The absence of shutters allowed fresh air inside. A breeze brought the scent of roasted meat from the feast they’d enjoy later.

Niam didn’t stop to determine who was present or missing after being caught up in Whreyn’s attempts to seize power. After allthe upheaval, it was time to re-establish his family’s claim on the kingdom, assuring the people their new alliance with the empire benefited all concerned.

Already, Lieutenant Lutrell, rather, Captain Lutrell, had established a garrison near the Craician border, letting the hostile neighboring country know Delletina wouldn’t go down without a fight.

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