Page 29 of The Demon King's Unruly Mate

“Rava, help Griffin with that burn, then gear up. I want you to know everything he knows about the palace before we leave. Hiding spots, likely personnel, routes and areas reserved for the royal family and their guards.”

My sister nodded, her earlier anger seemingly forgotten in the face of action.

I caught Talia’s arm and drew her away from the others. Her skin was warm beneath my fingers, reminding me of how we’d woken wrapped around each other just hours ago. “Can I speak with you? Privately.”

She followed me into my office, her expression guarded. I’d been turning this over in my mind since the moment Griffin had appeared at our door, bloodied and desperate. The thought of Talia walking into Emil’s trap, of her bleeding out on marble floors, or locked away in some dungeon where I couldn’t reach her, made the fire stir beneath my skin.

“We could walk away,” I said, my voice low enough that only she could hear. “Start fresh somewhere else. No court politics, no power games. Just us.”

The words felt like a betrayal even as I spoke them, but I couldn’t stop myself. I’dfeltwhat happened to those who challenged royal power, and I couldn’t let anything close happen to her. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t just thinking about honor and duty.

Her eyes widened in disbelief, then narrowed in fury. “You can’t be serious.”

“Dead serious.” I tightened my grip on her arm. “Emil isn’t our problem. Let the vipers eat each other.”

“And what happens to our people while they do?” she hissed. “Do you think Emil would have let Rava mate her orc? Or Leona run off with Aaron?”

I didn’t answer. Couldn’t. Because she was right, again, and we both knew it.

“You said you wanted to see our people do better,” she continued, her voice softening. “We are the best path forward, Kaz. You and me.”

You and me.The words echoed in my head, dangerously appealing. I’d spent my life fighting for my clan’s independence, for the right to choose our own path. Now here I was, contemplating a crown. For her. For us.

“Then at least stay behind,” I said, already knowing it was the wrong thing to say. “You’re the last Fitsum, not me. We shouldn’t both rush headlong into danger.”

“So, I should hide while you risk your life? Is that your idea of partnership?” Her eyes flashed. “Absolutely not.”

“This isn’t a game, Talia. This is my job.”

“Ourjob.Ourresponsibility.” She stepped closer, the scent of jasmine and embers filling my lungs. “I am your mate, and this is royal business.”

The fierceness in her amber eyes took my breath away. This woman—thisqueen—with her stubborn determination andunwavering courage. I’d been a fool to think she would hide while others fought her battles.

I kissed her, hard and fast, pouring everything I couldn’t say into the press of my lips against hers. I still thought she should stay behind, safe from Emil’s reach, but I wouldn’t insult her by suggesting it again. She had every right to fight for her people, her throne, her future.

Our future.

“Let’s go get your crown,” I said against her lips.

Red smoke clearedas we landed in Talia’s chambers, the lingering scent of jasmine now mixed with unfamiliar footprints. Books were pulled from shelves and drawers hung open, her private desk upended and papers strewn carelessly about.

I caught the flash of rage in Talia’s eyes as she took in her ransacked belongings, confirmingshehadn’t left the room in such a state. Griffin’s tense posture said everything. We were in enemy territory now, and every second counted.

“Security room first,” I murmured to Griffin. “Get Malak in place.”

Griffin nodded, gripping Malak’s shoulder. They vanished, leaving the rest of us to wait in tense silence. I scanned Talia’s quarters, taking in the details I’d missed during our brief stay after our mating. The mess somehow made the room more sterile, like a high-end hotel suite rather than a home. No photos among the wreckage, no mementos smashed to pieces. Nothing that revealed the woman behind the princess mask.

Had she ever felt safe enough to put down roots anywhere?

Griffin reappeared, his face grim. “Malak’s in. He said to give him five minutes to loop the security feeds, then he’ll guide us through on comms.”

He handed each of us a small earpiece, and I tucked mine into place. We’d used them on countless missions, but never for something like this. Never to take down a false king.

“Testing, one-two. Can everyone hear me?”

Perfect timing.We each confirmed, keeping our voices low.

“Movement on the south corridor, two guards at the door,” Malak’s voice crackled through our earpieces. “Emil just passed through with a group of six. They’re heading toward the throne room.”

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