Page 5 of Her King

“Of course not!” I can’t believe he just asked me that.

“Then why do you continue to put yourself in danger?” his voice is lower now.

“I ... I just wanted to have a little freedom.” The words sound silly slipping from my lips but that doesn’t make them any less true. “I feel like a caged bird.”

His eyes soften as he places his hand gently around my throat. He doesn’t apply pressure, just collars me lightly. His lips caress mine softly.

“Once the merging ceremony has taken place, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want. I promise. But in the meantime, I need your guards with you at all times.” His words are even softer this time, almost a caress. “Please don’t put yourself in any unnecessary danger. I won’t survive losing you.”

Chapter Four

Breach

Niko

I should’ve sealed the northern wing once I knew Cassandra would be in the palace for a prolonged time before the damn merging ceremony. I should’ve locked the damn door the second we arrived back in Runic. It’s the same wing they used to steal her the first time. I should have known better.

Cassandra is still shaking. I feel it beneath my fingertips as I hold her, her heartbeat hammering against my chest, her pulse quick against her throat. The smell of burnt sulphur lingers in her hair, and I don’t need confirmation to know what it means.

Quietus. They’ve made it inside my walls.

Anger and fear swirl in my gut. I could have lost her today. If whoever was chasing her was just a little faster, or if she had tripped in the corridor while running away... I don’t even want to think about what could have happened.

“I need to feel you,” I murmur, pressing my lips against the corner of her mouth.

“Niko?”

“I need a physical connection,” I say honestly. “I need to feel you around me and breathe you in. I need to know you’re really still here. Safe.”

“Sex?” she asks with a raised brow.

“Connection,” I reply, dropping to my knees. I lift her dress and throw her left leg over my shoulder. “Why aren’t you wearing any panties, Consort?”

“I wanted to ... surprise you.”

“Hmmm.” I run my tongue through her slit, tasting her essence. “Count me surprised.”

She moans softly and I look up to see a flush spread across her cheeks. I keep my gaze locked on her as I nibble at her sensitive flesh. Cassandra puts a hand over her mouth to stop her sounds from spilling out.

I pull away and wait until her gaze meets mine. “Don’t hide your pleasure, Cassandra. I need everyone to hear you, to know you’re mine. Because I protect what is mine.”

“But you said...”

“And now I’ve changed my mind.” I return to my ministrations.

I suck on her clit harshly, spearing her perfect pussy with three fingers. I thrust into her over and over, nipping and sucking, drinking her down. And when she reaches her peak and falls into her orgasm, it’s my name on her lips for anyone to hear.

****

“Come with me,” I say, once her breathing has calmed and I have fixed her clothing. I’m bathed in her scent, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

She places her hand in mine, trust burning in her gaze as I lead her out of our chambers. I lead her through three hallways and down a spiral staircase until we reach the war room, an ancient chamber built beneath the palace. These stone walls are enchanted to block any magikal surveillance. Only the High Ruler and a select few even know it exists.

Hayden and my mother are already waiting.

While she was cleaning up in the bathroom, I sent a messenger to let them know to meet us here. I can’t do any of this alone and neither can Cassandra. As we enter, both of them are seated around a wooden table in the corner.

My mother smiles sadly, Hayden remaining passive.

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