Page 45 of His Dark Delights
“I made an oath to this kingdom when I picked up my sword. Then another to my friend when the council plucked him from the ranks and seated on the throne,” his jaw flexed, and his eyes hardened, “but I… I am not the man Ren is. He is my friend, so that’s why I am comfortable admitting that sometimes… sometimes he is wrong.”
My pulse kicked up, racing faster. Perhaps I would have an ally within the sparkling blue cage of the palace walls after all.
“It’s good to know not everyone in Elleslan is a royal ass-kisser, sir.”
A huffed laugh vented past his lips, and his boot scuffed the ground. “No, I’m afraid His Majesty’s royal ass isn’t to my tastes.”
“Right, not quite plump enough for you,” I joked. I’d seen Ren’s backside enough for myself, and I didn’t think I’d tire of the sight. Perfectly rounded with toned muscle–gods, my core clenched at the memory of him naked.
“And there’s the matter of his cock. I’ve no taste for it,” Rhydan smiled.
I rose from the bench and took the last few steps to Rhydan’s side. Head low, I whispered conspiratorially. “Well, it might save me some trouble if he aimed it at someone else’s face.”
Rhydan thinned his lips into a line to smother his laughter, and wicked mirth danced in his eyes as we shared a moment.
“What is going on here?” A fresh voice cleaved through the air of humor in the garden, and I startled back as ice crept into my veins.
Chapter Sixteen
Lilly
His Majesty emerged at the edge of the clearing. My skin went tight, and my cheeks flushed at the sight of him.
Rhydan assessed the short distance between his body and mine before straightening up and peeling himself further away. The immediate reaction pulled a soft gasp from my lips, and I whirled around to face the king.
Simmering jealousy glared through Soren’s stormy eyes, rivaling the gleam of the golden crown resting on his brow. He glanced at me with ownership and daggers at his friend. I didn’t miss his fingers flexing near the dagger strapped to his hip.
Soren Carnifex was indeed the ruthless, cruel creature he claimed to be if he entertained the thought of reaching for his weapon against a friend over a fit ofjealousy. Absurdly, against all reason, my heart skipped at the deranged sign of his possession.
Rhydan made a show of rolling his eyes and huffing. “Nothing, my friend. Well, aside from joking at your expense.”
Soren’s hand drifted from the weapon at his hip. “Hm, normal for you then.”
“I was just leaving.” The knight slapped the king’s shoulder on his way past. At the edge of the garden, he shot me a smirk accompanied by a wink.
His absence left me alone with the king. An unnerving prospect now that Soren and I were facing one another under shafts of midday light. Far away from the darkened corners of the palace. Although the garden walls protected us from stray eyes, I felt left out in the open with His Majesty.
Hours ago, I wanted to thank him for the gesture. I was truly grateful for what he’d done for me, but the conversation with Rhydan distracted my thoughts. It centered my mind on the war and the state of the world once again.
“Did you enjoy your surprise, Lilly?” Soren asked hopefully.
“More than I can express. I’m grateful.” Then I solidified my resolve and stepped closer. “Although it might have been better if I’d been sent home to tend to them myself.”
The Fairy Butcher’s eyes darkened instantly, and the budding smile on his face dropped. He cast his gaze across the sky while licking his bottom lip, thoughts churning through the moment of silence.
“All morning, I thought of nothing else but you and the kiss you’d reward me with for this. Instead, youspeak of going home.” Soren reached out, curling his fingers around my shoulders. “I did this to make you happy here. Happier with me again.”
He dipped his lips to mine.
I pulled away, avoiding his lips by a fraction. My breath hitched at the warmth of him radiating against my mouth. A frustrated groan grated through his chest. His grip on my shoulders increased.
I held influence over him, and I needed to grasp hold of it.
“Ren,” I spoke the name I loved him by, hoping he’d notice, “you sit within a sapphire tower plotting war with your honeyed lips. For that, you will receive no reward from me.”
He dropped his forehead to mine, and his breath skimmed my lips. My heart quivered from the pain of leashing myself back and not allowing the kiss. The king was vulnerable here like this, with his eyes closed and thoughts tormented by me.
“Again with this? I went to great lengths to have your creatures transported here to ensure your happiness.”
