Page 67 of Straw and Gold
“And what of the morals of your friend?” Fedir snapped back, catching Killian off-guard.
Killian hesitated then straightened, catching sight of me. “You will follow royal orders. That is all.”
Fedir looked over his shoulder, catching my eye. “Yes, Your Majesty. Royal orders, as is my duty.”
He pulled Killian into a hug, slapping his back with several loud thumps before leaving without another word.
“Is…everything alright?” I asked.
Killian nodded, slipping out of his jacket. “This castle is full of those who are loyal to the crown. Many have grown quite fond of their new queen.”
I reached his side, taking his hand. “No matter what happens with your power tomorrow, know that I won’t leave you. I love this kingdom and I’ll help you rule our people as best we can.”
He lifted me into his arms. “I know. You’re the queen they deserve.”
He kissed me as he took us to bed, laying me down softly and helping me out of my dress, his mouth trailing over every part of me he exposed.
He slipped inside me where I loved him most. “Killian,” I breathed, “I’m so, so sorry?—”
His mouth consumed mine, cutting me off entirely. His tongue delved deep and I had no way to tell him the words that repeated in my head.
I’m sorry I failed.
I’m sorry I’m not enough to save you.
I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner.
Just a little longer, and I would have had it. Just a little more time and I’d find his name, saving him from a cruel Goddess and my sister from an earlier death than what she deserved.
I should have insisted on completing our marriage the moment I came of age—the moment I met Seraphine and understood the happiness she would bring my brother.
I should have?—
Killian thrust hard, filling me completely and I cried out, gripping the corded muscles of his arms.
“Stay with me,” he whispered, meeting my gaze in another deep thrust. “My Morella, My Goldling…” His strong hands swept over my face. He didn’t mention the tear he caught, only set his forehead to mine as he thrust deep again. “Stay with me, here, in this moment together.”
I nodded, breathing him in, loving all of him as he fucked me so tenderly.
The pleasure he brought built slowly and we savored it together as he held me and I held him.
He didn’t ask me what his name was.
He didn’t tell me I knew it.
A spark of fear hit me as I wondered why, but it was quickly overcome with all-consuming pleasure as his pace picked up and I didn’t know where he ended and I began.
We came together, and he kissed me hard, my own kiss in return just as fierce. He pulled me up and offered me a cup of cool fresh water which I gulped down entirely.
My husband whispered sweet things in my ear as he pulled me to his chest and my body felt heavy, drooping. Suddenly, I was too exhausted to keep my eyes open.
The last thing I heard before I drifted to sleep in his arms was his last confession to me. “It was worth it. The pain, the loneliness, the fear. I’d go through it all again to make you my wife. My Morella…My Goldling.”
“My Queen.”
I frowned at the voice, my eyelids heavy, my body stiff and unmoving.
“Morella,” the voice continued, this time shaking my shoulders. “Wake up, Your Majesty. Please!”
