Page 3 of To Dwell in Shadows
“A princess consort, I believe,” he said, then frowned. “I don’t remember much about the royal conventions.”
“I’m sure it will come back to you, oh great Prince Samael.”
Sam gave her half a smile. “I don’t plan on performing any princely duties. I’m well past the age when I would have been trained for such responsibilities.”
Sadness tugged at Selene as she said, “I hate that you missed out on so much.”
“I’ve accepted it. The time for that has come and gone. I don’t think I would like to rule anyway. I don’t want to be tied down by duty.” Sam shrugged. “I’m mainly looking forward to spending time with my parents. And showing you the wonders of the Underworld.”
Selene began brushing her hair. “My last trip to the Underworld wasn’t exactly pleasant, but I know this time will be different. I wish there were a way we could send word that we’re coming, but I guess it can’t be helped. How are you feeling about all this?”
Sam ran a hand through his hair. “I feel many emotions. I dread telling them about all the lives I took in Aurelia, but our reunion will mark the end of a sorrow I’ve carried a long time. That will bring me great comfort. Areyounervous about going?”
Selene slowly untangled a knot in her hair, considering her response. Taking an extended vacation into the realm of the dead was undeniably intimidating. Yet, as Sam’s mate, she trusted that no harm would come to her. She was trying to break her old habits of worrying about the unknown and just focus on the fun they could have. There would be an adjustment period, of course, but the rewards—especially for Sam—would make it all worthwhile.
“A bit,” she admitted. “But I think that’s normal.”
“Yes, I agree.”
Selene pulled back the covers and slipped into bed. “When I was in the Underworld, your father said something about how I was welcome, but I couldn’t stay long unless I wanted to become a demon. What did he mean by that?”
“I’m not entirely sure,” Sam said, looking thoughtful. “But we would end our visit long before that happens.”
“You don’t want me to become a demon?” Selene asked in a teasing tone.
“Absolutely not.” He kissed her temple. “I want you to stay just as you are.”
Selene stared up at the ceiling, trying to imagine herself with wings and horns. “I wonder what kind of demon I would be?”
“A miserable one. Living between two worlds is difficult enough, and I don’t believe a human could be as ruthless as other demons. Not without being born into it. You would always be seen as weak—an easy target for oppression.”
Sam’s words struck a chord as Selene realized she had already been an easy target for manipulation. For years, she had wrestled with the guilt, perfectionism, and pressure so many parentified eldest daughters experience—until Sam helped her see that her wants and needs mattered too. Breaking those old patterns felt more like strengthening a muscle than flipping a switch, but she was proud of the plans she and Sam had made for their future in Snowmelt.
When discussing their future, Sam had encouraged her to dream big. Having spent little of his wages from Queen Thema, he had more than enough gold saved to indulge her every whim. But what she really wanted was quite humble: a home, a little business to call her own, a vegetable garden, and no family fights to mediate.
When she pictured them both outside a thatched-roof house with red shutters, a thought came to her. “When we return to Aurelia, can we get a pet?”
“Of course.” Sam leaned over to slowly kiss her neck. His palm smoothed down her body before disappearing beneath her nightgown.
“Cat or… dog?” Selene asked. Her voice caught as Sam’s rough hand glided up her inner thigh.
“You know I’m fond of cats, but we could have both. As many as you’d like.” He pressed the heel of his hand against the mound between her legs, which elicited a moan. “Anything you want, it’s my pleasure to give you.”
She spread her thighs further, signaling she needed more of his touch. Greedily, he accepted her invitation.
“Should we go slow or fast tonight?” Sam breathed against her mouth. It was a game they played sometimes.
“Fast,” Selene answered, already rolling her hips. “I want it right now.”
Sam motioned for her to straddle him, and Selene did so with gusto. He slid a pillow beneath each of her knees, adding just enough height to keep her comfortable as she moved on top of him. Although their first times together had been wildly passionate, the effort they had spent since then learning how to pleasure each other made their intimacy even more electrifying. Their difference in size sometimes called for creative positioning until they discovered what worked and what didn’t.
It didn’t take long for Selene to climax, and Sam followed soon after. When they were both satisfied, Selene sank down to press her cheek to his chest, not quite ready to relinquish the bliss of having him inside her. Sam wrapped his arms around her back, and Selene sighed with contentment.
“Love you,” she murmured.
“I love you, too,” Sam answered, kissing her hair.
Although many unknowns awaited them in the Underworld, Selene drew strength from the knowledge that no matter what unfolded, their bond was unbreakable.
