Page 79 of Taken
I let my hunger answer him.
When he kisses me? It’s both reverent and greedy, and I come away shaking, because his mouth is like a refugeanda summons.
If only I knew how Kael truly feels.
The fifth day of the festival is a blur of light, music, and sea-salted joy.
Children chase one another along the shore with glowing shells, elders sing ballads older than the tide, and Kael never strays far from me.
Ever since day two, when he pulled me close inside our tent and declared me his true viyella, he hasn’t been distant—not at all.
If anything, he’s been more present.
Fierce and watchful, yes, but also tender in ways I didn’t expect.
Every time his hand brushes mine, every smile he saves only for me, I feel myself sliding closer to something dangerous.
Something I swore I wouldn’t let happen.
Love.
Nightfall doesn’t make it any easier.
The wonder of it all—the pearlescent shimmer on every surface, the way the stars here pulse like living jewels, the sea creatures that leap from the waves as if celebrating right alongside us—it’s like being inside a dream.
How could anyone resist falling for the man who rules this kingdom of marvels?
Kael is busy speaking with Aloysious, his steward, about the course we’re taking to the next shore, and I excuse myself to the privy.
Something I never thought much about during the odd trip to the movies to see whatever fantasy was playing was how the folks who lived in those worlds went to the bathroom.
I mean, being taken by a sexy as hell Demon Lord is one thing—but finding out you have to pee in a pot or wipe with a leaf is another.
Lucky for me, Nightfall has mostly modern accommodations despite the whole otherworldly realm shtick.
Suffice it to say, magical plumbing is amazing.
I’m just finishing up in the ladies’ room when Amber catches me alone.
“Hey,” I say in greeting as she tugs at my sleeve.
Frowning, I follow her away from the revelers and the potty. If something is wrong with milady’s maid I want to help, I mean, she was a little rough at first, but I like to think we are friends.
Her face is pale, her eyes darting toward the bonfires and stalls where villagers are preparing the evening meal.
“My lady,” she whispers, voice trembling.
“What is it, Amber? Is it Corin?” I ask, mentioning her son whom I’ve developed quite the soft spot for.
“No! He’s well, thank you,” she says, wringing her hands.
“Should I fetch, Kael?”
She shakes her head, eyes wide with alarm, and now my curiosity is truly piqued.
“I should not say this, but you need to hear it. I overheard the Lords speaking.”
Something cold curls in my stomach.
