Page 166 of The Eye of the Fifth
‘There were some good things.’ Sunsi shot him a withering glance. Gedeon smirked. ‘I would be honoured to establish a new friendship with you, Sunsi. One that does not involve… that.’
‘I’d like that too.’ She stood. ‘Why do you avoid the dinner hall?’
‘Naal thought it best I stay away. For the time being.’
Sunsi pursed her lips. ‘Did she order it?’
‘No.’
‘Then, I suggest you come,’ she said boldly. ‘Give these people the chance to get to know you.’
‘I doubt they want to know me at all, Sunsi.’
‘Regardless, if youareto be Emperor one day, these people will be the first to either advocate for your succession or ensure you never sit the Black Throne. Now is the time to begin making allies, Gedeon. And who knows… possibly even friendships.’
‘You are already proving to be the wisest royal advisor that ever was.’
Sunsi’s eyes glowed with pride. For herself or for him, he couldn’t tell. For a moment, they simply stared at one another.
What might it have been like, if he had allowed himself to feel for this woman? To love her, to cherish her, to fight for her, to be the sire of her children?
Her auburn hair might have spilled over his chest every morning, those freckles might have been covered in the ghosts of his lips.
In another life, perhaps.
But not this one.
Sunsi deserved someone’s whole heart. And Gedeon knew his could never belong to her.
Chapter Forty Five
Inferno Of Desire
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Gallena’s Temple, Nythanor.
Kyra.
‘If you keep doing that, we won’t be going to dinner.’
Mouth against Kawai’s back, Kyra smiled to herself. She sat straddled behind him as he attempted to pull his clothes back on, her fingers tracing the insides of his thighs.
And occasionally,accidentallybrushing his manhood.
‘I don’t want dinner,’ she breathed into his ear, then groaned, ‘Oh, you bore,’ as he stood, laced his trousers and tucked himself away.
He laughed, leaning over her so she was forced to lie back. ‘Are you not satisfied yet, my wicked earthling?’
Hands roaming over his bare back, she said, ‘Does the fact I want more answer your question?’
He planted a light kiss on her lips. ‘Let’s go to dinner, eat really fast, and then I want you back here, exactly as you are right now.’
‘Why go all the way there when you can just eat here,’ Kyra suggested, wrapping her bare legs around his torso.
‘Don’t tempt me, Kyra,’ Kawai murmured, and she knew without looking that he was getting aroused again. He kissed her fully, tongue dancing with hers, but then he pulled away and stood with his hand outstretched, eyebrows raised, and humour sparkling in his eyes.
She sighed. ‘Fine.’
