Page 78 of The Poison of the Earth
“We need to add a healer to our inner circle,” I say to Kai.
He nods, agreeable, but asks, “Why?”
“Because I want Alder yanked from the peaceful oblivion that is deathmultipletimes before I let it take him.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Kai
The next morning at breakfast, Lilac strides in, looking somber.
She sits heavily, leaning her head forwards.
“Well?” Lonan says, “Out with it.”
She sighs. “They’re dead. And Alder has retaliated by starting to use distance weapons outside Squall’s End. Trebuchets and spell vessels.”
“Fuck,” I sigh. “We got word back from Larkstead last night. They insist on marriage, but urge us to visit in person to speak.”
Lonan lets out an angry noise. “That could take weeks of travel!”
I close my eyes, feeling sick at the mere suggestion of leaving Oleander. “They said they’ll send griffons.”
My eyes land on Ollie. She looks worried, rubbing her thumb against her fingers. She catches my eyes upon her and tosses me a tiny, reassuring smile.Sweet little thing.Even now, in the face of disastrous news, my cock aches for her.
Last night, when she told us of her powers, I had felt like I was choking. That destiny was weighing upon me,us.
I must marry one of these fucking Larkstead. So Ollie can take her place. So I can kill Alder and all those who harmed her. The loss of her already hurts. I shake myself; I will do what I must.
“No,” Lonan says stubbornly.
“Yes,” I counter.
His face drops at my open opposition. It is unlike me, but so is kissing him in public and he seems just fine with that.
He glowers at me, but I know it’s bluster. It’s fear for Ollie. We can’t let that hold us back though. We have to see this to the end. I put down my fork and stand. Oleander stands too, her empty plate pushed back.
I offer her my hand and we head out of the hall.
“Will you come up to Lonan’s rooms with me?” She asks softly.
“Of course, baby.”
We head that way and she waits obediently as I sweep the rooms. I call her up with the all clear.
“Did you have something in mind?” I ask her, eyebrow raised.
She giggles, “Nothing that involves getting naked.”
I cross to her and wrap my arms around her from behind. She leans back into me and I grin, happy that she trusts me.
“I can make you cum without you taking off any clothing, princess, I thought I had demonstrated that repeatedly.”
She makes a pleased sound but shakes her head. “No, I wanted to find a book to read. I just thought it would be nice to have your company.”
I smile and kiss the top of her head. “Would you like a glass of cider?” I offer.
“Sure.”
