Page 49 of Rotanev
Miserably.
But first, I had to soothe my wounded heart—my Kailiani.
I leaned an elbow against the white railing of my palace, my loose pants fluttering from the wind coming off the ocean. “Can I get you anything?” I asked her softly.
She shook her head, not looking at me.
I sighed, retreating back to our bedroom.
We’d shared a bed these last two nights—fully clothed. Well, me without a shirt because that was my usual attire here. I spent a lot of time near or in the water, which made clothing a hindrance rather than a luxury.
“I can see where the Trojan and Greek myths come from,” Kailiani said, her voice carrying to me on a breeze. “And some of the inspiration for current architecture in the Greek Islands. All you need are blue domes, and this could easily pass for Santorini. Not that I’ve been.”
I’d moved toward her cautiously while she spoke, uncertain if her words were meant for me or for herself. But she faced me as I returned, her dark eyes clear and filled with conviction.
“It’s very peaceful here, Nero.”
“Yes,” I agreed. “There are the occasional issues and territory breaches, but my people prefer tranquility. A common trait of the seas.”
Her lips curled a little with the first smile I’d seen in what felt like a millennium. “I like it here, Nero.”
A weight seemed to lift from my shoulders, one I hadn’t realized I was carrying. There’d been this nagging worry that she might not approve of Mythios, that perhaps that was the real reason she’d left all those years ago. Which I knew was ridiculous, but this female created insecurities inside of me that I’d never known were possible.
I wanted her to like me. To like Mythios. To yearn to stay here in the Aquaine Kingdom. Whether it be in her human form or as a siren, I needed her to choose this willingly, not because she felt obligated to remain by my side.
“I like you here,” I admitted, returning to the railing.
Another realization had occurred to me over the last few days—I’d been lonely without her. Yes, I had my people and my close lieutenants, but eternity without a mate created a very solitary existence. And I craved to have someone to share all of this with, a partner in the truest nature of the word.
“I sort of expected you to have a harem, or some kind of crazy party lifestyle,” she continued, her lips twitching again. “You know, to match all the myths.”
I snorted. “I’ve not attended a party in… a very long time.” Not since the day of our pending nuptials, where my bride had never showed at the altar. And even then, it’d ended in disaster, not in entertainment. “There are some of my kind who do indulge in that lifestyle, but I’ve never preferred it. And as for a harem, no. I’m not innocent by any stretch of the imagination, but you are the only queen for me. I will not indulge any other.”
Not just because of the vows, but because I would never desire anyone in the same manner as I did Kailiani.
Her eyebrows lifted. “Did you just…? Like, ever? Or temporarily?”
I was really starting to despise that word. “What about this feels temporary to you?”
“No, that’s not what I meant. I’m, well, surprised. You just declared to always be faithful to me. I think.” She shook her head as if to clear it. “I need to start this conversation over. It’s not at all what I was planning to say.”
And while I wanted to hear whatever she intended to tell me, I needed her to understand something first. “Then before you start over, know that I meant every word. And yes, I vow to be faithful to you. Always. You’re mine, Kailiani. I have no wish or need for anyone but you.”
Her lips parted, causing my dick to jump to attention.
Not. Now.
Yes, it’d been a few days, but I could wait years if that was what she needed from me.
“Always? For eternity?”
“It’s not easy to kill a god, if that’s what you’re wondering.” I focused some of my mounting tension on the water below, creating a soft spiral meant to dance, not to destroy. “My soul is yours, Kailiani. Whether you want it or not.”
“I do,” she blurted out, her hand closing over my forearm and sending a shock of heat through my bloodstream. “That’s what I was trying to tell you. I want to stay here. With you.”
It took physical restraint not to pull her into my arms and kiss her. But I had to be sure I understood her first. “In Mythios?” I pressed, hoping that was what she meant byhere.
“Yes. But as a human.” Her expression took on a wary quality, as if she expected me to argue with her. And maybe a week ago, that would have been the case. However, knowing the cost of forcing her siren soul to emerge, I could respect her wishes. I also understood them.
