Total pages in book: 162
Estimated words: 151630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 758(@200wpm)___ 607(@250wpm)___ 505(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 151630 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 758(@200wpm)___ 607(@250wpm)___ 505(@300wpm)
“I don’t know that…” Myrddin’s head bows. “Of course, Your Majesty. I will work on the temple and my own projects and report back to you. As to our future queen, be careful with her. She will lie and cheat and do whatever it takes to save her family.”
The king’s eyes narrow. “If you feel she cannot love me then your portion of our bargain is unfulfilled, and we should do something about it.”
Myrddin holds a hand up, and I finally truly understand the quandary he’s in. He can’t tell this man I’m pregnant because I’m the prize and the prize has to be perfect. The king has to desire the prize or he won’t give the wizard what he wants. What he needs so desperately. “Of course she can, Your Majesty. This one is the right one. It didn’t work before, but it shall this time. You will see. I’m only asking you to take things slowly and be cautious or you might…lose her again.”
Oh, I don’t like how that sounds. I don’t think he’s talking about taking me to the mall and oops, I thought she was at Ulta but now she’s gone. This feels like losing me in the most malicious way possible.
“Come, Zandra.” He fumbles over my name, and I see the recognition of wrongness, but a stubborn will hits his features and he does not correct himself. “I have a lovely breakfast set out for you and then I thought we would tour the palace. I want a nice day with you.”
I just want to get through it. Danny’s going to try to break Dev out this evening, and Rhys and Shy should be going on the run this morning.
I smile. “That sounds wonderful.”
I follow him out and pray Myrddin can’t get to the temple.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Shy
“I hate him.” Rhys kisses my cheek and rolls onto his back. “I don’t even know this version of my brother and I want to punch him in the face.” He sits up in the bed where he became my husband and stares at the door. “Go away.”
I blink in the morning light and feel the most delicious ache in my muscles as I stretch. I can’t even remember the number of times this man made love to me the night before. He was insatiable and seemed to find a way to make me hungry every single time. “He’s not going to go away. We’re supposed to flee this morning and go hang out in a village that will absolutely not be as comfortable as this bed.”
It’s perfect. Like it is made for me.
“Do we have to flee before we’ve even had proper morning sex?” Rhys complains.
I’m pretty sure we had that right before dawn, but I don’t correct him. I sit up and look around for my clothes. I find a robe laid out and wonder if a bird brought that in, too. The thought makes me touch the only thing I’m wearing. The Goddess Chain.
Rhys smiles and his fingers come up to touch it. “It’s beautiful on you. One good thing about coming here. I never thought to see you wear this.” He turns it over and traces the details. “It’s different. I like the silver here. Shy, I think we were meant to be here, and this is yours.”
I can’t argue with him. The chain hums against my skin like it’s so happy to be mine. “I think we’re meant to be here for many reasons, and the main one is in the mountains. I have questions for Lee. For Fae Lee.”
Rhys sighs and leans in for a kiss before rolling out of bed. “Fine. I’m hungry.” He pulls on the robe at the end of the bed, the larger one obviously meant for him. Immediately he’s got ten pixies on him, the gorgeous creatures landing on his shoulders and in his hair. He barely notices as he jogs down the stairs and I hear him whispering to Lee in a low growl.
He slams the door and turns my way. “Come, my goddess. Let’s take a bath and Lee will return with breakfast and news of last night. Will it bother you if he’s in the room while we’re in the bathing pool? I get the feeling he wants to move quickly.”
Ah, such an odd question if I didn’t live in the equivalent of a sithein for the last several years of my life. Technically Frelsi and its New Zealand equivalent are pocket worlds created by our witches, but they’re filled with Fae and supernaturals, and I’m pretty sure when Lily and the witches were decorating they were all into hobbits.
When I first got to Frelsi, I was surprised by the lack of modesty. What I realize now is it isn’t modesty my friends lack. It’s shame. Wolves and other weres don’t freak out when they change back to human form and find themselves naked. Witches do not mind dancing in the moonlight with no clothes on to strengthen a spell. Or to just be comfortable in their skin.