“Yes. My soldiers are waiting for me.”
“I did not mean to sleep so late, but she is almost done and then I will vacate your rooms—”
“No.” She thinks I’m here to kick her out of my bed. “Stay if you wish. And I hope to see you back here upon my return, dressed the same.” Maybe she and her little family can move in next door, if I feel it is safe enough by then.
A blush crawls over Gracen’s face, making her smatter of freckles stand out more. “When do you think that will be?”
“I’m not sure yet. Once I deal with the east, I must head north to see what awaits us there.”
“So it could be awhile.” She looks crestfallen.
“I will be back as quickly as I can.” Sliding my finger under her chin, I lift her face to memorize it, dragging my thumb over her plump bottom lip.
I’ve known others of my kind who profess devotion to their tributaries. Even my brother kept the same mortal for almost ten years and then suffered from an odd melancholy when he released them from service. But I’ve never felt that bond they described.
Until now.
But if what Romeria claims is true and the blood curse will be no more, am I to lose this feeling, so soon after I’ve found it? Will whatever this is between Gracen and me become meaningless? Will she still feel the same way toward me? Just like this helpless infant relies on Gracen for her milk, an Islorian immortal king all but pleaded for her vein last night. She has seen firsthand the power she has over me, my weakness.
“Would you still feel the same way about me if I were not king?”
She meets my gaze. “Yes.”
Not a moment of hesitation. “What if I did not take your vein anymore?”
Her brow furrows with confusion. “Then whose would you take?”
I sense a spike in her pulse, and it thrills me. She’s jealous of the idea. “No one’s.”
Her frown deepens. “But—”
“Never mind. It’s idle chatter. Nothing more.” I lean down to kiss her, coaxing her lips apart to taste her mouth one last time before I pull away.
“I’ll miss you,” she says, and I sense a burst of panic inside her, as if she didn’t mean to be so honest.
“Good. I’ll make up for lost time when I’m back.”
Heat ignites in her gaze with that promise.
“Don’t look at me like that or I’ll end up staying.” The baby below stares up at me, her eyes unfocused as she suckles. “Lucky.”
Gracen chuckles, but I’m not lying. I could easily find an excuse to abandon my responsibilities for another day or two. I nearly died last night. I would have if not for this mystery caster. I’m not eager to risk my life again so soon. Rhodes could hold the line until I arrive.
But time is not on Islor’s side, what with Neilina threatening us as well.
With one last lengthy kiss, I peel away.
“Oh, Atticus?” she calls out when I’m at the door.
I’ll never tire of hearing my name on her sweet voice. I want to hear it on her moans again. “Yes?”
“Some of the mortal children have ailments, and I was hoping Boaz could spare the priestess for an hour to tend to the worst of them. This morning, if possible. I’d like them to be comfortable.”
“I will order him to do so.”
A slow sigh slips from her lips. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
“Not as much as I appreciate your help with them.” She took on a ballroom of children without complaint and with compassion I would never find in my kind. From what I hear, the crying has mostly stopped. “You know, you would make a good queen.” It’s a flippant comment, without any thought. But the moment the words are out of my mouth, I mean them. All the courtly requirements and political hoops, she could learn. Consideration for the plight of mortals as we navigate this potential new world, she could teach me.
She laughs, but the humor falls off when she sees me not joining in. “I am a mortal baker, Atticus.”
“And I have never been one to follow the rules.” Nor have I ever had these sorts of fantasies. Now, though, my pulse surges with anticipation.
I leave Gracen in my room and, for the first time in my life, I wish for a speedy battle just so I can return to her quickly.
A border of soldiers surrounds me as we approach the gate, their swords drawn and arrows nocked. The portcullis is already raised, with guards waiting to release the chain as soon as we’re through.
“Do you feel it?”