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“I mean, I’m all down for trying something new for once.”

Duncan knew I was joking, but only in part. So, to stop myself doing or saying anything else incriminating, he captured my jaw in his large hand and laid his lips on my mouth. I melted into him, tongues mixing, teeth grazing. I was starved, so much so that I almost longed for the world to fade away, so we could turn this kiss into the storm it wanted to be.

He came away breathless, all whilst my body still leaned into him, seeking more.

“How am I going to cope without you for the next few days?” Duncan asked, laying his forehead on mine, a taint of sadness lingering across his tone.

“You’ll be fine,” I said, although I thought the same. “We have managed it before; we can survive it again.”

“Speak for yourself,” Duncan replied, hardening in every sense of the word. “It is not the time apart, but the distance that will be between us. That will be the hardest part.”

I shook my head. “I think we will survive, even though the bed is going to feel rather empty. It is only a few days; you will be far too busy in Irobel to think of me–”

“Lies, darling. There isn’t a moment of the day that passes without you occupying my thoughts.”

“Say that again and I will refuse you permission to leave me.”

“Then tell me to stay,” Duncan whispered as the crowd rose in yet another cheer. “Please.”

I couldn’t see Erix; he was blocked from view behind Duncan’s frame. But I imagined he was close to reaching us, and that made my heart leap in my chest.

Reaching up, I laid a hand on the side of Duncan’s face. He leaned into it, releasing a low groan. “Duncan, youmustgo. The Faithful need you. Just be quick about it, bring back the books, any knowledge you have and…” I stopped myself before my tongue got me in trouble.

“And?” he echoed.

“Just make sure there’s not a single Fallen left, okay?”

I hated how easy it was to talk about the demise of the twisted Nephilim who, even after Cassial’s death, persisted in their desires to rule the realms. Six months, and hardly a percent of them had retracted their dark desires and changed their ways. Because of that we were left with only one choice to deal with them. A choice that would protect the peace that we had finally achieved across the realms.

A creeping sadness filled Duncan’s eyes but lasted but a moment. “Do you think I should give them more time?”

The ice-cold, ruthless side to me came out in full swing. It took effort to hold the majority of my bite back. “You’ve given the Fallen half the turn of a year to change their ways, to repent. And they haven’t. We all have had to make decisions and choices we aren’t happy about. This is one of them.”

I knew that the idea of putting the Fallen through the Binding ceremony displeased Duncan, but it was the only way. And it wasn’t to say that they wouldn’t get a chance to change their ways, in the future. Duncan would return after some time, free them, offer them a new life, and it was up to them to decide what they wanted.

Anyway, a little solitary confinement never hurt anyone.

“It’s a better option than death,” I reminded him. “They have some alone time, hopefully a good old think, and then they will be given a choice. You can’t do any more.”

Duncan dropped his chin to his chest. “You’re right. I know you are.”

“Of course I am,” I muttered, patting him on the shoulder. “I’malwaysright.”

“Even about the carrot conversation?” Duncan raised a single brow, the right side of his mouth turning upward, flexing the scar down the side of his face.

Before he could reply, another voice spoke. It was made of silk, a soft purr that sent a shiver straight into the centre of my core.

“I have been gone for two weeks, and you are discussing replacing me with a carrot?” King Erix Oakstorm scoffed, his intense gaze making my skin tingle with burning need for him. “It would have to be a rather impressive carrot if that was the case.”

“My king,” I breathed his title, just as Duncan stepped aside, revealing the summer court king before me.

“Myking?” he replied, soft lips curved into a smile, silver eyes glistening. “I could get used to that.”

Erix turned to Duncan, clasped his hand and brought him in for an embrace. It was not like the way Erix held me, but the intimacy between them had built to new levels. I enjoyed the soft moments they shared, even the light kiss Erix planted on either side of Duncan’s cheeks. It warmed my soul to witness – and other parts of me. As Erix withdrew, Duncan lifted Erix’s knuckles to his mouth and offered the same kiss in return.

“Your Majesty,” Duncan purred. “I can speak for us both when I say you have been sorely missed these past couple of weeks.”

“The feeling is mutual, Duncan Rackley,” Erix replied, sweeping his eyes between us, making my clothes feel tight and skin far too hot for normal. “But I’m back now. With no plans to leave you for the foreseeable.”