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“It’s good that Duran is making that potion, then.”

“It would be harder to hide the change. Your magic might adjust silently, but it might also explode out of you when given the chance. Like when younglings go through their magical changes.”

“I’m a few turns late.” I laughed, shifting in a way that rubbed against him, making me instantly aware of the long, hard length in his trousers.

My eyes widened, as that same length twitched, and suddenly, my magic, vibrant as it may be, was forgotten and we were kissing again, our hands exploring one another’s body. We stayed that way for a few blissful moments before Vale changed it up, his lips moving down to trail tiny kisses down my throat.

I tipped my head back, heart thundering, blood pounding in my ears. Fire flushed through me, heating me everywhere and depositing that flame spreading between my legs.

“Vale,” I panted, unable to take the teasing for another moment, “I want you inside me.”

An animalistic sound left his throat, and he ground me closer, rubbing at the flames between my legs, electrifyingme. A thrill ran through me at the thought of him filling me, of our bodies connecting so deeply.

“Now,” I added, in case he hadn’t gotten the message. “If you don’t, I’ll have to leave and take care of things myself.”

“I swear, if you did that in my suite, I would go mad. You couldn’t keep me off you.”

“Then why aren’t you on menow?”

A rumble of a laugh left him and his powerful hands spread my legs farther. I lifted myself a bit as those deft fingers moved beneath my skirts, tugged at my undergarments, and pulled them down. They were off and on the floor in an instant.

Vale went to undo his pants, desire gleaming in his eyes, and I sought to help him, tofeel himas soon as possible.

We’d not even gotten the top button undone when the door to the healers’ closet flew open.

“Blazing moon!” I pulled Vale closer to cover the parts of me that were exposed, cheeks blazing hot.

“By the dead gods!” the same ancient Master Healer we’d spoken to in the sanctuary covered her eyes. “Prince Vale, I pulled you from your mother, wiped your nose, and set your bones as a youngling, but this istoofar. As if you and your new wife don’t have the entire palace tocouple. Can youpleasefind another place to carry on? In case you haven’t noticed, the sanctuary is in an uproar, and we need supplies!”

There was far more annoyance in her voice than embarrassment.

That was fine. I had enough embarrassment for both of us. Vale too, judging by the redness blooming on his cheeks.

“Master Healer Nissa, I’m so sorry. We?—”

“Are newlywed and went through a harrowing experience that has your emotions running high. Yes, yes, I understand, Prince Vale. What I don’t understand is why you’restill in my healers’ closetand not far away where I can go about gathering supplies for the injured and pretend like this didn’t happen.”

“We’ll leave right away.” Hand extended, Vale helped me off the table. We were nearly out the door when Nissa cleared her throat.

“Your wife has left something behind.”

We twisted and somehow Vale’s cheeks became even redder when Nissa pointed to my lacy undergarments.

The old healer’s eyes dipped to our bloody attire. “And might I suggest cleaning up before you engage in any other sexual activities? It’s quite unhygienic.”

I bit my lip, trying not to die laughing as I ran out of the room and left Vale to retrieve my undergarments.

I’d passed three doors by the time Vale caught up.

“You left me!”

“Of course I did. That was mortifying.” I let out a nervous laugh. “And also, somehow . . . hilarious?”

“For you.” He patted his pocket. “Whereas I’m trying to hide my erection while picking up yoursoakedundergarments.”

That sent me over the cliff. Laughter bubbled out of me, and though Vale still looked like someone had paintedhis cheeks red, the lines of his face relaxed a touch. “You’re finding too much joy in this.”

“All we can do is laugh, right? It’ll be a story to tell one day!”