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I scoff. “We should probably wait to assess the merits of my plan until we see how this goes. Maybe I’m overstepping. Maybe your way is the right way.”

He shakes his head, his fur waving in response. “We belong to you if you want us, so there is no overstepping. Every inch of this land, this castle, our bodies, and our lives belongs to you. You can’t overstep on what’s already yours. And our solution hasn’t fixed anything.”

I release his arm and lean into him, inhaling deeply as his ginormous arms surround me and hold me as though I’m precious. His scent lightens as hope joins us. I don’t say anything and neither does he, but when I pull back and claim his hand, I press, “Tell me what I need to know about Archie’s situation.”

“His kind run the gamut from the finest thinkers to the most brutal warriors. They are and always have been an enigma, how such divergent qualities could be contained in the same species. The Clumbertons are the most respected branch of his kind. That’s why they’re our former rulers. They learned to channel all their focus into becoming worthy citizens of our realm. They created the concept of laws and justice. They weren’t perfect, but they formed the foundation of our society.”

When he pauses, I say gently, “Keep going.”

“They could curb their warrior tendencies. They could follow their laws. But the one part of them that was beyond their best intentions was their sexual practices. I told you before that Archie doesn’t have the option tonotsee to his needs. But Queen’s Law forbade his kind from practicing their rituals, the rituals that protected others from their uncontrollable desires.”

My mind works to unpack that and I blurt, “So… wait, you’re saying that they would get together with others of their kind and have a giantrut-athon. And after, they could be the super sensible, upright, and uptight folks they aspired to be.”

His eyes widen, his surprise clear. “That’sexactlywhat I’m saying. The ruts were announced and anyone who didn’t want to participate stayed indoors and wasn’t troubled. But if you were out on that night, anything could happen.”

“Since the queen outlawed their scheduled orgies, how has Archie handled his urges?”

Nico’s furry forehead knots. “I honestly don’t know. I just know that he leaves us and deals with things as best he can. Being with Bastien settles things a little, but Archie still holds back so as not to hurt him. He’s really decent and good and wishes more than anything that he could remove this part of himself. He would if he could.”

“Isn’t that just the way of it?” I mutter, mostly to myself. “Women back in my world desperately want to be the focal point of a man’s raw passion, and here we have Archie, who has all that focus and drive and no one to share it with. And so many women—people—in my world are ashamed of their needs, just like Archie is. That just sucks.”

I think for a moment about what matters most to me. “One thing. Does he want just anyone or does he wantme? Is there any way to tell? You aren’t around a lot of ladies, so…”

Nico, who hasn’t ever had sex of any kind, appears entirely bashful. “Ladiesorgentlemen—it doesn’t matter to his kind. But to answer your question, I know he’s never lost control like he did in there, never over anyone’s scent. His ruts were always planned not triggered.”

My confusion is probably obvious. “But Bastien said thathepushed Archie into a rut.”

“That was during one of the seasonally vulnerable times, when the ruts used to be held. Today isn’t one of those. But truly, only Archie can answer your question with any certainty.”

“Then take me to him.”

We turn and walk with more purpose through the courtyard and into the woods. It’s midday and I haven’t eaten and yet I’m still not starving. That pool and the romp that happened in and around it sure had a powerful effect on my body.

I’m surprised by how far we walk through the forest, that Archie would travel such a distance from his home and his family to deal with these urges he can’t suppress. How much energy does he expend trying to be something other than what he is? Any amount is too much and all of it singes my heart.

My unease gnaws at me when I see the stone building almost hidden by the thick trees. Worse, I hear a keening sound growing louder as we near the ugly, little building. Archie’s in terrible pain, whether physical or emotional.

My steps halt.

“Do you want to go back?” Nico asks immediately.

“No, I want you to stay here.”

“Lady Bianca,no.”

I feel my face wandering through several questionable expressions as I consider what I want. “Nico, have you ever entered that building?”

Nico is shocked by the question. “No, I would never trespass on his privacy.”

“Right, so letmedo the trespassing. I’ll call you if I need you.”

Worry owns Nico, body and soul. “I promised Pennie and Bastien that I would protect you.”

“And you will protect me,ifI need protecting. Please, trust me.”

“I do… it’s fate I don’t trust. You are here. You are perfect. You are the embodiment of all we desire. If you are harmed, we won’t even care what befalls us.”

“I know that.” The certainty filling me is something I can’t remember ever feeling. “I know what to do,” I declare for both of us. “Stay here and only enter if I call your name.” I set my hand on his furry, warm chest. “Your nameonly.”