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And wasn’t that the trouble? Toren had no clue how to strengthen or guard family. Even risk to Mehl, who was a trained warrior, turned Toren’s stomach with fear, because…well, he’d lost every bit of family he’d ever had. Parents, cousins—even his own twin brother. Either dead, distant, or treacherous. What did he know about keeping family close? He’d barely managed with only Mehl.

There was so much risk.

Suddenly, he had to fight the urge to make demands. To insist that Ria marry them legally—and now—so she could gain the protection of being queen. To order Ria into bed for the next several months, a ring of guards protecting her from the slightest harm until their child was safely born. Or perhaps to have her accompany him and Mehl at all times so he would always know she was secure.

He truly might do anything to protect them both.

But he couldn’t, and that was possibly the greatest terror of all.

Chapter48

Punishments

Despite Ria’s protests, Toren carried her back to their bedroom himself. He would not risk her fainting again. And since the healer had suggested that Ria probably wasn’t eating enough at the strained court dinners, Toren ordered food to be waiting and an attendant ready to help her with a bath. Then she could finish the evening with a full night’s sleep.

To say that they received stunned looks as the High King carried the consort through the halls was an understatement, but Toren refused to acknowledge them—or sate their obvious curiosity. He’d commanded Vesset and Ryssa to silence, too. It would be best not to confirm any rumors about a possible pregnancy or illness until Ber had come and gone. Ria would be in enough danger from his brother’s presence without that, too.

Toren strode into their sitting room and settled Ria directly onto a chair at the small, informal dining table. He and Mehl used this spot for the occasional quick meal, but he would have her eat here far more often. He would not rely on the formal court fare to see her nourished, not with her nervousness on top of the rich food.

“You can’t insist on carrying me everywhere,” Ria grumbled.

“Probably not, but give us a day or two,” Mehl said as he dropped onto the nearby sofa. “It’s rather alarming to watch a loved one crumple like that.”

A slight flush warmed Ria’s cheeks, but whether it was from Mehl’s endearment or her embarrassment at fainting, Toren didn’t know. The door opened before he could ask, and servants streamed in, some with food and others heading toward the door leading to the bathing chamber. He examined the trays as each cover was removed. A hearty but simple bread, broth-rich soup with stomach-settling vegetables, and slices of pale, easy-to-digest meat. Oh, and a sweet pudding, but not an excessively complicated one. Finally, she was presented with two goblets—one with water and the other with juice.

As soon as the servants departed, Ria frowned up at him. “You’re going to be insufferable, aren’t you? Honestly, Toren. This had better not be the tasteless fare given to the truly ill, or I will contemplate violence. And you know how I hate violence.”

He couldn’t resist a quick, somewhat wicked grin. “There are other punishments.”

“If I’m properly guessing your thoughts, that’s more like a reward,” she said, rolling her eyes.

But she began to eat, and since she didn’t threaten bodily harm, he had to assume the cook had accurately followed his directions to avoid blandness. Satisfied, Toren retreated to the sofa. Mehl lifted his arm, and Toren settled against his warmth with a contented smile. Together, they kept an eye on Ria as she ate. Mehl played with a strand of his hair or danced his fingers along his shoulder, while Toren simply savored the feel of his husband’s thigh beneath his hand.

An unexpected but perfect moment of contentment.

Ria glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “That’s the happiest I’ve seen you both in days. Maybe ever.”

Toren ran the tip of one finger up Mehl’s thigh just to feel him shiver. “There is much to celebrate.”

Her gaze locked on his hand. “I can think of better ways to do that.”

It was tempting—so, so tempting. But there were dark circles beneath her eyes, and she slumped a little in her seat from exhaustion. She needed a full night’s sleep. In truth, they all did. Stress had alternated with passion for far too many weeks now.

“No,” Toren said, though he couldn’t keep the regret from his tone. “None of us will find our pleasure tonight, unless that pleasure is sleep.”

Mehl’s leg twitched beneath his hold. “Tor—”

“We cannot afford to run ourselves ragged before Ber arrives.” After a moment’s hesitation, Toren moved his hand. It would not be a kindness to torment his husband further after that decree. “I’ll simply have to make it up to you tomorrow.”

His husband groaned, and Ria winced. But neither argued. Still, perhaps it was time for a hasty retreat. He stood so abruptly that Mehl’s finger snagged his hair with a sharp twinge. “I’ll use the bathing room while you finish eating, Ria. If we go in together…”

They all knew what would happen if they went in together.

* * *

Mehl watchedhis husband’s retreating form with equal parts bemusement and aggravation. It wasn’t that Toren was wrong, exactly. Mehl could see for himself how tired Ria looked, even if she didn’t want to admit it. For that matter, he was exhausted, too. There’d been far too many worry-filled days and sleepless—if worthwhile—nights to claim otherwise. But giving that little teasing caress before declaring a sex-free night?

Toren was going to pay for that.