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He also tended to prefer something human formed, what with how he’d been living the past century.

Then again, he knew he could visit his own kind to fill that loneliness whenever the mood took him. It rarely did.I wish to see my brothers and sister, my parents, and yet, I never do.

Although the humans annoyed and irritated him, Geryon found constant entertainment playing his role as a guard. He would laugh at their silliness, at their gender roles and class that meant nothing to something like him.

Yet, he knew the truth. He found it simpler to be around mortals he could easily frighten and manipulate to get what he wanted. His kind were usually preoccupied with their own issues, and most didn’t like long-term companions other than their chosen mates.

This is why I do not like to see my own kind. They make me feel unsettled.He wouldn’t have had these thoughts if he didn’t invite Rurik here.

I could have been playing with that delectable woman.Chasing Cecily around the palace was quickly becoming his favourite activity, besides getting under her skirt.I did enjoy conversing with her yesterday.

There was something about her that got his blood pumping, made him feel heated. Was it her quick wit? That sharp tongue?Those green eyes that remind me of a heavy fog in a forest on a cold winter’s morning?

Geryon wanted to unravel her. He didn’t want to change her. No, he liked her exactly how she was.

She may have convinced him she didn’t hold impenetrable secrets, but she was hiding her emotions.

What does she look like when she is truly mad?Her slap had been nothing but foreplay to him. He wanted to hear her shout, wanted to see the stab of fury in her usually expressionless eyes.I would want to eat her up.

What does she look like when she is sad?Would she cry? Grow rosy in the cheeks while holding back tears? Geryon wanted to know if seeing such sorrow would make him want to gather her into his arms – when he usually bolted the other way at the sight of a weeping woman.

What does she look like when she is filled with happiness?Her smiles were barely noticeable and seemed forced.I bet her smile would be rather lovely.A strangeness crept inside his chest at the thought.

His brows grew together, and he pressed his fingertips against his sternum, unsure why his heart suddenly felt... weird.I am not growing sick, am I?

Somehow, Geryon felt if he brought Cecily to face her desires, a place where she went tumbling over the edge and she could no longer hold back, he might get to see them. If she couldn’t keep herself together in that situation with him, then she couldn’t with the rest of herself, either.

He chuckled to himself.I am also making excuses because I am desperate to bed her.Even now, just thinking about her put his body in all sorts of disarray.

Maybe I can chase after her now?He shot up in his bed, feeling better rested and less depressed, since his mind travelled to more uplifted thoughts.

His mood fell when he realised the day was growing late. The sun was setting, and soon, dinner would be presented.

My day was wasted.Not useless, since he finally had Rurik here, but he’d missed his opportunity to do what he really wanted.

Tomorrow, she will be with King Bradwick.His nose crinkled at picturing them together. He frowned at himself for his reaction.Why should I care if she is in his presence? She is here for him, after all.

With a sigh, he finally got to his feet and headed to the dining hall. He was one of the first to arrive, and he made himself comfortable by leaning against the wall.

This room was different to the banquet hall. There was only one table, and King Bradwick would eventually come to sit at the head of it. Charlotte would be seated next to him on one side, while on his other side would be his most trusted friend.

Count Elric was married to Countess Nicole, and Bradwick was often with him when he was at court. Geryon had already come to trust them with the king, knowing they had his best interests at heart.

Not all at court could be trusted. Geryon eyed those at the table he knew were deceitful.

The table sat nearly thirty people. Those who were here were invited by Elric and Nicole, and each night was a different selection of attendees.

“You did not return,” Bradwick said after he helped Charlotte to her seat.

“I had a visitor come to the palace,” Geryon answered, choosing to stay in his spot against the wall and forcing Bradwick to stand with him for their conversation.

He raised a blond brow, eyeing him carefully. “Someone you trust?”

Geryon gave him a quiet growl. “They were of my own kind. How dare you insinuate something so impertinent.”

“You forget you are in my palace, Geryon. I do not like unknown guests inside it.” Bradwick’s gaze fell on the people in the room. “There are always mutinous and dangerous thoughts that circle in the minds around me.”

“You forget who you speak to.” He folded his arms in irritation. “I have no interest in changing who sits on the throne. I have shown you I am loyal to you while I occupy your lands.”