Page 192 of A Court of Thralls and Thorns

The castle doors groaned closed behind me, and I didn’t spare Gerane a glance as he conveniently turned his head, pretending not to notice my return. The chill of the corridor seeped through my clothes as I walked toward the barracks, exhaustion settling in my bones.

I reached for the door handle, but an arm shot out from the shadows and yanked me to the side. Before I could react, I found myself pinned between cold stone and Zander’s hard chest. His eyes were pure obsidian, swirling with Dark Fire as they bore into mine.

“You disobeyed me.” His voice was low, rough, and it crawled down my spine like a warning.

I opened my mouth to argue, but the words stuck in my throat. His scent—leather, smoke, and something unmistakablyhim—flooded my senses, and my gaze dropped, traitorously, to his mouth.

“You never told me I couldn’t see my father,” I managed, my voice low.

“I thought avoiding situations that could get you killed was implied,” he growled.

“I’m a rider. That’s a daily occurrence.”

His hand flexed against the wall beside my head, and his eyes narrowed. “It’s not the same.” His voice softened, but there wasno less heat behind it. “I have some control over your missions... Do not scare me like that again.”

“I didn’t mean to,” I whispered, feeling the tension coil tighter between us. “I just...”

His mouth crushed mine.

I gasped, and he took full advantage, claiming my lips with a hunger that left me breathless. His hand slid to the back of my neck, his fingers threading into my hair as he pressed closer, as if he needed to feel every inch of me just to know I was still here—still safe.

I melted into him, the fire of loss and frustration igniting into something raw and consuming. His tongue swept against mine, coaxing, demanding, and I couldn’t help but answer. The heat between us spiraled higher, and I clutched his arms like I was afraid he’d disappear if I let go.

His other hand gripped my waist, his thumb brushing just beneath my armor, branding my skin with his touch. The warmth of it spread through me, and I arched closer, desperate for more.

Zander pulled back, just enough for me to see his eyes—still dark, still blazing. His breath came fast and shallow, and his hand on my waist trembled.

“This,” he murmured, his voice strained, “is exactly why you can’t run off alone.”

“You’re worried about me?” I teased, trying to mask how unsteady my own voice was.

His thumb pressed against my skin, firm and possessive. “I don’t just worry about you, Ashe. You’ve become... more.”

Chapter

Forty-One

Zander’s hand lingered on my waist for a moment longer before he took a step back. His eyes softened, the lingering edge of Dark Fire flickering out, leaving his gaze that familiar shade of lavender that always seemed to undo me.

“Meet me in my room tonight,” he said quietly, his voice low enough that only I could hear. “After your squad’s asleep.”

I swallowed hard, nodding curtly. “I will.”

His lips brushed my cheek, a lingering warmth that felt more intimate than any kiss. Then he turned and strode toward the castle, disappearing through the large wooden doors without another word.

I stood there for a moment longer, waiting until the door thudded closed behind him, as if giving myself time to collect the whirlwind of emotions twisting inside me. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to scream, smile, or fall apart.

“I have to say, you surprised me.”

Solei’s voice seemed to coil around me like smoke, distant yet unmistakably sharp. I turned, spotting her as she stepped from the shadows, her blond braid swaying against her shoulder.

I stiffened. “It isn’t what you think.”

She arched a brow, her expression unreadable. “I think you’re fucking a royal.” Her tone was flat, almost bored, but her eyes—those sharp, calculating eyes—never left my face.

I forced a laugh that came out brittle. “Okay... maybe it was that at first.” My voice dropped lower, quieter. “But now... I think I’m starting to fall in love with him.”

Solei’s gaze flicked upward toward the castle. “Seems to be a theme with you,” she said dryly.