Page 171 of As Above, So Below

In a long, long pull, he withdraws and I immediately miss the feel of him. He settles in to lie beside me as I turn into him, his hand finding a natural resting place upon my hip. Slinging a leg over his waist, he pulls me closer, kissing me with the same slow, lazy feel. It’s almost shameful how easily he’d be able to stroke my desire again should he want.

With a gentle caress, he brushes my hair out of my face, his eyestaking in every detail as if he’s searing me into his memory.

I do the same.

Admiring the depth in his damnable eyes, the color of his newly flushed skin, the way his jet black hair frames his face… Everything about this moment—I want to keep this image forever.

The promise of a future with him is far too easy to imagine.

I want to keep him forever.

I’ll never tell him that.

Because it would be pointless.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

The sound oflate morning songbirds and pigeons carried upon the breeze pull me from my sleep with a slow and gentle greeting. Curling deeper into the comforter with a small smile, my fingers reach out for Ryc, only to brush against pillows.

My eyes open and I find I’m alone in bed.

The only real evidence Ryc had slept beside me lies in the disheveled comforter and sheets that remain and his lingering scent. It clings to me, embedded in my skin, my hair, the bed.

It prompts me to breathe deeply. The smoky, saffron-tinged mixture reminds me of the feel of velvet against my skin. A sharp pang of loss strikes at my heart.

I’d hoped to spend the morning together, to take advantage of the hours turning into minutes I have left. Shoving the dampening feeling aside, I sit up and glance toward the balcony.

“Good morning, little death.”

The way my absurd little heart leaps at the sound of his voice prompts me to laugh with a genuine smile. The meaning behind Ryc’s new pet name isn’t lost on me and I shake my head.

“Good morning, my light,”I return.

The rippling feel of adoration and desire flows through our channel, causing my cheeks to heat.

No. Not channel.

Bond.

I bite my lower lip with the thought.

“I’m caught up in meetings with the other Sovereign Kings, otherwise I’d be with you.”He sounds mildly annoyed.“With the threat of Netharis, the other kings were summoned to Ollora.”

“Do I have to meet them?”

Spending my remaining hours alive navigating the political waters of Eldoterra does not sound appealing in the slightest.

“No, at least, not today.”I can feel his mild amusement.

The door swings open and Oraphia enters.

“Good morn, Lady Ves!” She greets me with an enthusiasm that takes me by surprise.

I nod my greeting as she closes the door behind her.

“Let’s get you ready for the day,” she chimes brightly.

“Wait,” I insist and she freezes, watching me carefully. “No dresses, no gowns, no fancy hair styling. I need to be ready to fight.”