Page 31 of Hell Fae King

“Please,” I pressed, still staring at Ajax. “We’ll head back to the palace, have a meal, discuss a few things, and relax. Then you and Camillia will join me tomorrow for training.”

“What kind of training?” Ajax asked, still refusing to accept my hand. Not that he actually needed it. He could easily shadow himself back to the palace. This was just meant as a gesture.

Or a deal, I supposed.

Only, I wasn’t expecting anything other than his willingness in return for my tutelage.

Not that he seemed to believe me, if his suspicious expression was anything to go by.

I nearly sighed. It seemed our conversation in the courtyard yesterday did little in the way of mending the bridge I’d burned between us. That was fine. I could be patient.

Because in the end, I would prove myself to him and to Camillia.

And that process would begin by helping them understand me better.

“I’ve realized I never properly introduced you to my realm and the creatures inside it. I made some assumptions when I named you as my Warden, assumptions that have led to a severe fracture in our relationship. The training—or perhaps a better term would beinformation sharing—will hopefully help mend some of your misconceptions about me and my realm.”

Of course, I would need to do more than lecture them on all the details. I would need to show them, too.

Or maybe it would be more worthwhile to skip to theshowingpart. That was always the best way to learn—by doing.

A plan began to form in my mind, an idea of sorts, one that should provide an exquisite introduction into light and dark souls.

It would also allow me to help Camillia hone her talents. She possessed the potential to become a queen, a true goddess, really. Technically, Melek already set her on that path as his mate. But her fate ran so much deeper than their bond.

She was powerful, as evidenced by her ability to wield the death stone and everything else she’d done while in my realm.

However, her display in the Netherworld Kingdom also indicated her lack of restraint. And she didn’t appear to be able to see through the Nightmare Fae masks, her power having attacked almost everyone nearby as though each soul was an enemy when most were not.

That all was fine.

I would teach her.

An activity I very much looked forward to. Perhaps a bit too much.

There are so many things I could show her,I thought, glancing at her and finding her stormy irises locked on me in open evaluation. Almost as though she’d heard my musing aloud.

Or perhaps the hunger showed in my features.

Because I wanted to instruct her on a lot more than how to read and understand fae souls. I wanted to introduce her to various levels of control, and I wanted to demonstrate my power and train her to accept it.In all ways…

Fuck, I muttered to myself, forcing my gaze away from her.She’s far too tempting.

Yes,Melek agreed with a whisper into my mind. However, his mental voice wasn’t as playful as usual, reminding me of how much he was suffering in this kingdom.

I’d felt it the moment we first arrived, and that pain had only worsened the longer he’d remained here. Melek had expelled every ounce of his power to help Camillia, leaving him depleted and basically defenseless.

Ajax’s barrier spell was all that kept my little prince standing, something the Warden didn’t seem to fully comprehend. Fortunately, he hadn’t taken the shield away after learning that Melek needed it. Instead, I swore I’d felt him strengthen it.

Or perhaps that was merely my hope coming through.

The five of us would be so much stronger if we worked together, not against each other. A fact I should have realized weeks ago. Hell,monthsago.

I really have been blind,I marveled.

I prefer to think of it as otherwise consumed, my king,Melek murmured.You care about your realm, Ty. Everyone knows that. Even Cami. You thought she was a threat and reacted accordingly. What matters is how you grovel now.

Grovel?I echoed, shifting my gaze from Ajax to Melek and pinning him with a look.I do not grovel.