Page 34 of Hell Fae King

I moved out of his way but carefully ensured I slid sideways and not in Ajax’s direction. His current mood reminded me of a temperamental Manticore; it was like he would charge me the moment he felt threatened by my presence.

And I really didn’t want to have to retaliate.

So I simply folded my arms, leaned back against the counter, and held his gaze. “You’ve known me for over a decade, Ajax. When have I ever given a fuck about fae politics?”

His jaw clenched. “You’ve attended Interrealm Fae events.”

“Begrudgingly, yes. And only because I intend to be there for those harmed when the efforts eventually fail,” I informed him flatly.

His eyebrows came down. “Why would they fail? Do you have something planned?”

This time it was my turn to grunt.

Becausefuck.

I’d worried before that Ajax’s distrust might be a weakness Vivaxia could exploit. Now I knew for certain that it was.

I needed to fix this—quickly—or my entire circle could be at risk.

“History proves that these efforts often fail,” Azazel interjected before I could comment. “Maybe this one will succeed. But we’ve seen so many failures over the millennia that we’ve perfected our abilities to help those harmed in the end. That’s why Typhos has attended—to ensure he knows who may need him in the future.”

“It also affords me an opportunity to be part of the movement should it actually succeed,” I added. “This is definitely the best orchestrated effort I’ve witnessed, but fae like Constantine still exist in other realms. And you saw firsthand what he was capable of.”

A cruel reminder, perhaps. But I needed Ajax to put this into perspective, to realize that his ire toward me was somewhat misdirected.

Because I had no doubt his current sentiments were grounded in his previous experiences, his shields having been perfected over a lifetime of pain.

“There’s a lot that I’ve done wrong here,” I went on before he could reply. “A lot I have to atone for where you and Camillia are concerned. But if we’re going to survive Vivaxia, we need to be ateam. Which is why I want the opportunity to train you both, to prepare ourselves for the fight ahead.”

It was the most straightforward and honest I had ever been with him. The most I’d ever given away.

Survivewas a purposeful term.

Because that was exactly what we had to do, not just for us but for all of Hell Fae and Nightmare Fae kind.

If Vivaxia stole my light, this realm would burn.

And all the beings inside it would perish. Including us.

“But I can’t teach you if you won’t listen to me,” I added, needing him to hear me. Needing him tounderstand. “You have your reasons for distrusting me, and I respect those reasons. However, if you continue to let them cloud your judgment, we’ll never move forward.”

A consideration that terrified me. I needed him to work with me, not against me. And not just because of his links to Azazel and Camillia, but because of his potential as a powerful ally. I’d made him my Warden for a reason. If only he could see that reason in himself.

“All I can do now is prove my intentions through actions, Ajax,” I concluded. “So take the next few days to consider how you want to proceed. You’ll either opt to learn with an open mind… or close me out entirely. That decision is yours and yours alone.”

With that, I turned to grab two of the plates that were stacked high with pancakes and teleported back to the bedroom in my suite.

Camillia glanced up from the table, her big eyes reminding me of turbulent storm clouds. The color was enhanced by her all-black outfit—one Melek must have found for her to put on in my absence. Or maybe he magicked it to life. Jeans and tank tops weren’t exactly a popular fashion in the Hell Fae Kingdom.A corset and skirt would have been more fitting, to match the female hologram dancers at my nightclub.

An image of Camillia wearing just that flitted through my mind. A dangerous thought, one that quickly morphed into what she would look like tied to my bed with red ribbons around her wrists. Her ankles, too. Splayed. Helpless. Captive.Mine to explore…

She definitely wouldn’t be wearing underwear under that skirt either,I decided.Or I’d fucking burn it off.

Mmm, I like where this is going, my king,Melek all but purred in response.Do continue.

I nearly growled in reply, the fantasy disappearing in a flash.

Camillia didn’t trust me or like me enough to let me tie her up.