Page 6
Breach
N iko
I should’ve sealed the northern wing once I knew Cassandra would be in the palace for a prolonged time before the damn merging ceremony. I should’ve locked the damn door the second we arrived back in Runic. It’s the same wing they used to steal her the first time. I should have known better.
Cassandra is still shaking. I feel it beneath my fingertips as I hold her, her heartbeat hammering against my chest, her pulse quick against her throat. The smell of burnt sulphur lingers in her hair, and I don’t need confirmation to know what it means.
Quietus. They’ve made it inside my walls.
Anger and fear swirl in my gut. I could have lost her today. If whoever was chasing her was just a little faster, or if she had tripped in the corridor while running away... I don’t even want to think about what could have happened.
“I need to feel you,” I murmur, pressing my lips against the corner of her mouth.
“Niko?”
“I need a physical connection,” I say honestly. “I need to feel you around me and breathe you in. I need to know you’re really still here. Safe.”
“Sex?” she asks with a raised brow.
“Connection,” I reply, dropping to my knees. I lift her dress and throw her left leg over my shoulder. “Why aren’t you wearing any panties, Consort?”
“I wanted to ... surprise you.”
“Hmmm.” I run my tongue through her slit, tasting her essence. “Count me surprised.”
She moans softly and I look up to see a flush spread across her cheeks. I keep my gaze locked on her as I nibble at her sensitive flesh. Cassandra puts a hand over her mouth to stop her sounds from spilling out.
I pull away and wait until her gaze meets mine. “Don’t hide your pleasure, Cassandra. I need everyone to hear you, to know you’re mine. Because I protect what is mine.”
“But you said...”
“And now I’ve changed my mind.” I return to my ministrations.
I suck on her clit harshly, spearing her perfect pussy with three fingers. I thrust into her over and over, nipping and sucking, drinking her down. And when she reaches her peak and falls into her orgasm, it’s my name on her lips for anyone to hear.
****
“C ome with me,” I say , once her breathing has calmed and I have fixed her clothing. I’m bathed in her scent, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
She places her hand in mine, trust burning in her gaze as I lead her out of our chambers.
I lead her through three hallways and down a spiral staircase until we reach the war room, an ancient chamber built beneath the palace.
These stone walls are enchanted to block any magikal surveillance.
Only the High Ruler and a select few even know it exists.
Hayden and my mother are already waiting.
While she was cleaning up in the bathroom, I sent a messenger to let them know to meet us here. I can’t do any of this alone and neither can Cassandra. As we enter, both of them are seated around a wooden table in the corner.
My mother smiles sadly, Hayden remaining passive.
“Did you know?” I ask, directing my question at the two of them before Cassandra even sits down beside them. “Did either of you know they were this close?”
My mother Amara’s lips thin in displeasure. Whether it’s because of my tone or because of the question, I’m not sure. “We’ve intercepted rumors for weeks. Nothing solid, though.”
“It’s solid enough now,” Cassandra mutters, arms folded tight over her chest, trying to act brave although her voice trembles when she speaks. “They were in your palace. Talking about killing me.”
Hayden curses under his breath. “How did they get in?”
“They didn’t just get in,” I say. “Someone let them in.”
That’s when the room goes silent.
Cassandra lifts her gaze to mine. “You think someone on your council is working with Quietus?”
“I think someone wants to make sure the merging ceremony never happens,” I reply. “And Josef has always had a deep affection for sabotage.”
Amara shakes her head. “We can’t accuse anyone, especially a high member of the Conclave like Josef, without proof.”
“I don’t need proof to protect her,” I snap.
But Cassandra’s voice cuts through mine—calm, resolute. “I do.” I turn to her, confused. “I don’t want to be locked away until the ceremony like some delicate artifact, Niko. If there’s a traitor here, I want to find them. I want to face this.”
“We already talked—”
She cuts me off. “I said I would allow the guards. But I know you well enough to know if there is another incident, guards or not, you’ll keep me in our chambers under lock and key.”
Even now, after everything, she wants to fight. Goddess, she was forged for a crown.
Amara studies her. “Do you understand what that means?”
Cassandra nods. “Someone, probably you, will need to train me. In magik, in politics, and in war.” She looks at me then, and I see no fear in her. “I need to learn how to be a queen ... your queen.”