Page 19

Chapter 19

Marius

I n his chamber, Marius flexed his hands at his sides as his valet unlaced his leather vest. His valet quickly dressed him in a dark blue tunic trimmed in gold thread, black trousers, and black boots. His valet brushed his hair out and tied it back in a simple queue.

“That’s fine. Thank you.” Marius urged his valet to take the rest of the night off. He had no patience for any more fussing. Plus, there was little time for it.

His mind threw out images of Tahlia flying, her small body poised expertly on her dragon like she’d been born in the saddle. The light in her eyes that turned to fire when she focused on the mock enemies… She was a wonder. Gaius was right to be awed and to make note of her courage.

His mind wove images of memories that had never happened. He threw Tahlia on his bed and she let her knees fall open. Her skin glimmered in the candlelight and the soft spot halfway up her thigh tasted like salt and sugar. A surge of want cascaded through him, heating him to an unbearable degree. He imagined crawling on top of her and binding her wrists to the headboard with his whip. Swallowing, he could almost see the way her head dropped back as she moaned and closed her eyes as he drove into her, showing her that she was his and his alone.

Smashing a fist into the plaster between the stones of his bedroom wall, he snarled.

His mind was a terrible master. Those things would never happen. Of course they wouldn’t. But he had to break his engagement with Ophelia. It was quite clear he couldn’t be loyal to her. Not after the way Ophelia had begun treating her dragon. She never would have done that when she first signed on. He’d spoken to her about the rough behavior toward the creature numerous times. And also, he couldn’t ignore the way his body—and his heart—had been inspired by Tahlia. Even if the worst happened, the engagement had to end.

Crashing into the chair at his desk, Marius leaned forward and gripped his head. His chest shuddered. He would fail Bellona, his beloved sister.

I just can’t do it, Sister. Can you forgive me? I will still be the best Mist Knight I can, but this, I can’t do this. Ophelia’s bloodline is ideal, but the situation is not what I’d thought… Nothing is as I had thought it was. His throat was thick and he gritted his teeth.

Nothing was going according to plan. Absolutely nothing.

I’m so sorry I have failed you, Bellona.

Marius went to his desk and reread the message that Remus had reported. He crushed the parchment in his fist and growled. Damn it, Tahlia . He pressed his fist against his forehead and wished there were some way out of this. But rules were rules for a reason. And he had dedicated his life to the Order of the Mist Knights.

Shaking his head, he threw the note to the floor and stormed out of his chamber.