Page 62 of Poisoned Kingdom (Secrets of Dagome #1)

Roksana

‘ Y ou’re a healer. Why aren’t you more concerned about your patient? It’s been two days, and she hasn’t woken up.’ Irsha’s voice broke through the fog enveloping my mind.

‘She’s no patient of mine. I refuse to have anything to do with such an abomination.

The only reason you’re alive is because that .

. . that thing used up all her aether. The gods know what else she would’ve done.

You saw what happened to the dwarf—what kind of degenerate king would allow her to live? ’

‘Clearly a wise one, you prejudiced bastard. If you weren’t the only healer in this fucking town I’d snap your neck for those words.

’ Irsha was seething. I heard his steps as he moved, which surprised me into opening my eyes.

‘Guards! Take this fool and lock him up, then report him to the king. This fucker wants to murder the king’s woman! ’

‘Your king can’t silence me! I’ve already reported it to the arch healer and the Council of Mages. She needs to be detained, not coddled and cared for.’ The healer’s high-pitched screeching made me wince and motivated me to sit up.

‘Oh, shut up, you idiot,’ I groaned.

Sitting up proved harder than I expected, but I wanted to be ready in case someone followed the illustrious healer’s advice.

‘Oh, for fuck’s sake.’ The unmistakable swish of a thrown dagger fused with a pained squeal before a large, calloused hand landed on my forehead.

‘Lie down, trouble. Anything I can get you?’ Irsha’s voice made me smile, and I turned my head to look at my friend.

He was sporting an impressive black eye that hadn’t been there when I’d left him snoring on the bed.

‘What happened to you? Where’s Tova?’ I asked.

‘Your bloody king happened. The arsehole thought I was killing you, and before I knew it, he’d punched me in the face so hard I hit the wall and didn’t get back up.

And Tova’s on his third breakfast right now—three fucking chickens back-to-back and a dozen scrambled eggs to go with it.

If we stay here any longer, I worry for this town’s winter supplies. ’

‘So, he’s fine, then.’ I sighed with relief, briefly closing my eyes.

My misadventure with vivamancy might have been a catastrophe, but as long as Tova was alive, I didn’t care.

I would deal with the consequences as they came—and judging by the healer’s reaction, they would come sooner rather than later.

If the other mages reacted like him, then Ciesko’s prediction of being locked up in the Court of Aether’s dungeon might come true.

‘Fine?’ Irsha said. ‘Damn dwarf’s more than fine. Looks like your magic didn’t just bring him back to life but gave him the energy of three men. He hasn’t slept, is constantly eating, and thoroughly enjoying his new hand.’

‘Well, you can’t say I do things half-arsed.’ I chuckled as my friend fluffed my pillows. ‘Irsha, I’m . . . I’m sorry I drugged you, but you know better than to try to stop me.’

‘And I thought I taught you better. Never disarm your protector, Sana. Never. What would have happened if I hadn’t woken up and helped you get out of this mess? Your kingling had no idea what to do. He was just staring into your eyes like some lovesick buck.’

‘He’s not my . . . anything,’ I said, straightening up, feeling strangely rejuvenated despite the incident.

‘Are you sure? Because you called out to him in your sleep, and he sat here two whole days, barking at anyone who came too close. Besides, no man—not even the king—punches an assassin master in the face unless the woman in his arms is more important than his life,’ Irsha said, helping me to sit.

‘So tell me what’s going on between you. ’

‘Nothing. I’m a dark sister and he’s the king of fucking Dagome. There’s no reality where there’d be something between us.’

‘And if he wasn’t the king?’ Irsha wouldn’t let it go, and I sighed heavily because it was the question I’d asked myself a thousand times.

‘It’s complicated. Without him . . . you saw how he found Tova.’

He rolled his eyes. ‘What a perfect nonanswer, but that’s not you, Sana. Have you forgotten how to trust me during your time with the dwarves?’ he asked, tapping his chest. ‘Come on, trouble, your secret is safe here.’

‘If he weren’t the king, I’d climb him like a damn tree.

Is that what you wanted to hear? He is different than any man I’ve known .

. . No offence, Blade, but even you think twice before ordering me around—he just does it.

But he is also so gentle. Like he wants to make things better for me even if he has to force me to accept it.

And he keeps saying things that make me . . . melt.’

I bit my lip, unsure if I should say more, but somehow the words came out of my lips. ‘I like his touch . . . I like when he is firm with me.’ I lowered my head. ‘I know that’s not right, but I can’t help it.’

Irsha’s eyes brightened, and he cupped my cheek. ‘There is nothing wrong if both of you enjoy it. But you’re refusing to give in to this. Why?’ His voice was gentle, his hand stroking my back, encouraging me to be honest with him—with myself.

‘Because I’m scared that whatever this is, or could be, will never be enough for me.

I can’t share him. I can’t be some sort of .

. . royal mistress. I will not be some dirty little secret, hidden and ashamed.

Yet . . . I’m tired of resisting. Sometimes I want him to overwhelm my senses, leave me no choice but to take him.

How insane is that?’ I stopped suddenly, smacking him in the chest. ‘That’s not something I should be telling you anyway.

For fuck’s sake, you used to be my lover. ’

Irsha chuckled, pulling me closer. ‘That’s exactly what you should’ve told me, sweetheart. Now I know when he barks around you like an overgrown guard dog, I don’t have to think about sinking a knife in his heart. Trust me, I really wanted to during this journey.’

‘You’re impossible.’ I laughed, ruffling his hair. ‘Don’t touch my king. I like him . . . a little?’

‘I’m glad to hear I don’t have to worry about a knife in my heart—and to see you awake, Sanika. Master Vilkor, would you give us a moment, or should I call the guards to arrest you like the healer?’

I stifled a moan at seeing Reynard standing in a doorway with a tray, glaring at us. I recognised that expression. He meant every word.

Irsha stood up and bowed theatrically. ‘Of course, sire. I was only reassuring Sana that no one could force her hand,’ he said, marching towards the door. For a moment, I thought he was going to collide with Reynard, but with a grin, he slid to the side and left.

The door snapped shut behind him, but my eyes were on Rey, whose jaw was so tight and sharp you could cut bread with it.

‘Next time he crawls onto your bed, I’m going to chop off his hands,’ he said casually, placing the tray on the table and sitting beside me. ‘I come bearing gifts. Mind you, I had to fight off a very hungry dwarf to get them.’

I cursed under my breath, believing his threat while a blush warmed my cheeks. I wondered how much of our conversation he’d heard.

‘So, you stole the last crumbs from a starving dwarf? It’s a miracle you are still alive,’ I quipped, hoping to distract him.

‘I wouldn’t come with crumbs. The ladies of Ostrava take it as a point of honour to provide us with enough baked goods to feed an army. I snatched an apple crumble for you because a little—well, not so little—bird told me it’s your favourite.’

I gasped, only now realising the mouthwatering aroma was winter apples with cinnamon and honey.

‘Oh . . . you didn’t.’ I stuck my finger in the crumble, scooping up the delicious goodness and putting it in my mouth. My eyes closed, and I moaned with delight as sweet rapture coated my tongue.

‘Sanika . . .’ Reynard’s voice, low and husky, turned the pleasure into need.

My eyes fluttered open as he took my hand and lifted it to his mouth. He licked my finger clean, tongue expertly teasing the confection from its surface, lips opening to draw it into his mouth. I watched, hypnotised. His eye burned with savage hunger, a golden halo slowly overtaking the grey iris.

‘Rey?’ I moaned.

Gods, did I just do that?

I swallowed back a nervous laugh, looking down at the sound of ripping linen. Reynard’s other hand had grasped the bedding so hard that the fabric tore.

He’s trying to restrain himself . . . for me, I thought, feeling him move back. I gave in to my instincts, leaned forward, and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling myself onto his lap.

He stiffened, but only for a moment, then his arms locked around me, crushing me to his chest before he exhaled, tension melting from his frame. I’d only wanted to stop him from withdrawing, but as my world disappeared in his embrace, I sighed, closing my eyes and placing my head on his shoulder.

The world won’t end if I cuddle the king, will it? I asked myself as I nuzzled the crook of his neck.

Reynard had become so much more than a means of destroying Jagon and securing the Brotherhood’s future. I couldn’t allow myself more than a few stolen moments, but I craved his touch, enjoying the strength it gave me.

Rey shifted, his breath more ragged as his embrace tightened into an iron band that allowed no chance of escape.

‘I can’t . . . I—Sanika, you looked so forlorn that I felt real fear for the first time in .

. .’ Reynard shuddered, then took a deep, steadying breath.

‘How do I even say this? When you saved Tova with your magic, I was amazed, but gods, the look in your eyes when you lost control? I’ve never been so frightened.

I thought I was losing you,’ he said quietly, his voice breaking.