Page 5 of Quest for her Knights (The Lost Souls of Dyconia #5)

When we finally enter a room on what I think is the third floor, my eyes widen as I gaze around the large space.

It’s not just a bedroom; it has an entire living room within it, complete with a large fireplace.

There are wide glass double doors that look like they might lead to a balcony.

The bed looks like it could sleep about eight people comfortably, which makes my eyes shift to Draven as he sets me gently on the end of it.

These three would fit in here nicely .

Dropping my book on the bed, I rub my palms over the smooth sheets, smiling up at him.

“Thanks for the ride, Draven. I think you’re my new favorite mode of transportation.”

I let myself admire his large frame. His black hair falls over his eyes, giving him a shadowed, serious look. His sharp features and stern expression add to his intensity. I can see old scars on his face, and my fingers ache to trace them, to find out how he acquired each one.

He doesn’t respond to my appreciation. Instead, he silently turns away and moves to stand by the door we entered through.

Blaze is the first to speak. “We’ll be on guard in the hall all night if you need anything.”

“You’re just gonna stand around in the hall while I sleep in this giant bed, all on my own?

” I ask, feeling a little bold. There’s no denying how handsome these three are, but it’s more than that.

The moment I saw each of them, I felt instant attraction, not just physical, but like a pull in my chest that told me they were important somehow.

But that’s crazy. I don’t know anything about them yet.

“Yes, that’s what knights do. We stand guard,” Blaze replies.

“Do you have to stay in the hall? Why don’t you just stay in here? I wouldn’t mind the company, and I’d like to get to know you.”

Blaze and Arrow exchange a look of confusion, while Draven continues to give me that intense stare of his .

“You want us to stay in this room while you’re sleeping?” Arrow asks, taking a small step toward me.

“Sure, why not? I’m sure all three of you don’t need to stand guard at once. Two of you could sleep as well,” I tell them, leaning back on my hands as I lick my lips and watch Arrow slowly approach.

“And where do you suggest we sleep, Princess?” he asks seductively, moving to stand directly in front of me.

“Well, this be—”

“The couches, Arrow. If she wants us to stay in here, then we’ll sleep on the couches and nowhere else. Understand?” Blaze interrupts.

The look he and Arrow exchange tells me there’s more going on here.

“Of course, the couches. Do you want me to light a fire for you, Princess?” Arrow asks, moving toward it.

“Party pooper!” I whisper-yell at Blaze, sticking my tongue out at him. His eyes go wide, but I quickly turn to Arrow to answer his question.

“Yes, please. I think I’ll go get ready for bed, you guys are welcome to do the same,” I tell them as I head toward what looks like a large closet.

I’m not disappointed. The closet is enormous, easily the biggest I’ve ever seen in my life, including ones in magazines or on TV. I trail my hands over the fabrics, already daydreaming about getting my hands on some sewing supplies so I can tailor a few pieces more to my taste.

I shift my focus to finding something to sleep in, but nothing screams “comfy pajamas.” Finally, at the back of the closet, I find a collection of silky slips.

Are these for sleeping? Lingerie? Or meant to go under thick dresses?

With no better option, I pick a pale blue one and take it with me to the bathroom.

It’s also massive and seriously impressive. The best part is the bathtub, it looks big enough to fit five people at once. That thought makes me smirk as I picture bathing with any of those three knights.

I decide against a full bath for now and instead step into the tub to clean my feet. I turn the tap on and wiggle my toes under the water. Spotting a washcloth on the ledge, I reach for it and slip. I scream as my feet slide out from under me and I land hard on my hip.

“Ow!”

The door flies open, and three massive men come charging in, swords drawn and eyes wide. They stare down at me in confusion as I sit in the tub, rubbing my sore hip while water begins soaking the lower half of my dress.

“I fell,” I mutter, feeling completely embarrassed that they rushed in thinking I was under attack or something. They slowly relax and sheath their swords. Draven and Arrow leave, but Blaze steps forward and offers me a hand. I take it, letting him help me up .

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I might have a bruised hip, that’s all.”

“You really shouldn’t stand in a wet bathtub. It’s dangerous.”

“I wanted to clean my feet.”

“I can help you, if you’d like?” His offer catches me off guard.

There’s no way I’m turning down the chance to be touched by him.

“Sure,” I squeak, unsure exactly how he plans to help. He quickly grips me under my arms and lifts me, then turns and places me gently on the large vanity.

My arms instinctively fly up to grip his biceps for balance, and I’m pleasantly surprised by the bulk of muscle I feel. “You’re so strong,” I whisper, staring at him with total heart-eyes.

“Do you always say everything you’re thinking?” he asks, turning to grab the washcloth I’d been reaching for earlier.

“Pretty much. Is that bad?” I ask, biting my lip nervously. My lack of filter is one of the reasons I’ve always been labeled as strange.

He chuckles softly as he wets the cloth in the sink. “Not at all. It’s refreshing. I’m just not used to a woman speaking that way.”

“I’m sure women have told you how strong and attractive you are before?”

He shakes his head, focusing on my foot as he gently washes it. “No. There isn’t exactly an abundance of women roaming around here. ”

“Does that mean you’re single?”

He nods once, his brow pinching slightly as he continues cleaning my feet. “Yes. All knights are lonelings.”

“Lonelings?”

“Right, it’s different in your realm. In ours, brothers marry together.

It gives them the best odds at carrying on their family line and being chosen by a woman.

But those of us unlucky enough not to have any brothers are called lonelings.

It basically means single for life. That’s why I chose to join the royal guard. It gives me purpose.”

That’s awful. They’re deemed unworthy based on their lack of siblings?

“Blaze?”

“Hmm?” he murmurs, not lifting his gaze from my feet.

“I don’t give a shit about what siblings someone does or doesn’t have. I care about the man himself.”

He finishes with my feet and finally looks up at me, his eyes searching mine.

“What?” I ask when he doesn’t speak. “What are you thinking right now?”

“I’m thinking about how I like you a lot more than the other Elora. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Me too,” I say with a smile, which he returns.

Damn, is he ever gorgeous. Staring into his warm face gives me all the tingles .

“You’re wet,” he says bluntly, making my eyes widen and my cheeks flame.

“What?!” I squeak. Can he smell my arousal or something?

“Your dress is wet. You should change.” He lifts me back to my feet, then swiftly heads for the door. “We’ll be out here. Take your time.” He pulls the door shut behind him.

I sag against the counter, letting out a puff of air. Damn, why was that so hot? The way he lifted me so easily and took care of me.

In the dungeon and the parlor, he seemed so stoic and firm. But just now, I saw a glimpse of a softer side.

He’s starting to give off major cinnamon roll energy, and I’m completely here for it.