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I could not control the murderous growl that escaped me as the doors flew open even though I knew exactly who had come. From my peripheral Remnant’s shadows had snapped up the scroll and she had returned her gaze back on the fire, deciding to ignore me and the newcomer.

I turned to the one fae I had trusted to make sure Finlandia stayed safe while I was gone.

“Eshe, I believe knocking would have sufficed. I may have been gone a long time but I do believe that courtesy still remains despite the fact.”

I didn’t fail to notice Remnant tensing in her seat.

My steward sauntered in, her long blonde hair swaying with each long stride towards me.

“Forgive me sire.” She delivered me an unapologetic grin. “I was eager to see you for myself after learning you have returned.” Her yellow-green eyes shot behind me and she glowered. “I see you have met our guest .”

Remnant snorted and took another sip of her drink.

Choking back a laugh, I folded my arms over my chest and stared at Eshe ferally until her eyes drifted away from mine.

“I am pleased that I did not find my invited guest and ally in the dungeons, Eshe. I do believe that was your intention.”

Her eyes rounded and she glanced back at me, a dark blush stealing over her cheeks. “Sire, had I known—”

“But you did know!” My hand sliced through the air. “Her clemency was granted before I even left these lands, Eshe. Not to mention, Penina reported that she warned you.”

Eshe’s blush deepened. “Your majesty—.” She stammered.

I growled and folded my hands over my chest. “I left you in charge because out of all of us you are the most impartial. Rarely have you ever let your emotions override sound decisions. Something this kingdom desperately needed while I was gone. Was I wrong in my judgment, I wonder?”

She inhaled sharply, her eyes snapping up to meet mine with strong resolve. “No your majesty.”

“Good. Is there anything else of immediate concern that compelled you to barge into my private quarters?”

Eshe’s proud stature slumped and her eyes turned down to the floor. “Forgive me, sire.” She licked her lips subtly. “Your majesty, if I may…”

I waved my hand for her to continue.

Squaring her shoulders, she looked up at me. “You state that you value my objective insight, sire. As such, I would ask that you recognize our guest is dangerous…not only to our court but to you as well. A guard would be appropriate.”

Whatever she saw in my eyes forced her to take a step back.

Inhaling, I spoke slowly. “Eshe, I am very happy to see that you are healthy and as always I am indebted to your service in keeping my kingdom running so smoothly. Please let the others know we will resume our morning routine once again. Penina knows already, you need not bother her.”

Her jaw clenched. “Yes of course. Thank you.”

I softened my tone. “Please make sure no one disturbs me until then. General Dark and I have much to discuss regarding our alliance and the future of this court. ”

“As you wish, your majesty.” Her bow was stiff, her long blonde hair sweeping the floor before she spun quickly from the room, slamming the door behind her.

I groaned, scrubbing my hand over my face.

“Trouble in paradise?” Remnant snickered, having been stoically silent during our exchange.

Lifting my hands away, I watched her stand mesmerized by her stunning beauty.

The gold fabric she wore flowed majestically around her, hugging every sinful curve.

The swirls of her ink were only more enhanced by the gold color as was her blue-black hair framing a halo of darkness around her heart shaped face.

I needed no goddess to worship with her by my side, whether in sight or in heart I would forever be falling to my knees in reverence.

“The only paradise I’m interested in is yours, little umbra.” Like a prayer falling from my lips, a deep blush spread across her pale cheeks.

“Stop doing that!” She hissed at me.

“ Doing what , little umbra?” The corner of my mouth ticked up in amusement at the cloud of embarrassed anger rolling off of her.

She pointed an accusing finger at me. “That. That right there, stop calling me that. Stop trying to flatter your way to this alliance. Just tell me what it is you would have me do for it to occur.”

I blinked slowly. “What would I have you do?”

The possibilities were endless…allow me to undress the layers of gold fabric like I would a present.

To kiss my way from her shoulder to her fingertips along those tattoo brands.

To elicit the sweet gasps of pleasure from those soft lips while I worshiped her on my knees… where I always wanted to be with her.

Roaring need raged inside of me and I was losing my fight in resisting our bond. It called to me like a siren and my fortitude dissolved like the tides it sang upon.

“I’m going for a run.” I barked hoarsely, spinning on my heels and hit the balcony in three long strides.

I needed an outlet. A strong, rigorous outlet that would calm this fucking lust and build back the reasons I held her away from me.

The incredulous pitch in her voice pierced me from behind. “A run?”

I grunted. “A run.” I croaked and stepped out into the night air. Its coolness doing nothing for the flames of desire burning inside of me. Foolishly I shot over my shoulder. “Care to join me? The city is a spectacular sight at dawn.”

And so was she.

I felt her deadly stare trailing over my flesh and I shivered at the feel of it. It wasn’t cold enough out here.

“I was under the assumption that you required me to help save the world, King Daemon . This is the most inappropriate time for a run.” Her sharp, condescending tone only made me more aroused.

“No.” I rebuked with a husky snarl. “This is exactly the right time.” And even then a run may not even take care of the kind of release I needed. Perhaps a cold shower. A very, very, very cold shower.

“Amateur.” My beast growled and rolled his eyes.

“Shut up, cat.” He had been silent since we entered the study. I wished he had stayed that way.

Growling, I launched myself up the outside wall to the rooftop deck, there was no need to use the ladder with the pure energy buzzing in my system.

I heard Remnant curse me to the deepest, darkest depths of Sheol and I couldn't hold back the feverish laughter rumbling from my chest out into the lingering night.