Page 75 of The Nymph Prince

“Guards will accompany you,” Father said, releasing his hold on me and stepping back. He cleared his throat and regained his former composure. “I’m also sending the assassins to shadow you once you arrive at King James’ palace. We don’t want the human king seeing you arrive with reinforcements, for he will doubt your sincerity of a truce. But I refuse to send my son into enemy territory without warriors. They will be out of sight, but never far from you.”

The assassins were a small force of men that specialized in stealth attacks, spying on the enemy and reporting back to the king, and discreetly dealing with any targets the crown might have. Their unit was the smallest in the army, but the most valuable.

Years ago, before a treaty of peace had been signed between Father and the human king, territorial disputes had been common. The assassin’s had earned the name “the silent death,” because men fell dead before ever knowing they were even being hunted.

“When do you intend to leave?”

“Before the week is out,” I answered. “The sooner we can end this, the better.”

“Very well,” the king said. “I’ll make the preparations with the men. You do the same with Malik and Reif.”

Neither guard would be happy of the news. But they’d understand the necessity of it. In times of war, sacrifices had to be made. Risks taken.

I turned on my heels and left Father’s chamber. Malik gave me a questioning look, and I shook my head at him. I’d update him once we were elsewhere. Preferably somewhere less public.

He’s going to kill me.

***

Alek had taken the news well. I’d argued that he wasn’t coming with me—hedidhave a bounty on his head—but he stood his ground and refused to stay behind. It was doubtful the humans knew what he looked like. They’d only attacked theCrimson Night,because they’d received word he’d been aboard.

“And if they question your identity once we’re in his kingdom?” I pressed a few days after it’d already been decided he was going with me. “Or if someonedoesrecognize you?”

He smiled then. A cunning grin that made me fall for him just a little bit more.

“I’ll wear a disguise,” he answered. “My hair has grown longer in my time here.”

“Ah.” I walked closer and slipped an arm around his waist. “So you’ll be a merman, will you?”

“Aye. I’ll even let you braid my hair,” he said as an excited gleam flashed in his blue eyes. “And maybe even let Troy dress me.”

My body stirred at the thought. Alek would be incredibly tempting in our clothing; in a shirt that revealed his toned muscles and golden skin.

“I do not like this,” Malik growled. He’d been angry ever since I told him we were leaving. “It’s too dangerous. A fool’s errand.”

“If it was anyone other than me, would you still voice complaint?” I asked in an even tone. Mocking him was not the purpose, but rather to prove a point. “Would you still think it a fool’s errand?”

A tic started in his strong jaw.

“Exactly as I thought,” I stated before exhaling. “Your worry over me is appreciated, Malik. But I’m no longer the small boy who’d reach up and want you to carry him around the palace. The one who’d hide behind you when meeting strangers. That boy is a man now. I wish you’d start treating me as such.”

Although his orange eyes burned with defiance—and concern—he nodded. “Yes, my prince.”

“We leave on the morrow,” I said, moving a gaze from Malik and to Reif. “The trip will take three days and we need to ensure we are well-rested.”

After dismissing the guards, I slipped my hand behind Alek’s head and tugged him toward me for a kiss. Sex wasn’t my aim right then, but I needed to be close to him. To calm the nerves I’d so carefully hid around the others.

Malik wasn’t wrong in his views about our mission. King James wasn’t known to be a good king. More of a tyrant than anything. He could give the order to have us slain right there in his throne room. The assassins would be with us, though, and both Malik and Reif were exceptional warriors.

Alek gripped my hips before sliding his hands to my ass and giving it a squeeze.

Perhaps therewouldbe sex. I could never get enough of him.

I purred as he kissed from my mouth and along my jaw.

There was a knock at the door.

“Go away,” I called out before clawing at the material on Alek’s back. I needed to feel his warm skin beneath my fingers.