Page 257 of The Queen’s Shadow

“That ends today.” I promised, before turning off the shower and toweling her off. I picked her up again, loving how perfectly she fit in my arms, and walked her to our bedroom.

Laying her down, I pulled back the covers, crawling under with her and tucking her into my chest.

“How are you feeling?” I asked. “Are you okay with everything that happened?” It had been an intense few hours, and now that we both had calmed down, I wanted to make sure she wasn’t having second thoughts.

She nodded her head against me, her lips brushing against my bare chest. “I’m okay with everything that happened with you.” She said, and I growled, understanding what she meant.

“We will deal with Anaya in the morning.” I promised her. “I told Aiden to tie her up.” Kasha fell silent, and I pulled back, looking down at her.

“What are you thinking about?” I asked. She had just been through a lot and I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that I had been too rough with her, and maybe she was starting to regret everything. She looked up at me and sighed.

“Anaya said something when she attacked me that’s been bothering me… well, she said a lot of things that bothered me, but there’s one that stood out in particular.”

“What did she say?” I asked, trying not to let my annoyance show. That fucking bitch was going to get it so bad in the morning.

“She told me you used to call her Needles, and she asked me what your nickname for me was… I realized you don’t have one for me.” She frowned, her little freckled nose scrunching slightly. “You have a nickname for everyone. How come you don’t have one for me?”

A wave of relief crashed through me. Fuck. Thank the gods this was all she was worried about.

“You’re right, I do have a nickname for everyone.” I rolled onto my back and pulled her on top of me, guiding her hips so she was straddling my stomach. I slid my hands up her waist to cup her naked breasts, looking up at her and marvelling for a moment at how fucking lucky I was to have found her.

“But you’re not just anyone, Kasha. You’re my mate.” I purred, and I felt myself grow hard again as I said the word. Her eyes widened in surprise as she realized what I had just admitted. I gripped the tips of her nipples firmly and rolled them between my fingers, making her arch beneath my palms. She rocked her hips into my stomach and I grinned at the wetness she left behind with the movement.

“If you think I’m going to call my mate by some stupid fucking nickname, you have another thing coming.” I growled, before dropping my hands down to her hips. I lifted her up and drove myself into her, relishing in the surprised gasp of pleasure that exploded from her throat as I claimed her for the second time that night.

“You’re mine, Kasha.” I growled, guiding her hips and rolling her firmly against me. She braced her hands on my chest, looking down at me with misted eyes.

“I’m yours, Rycon.” She breathed, and my skin erupted in gooseflesh at the sound of my name on her lips.

“Now show me that pretty little face you make when you come.” I ordered, forcing her hips down harder against me. She closed her eyes and threw her head back and gave herself to me, and I swear to the gods I could have died right then and there and I would have been the happiest male to have ever fucking lived.

Raven

Princess Niahmara was waiting for us on the main floor of the Villa. She smiled at us kindly and gestured to the large white oak dining table filled with what looked like hearty curries and platters of fruit. There were also two decanters filled with rich red wine, and a crystal glass set at each place setting.

After spending so much time at sea eating nothing but stews and soups, the spread made my stomach growl.

“Please, sit.” Niahmara said warmly, but I shook my head.

“Not until you’re free. We can eat after.” I said firmly, and Niahmara’s expression turned serious.

“My Queen… freeing me will surely anger Ash Nevra and put your mate in danger of punishment.” She whispered, her dark eyes full of concern. I pursed my lips, but shook my head.

“Let me worry about that. I have come here to free you, but also to ask for your help. You would do my mate more good as a freed ally than a tortured slave.” I assured her, and she looked for a moment as if she might cry. Her lip trembled and her eyes darted from me to Conrad and Jeremy.

“You are… very kind.” She whispered, and Conrad grinned.

“Rayven is di best. Let her help yuh, Princess. Then wi can celebrate.”

We waited for a long moment, before Niahmara finally nodded, giving her consent.

“Okay. What do you need me to do?” She asked.

“Nothing. I’m going to cut the bond away. There will be a backlash of energy upon your release but I will be able to contain it.” I said, drawing one of my blades from beneath my shirt. Niahmara’s eyes flashed, and she pursed her lips, looking nervous.

I bit my lip, giving her an apologetic look. “I’m told that it hurts a little.” I said, and she met my gaze, but gave me a determined look.

“I am ready.” She said and I nodded. I reached forward with my aura, and ran my magick through hers. Her aura was calm and soothing. It felt like that warm, safe feeling between sleep and wakefulness, where you could sometimes drift while chasing a nap on a summer day.