Page 52 of The Shattered Kingdom (The Cursed Kingdom #2)

MASON

ABBY CURLS UP against me, her body warm and breathing even.

I love her most like this, when she’s sleeping and comfortable and unable to tell me to stop staring at her. She gets angry when she catches me looking, which is bothersome. She’s my mate, and I should be allowed to look at her whenever I please.

I’m just happy she allowed me to sleep with her last night. I thought she’d be too angry to let me join her and Kie in bed. She, Kie, and every council member were upset when I made my demands, but at the end of the day, I’m in charge.

Lord Bishop’s execution was swift. Abby didn’t want to attend, so she and Kie stayed behind while I watched his head disconnect from his shoulders.

It made me so fucking hard to watch the man who attempted to kill my mate meet his end, but I know better than to try to take that emotion out on Abby. I refuse to fuck her with anything but her on my mind.

I had other matters to attend to, anyway. Matters that kept me in my office until the sun began to rise. Matters that ensured sleep wasn’t an option .

I’ve spent the past several hours watching Abby, admiring my mate and the tiny freckles that line her nose. They’ve grown more prominent these past few days, I think as a result of spending so much time in the sun.

I gulp, resisting the urge to touch her face.

Kie wakes slowly. His heart rate quickens as he comes to consciousness and realizes his vulnerable mate is beside him, and he lets out a quiet groan as he rolls to the side and spoons her from behind.

Abby shifts but otherwise remains asleep.

We should already be out of bed. I’m sure the council members are waiting for us in the chamber rooms. They’re likely bickering about and adjusting the plans I typed up meticulously last night.

I should wake Abby up. We need to get moving, and she’ll be pissed if we begin today without her.

Kie blows out a slow breath. He’s fully awake and most likely running through the hundreds of scenarios we’ve spent the past week planning. He’s also staring at me over the top of Abby’s head, but I’m avoiding eye contact. I already know what he’s thinking.

It’s been a week. We’ve heard no response from Alpha Theon.

The Sylvan Harmony Treaty is broken.

We’re going to war.

* * *

END OF BOOK TWO