“Princess Lily is under attack!” I shouted to guards as I ran by, and footfalls echoed over the stone floors and out into the gardens as people joined my charge. I glanced behind me to see not only my men, but also four of Lily’s suitors, reaching for their swords and other weapons. Theund carried a small hatchet, Hirth had some sort of small dagger, and Gusten and Danzin both had swords, although I wasn’t sure if they had ever been anything other than ornamental. Too bad Vasso was still recovering from being poisoned. He looked strong and capable, and would have been useful to target in a fight. And where was Lord Covack? Probably asleep, knowing him.
Something whizzed over my head, and I glanced up. Lord Covack stood in his bedroom window, bow aimed ahead of me as if he’d read my mind. At least he wasn’t completely useless.
I picked up my pace as I heard Lily’s voice yelling my name. I skidded on a patch of gravel as I rounded the last corner, announcing my arrival is a noisy shower of small stones.
She was gone.
Soldiers waited for us, and two of them had captured Lasloe. A pang of guilt hit my chest as I saw the body of the guard I’d assigned to protect Lily.
“Free him,” I ordered, pointing toward Lasloe. I carried forward, slicing down any soldier who dared approach me, as I barreled through the disturbed brush after Lily. They must have taken her this way, and I wouldn’t stop until I found her.
Others followed me, but my focus had narrowed to the path ahead of me. I came upon a group of the shadow warriors and cut them down, my pace quickening at the thought I was getting close. I leaped over fallen trees and dodged bushes and rocks, and then I finally heard people moving ahead of me, including Lily’s voice.
I burst through the trees with my sword raised, and instantly took stock of the situation with my guards’ training. Two soldiers dragged Lily, who had her hands tied behind her. Malren walked beside her, and a circle of soldiers—both real and illusion—surrounded them. I should have known it was that villainous traitor behind this kidnapping.
“Let her go!” I called out, and everyone turned toward me, swords raised.
“Get him!” Malren shouted, as he grabbed Lily’s arm and tried to hurry her along.
She screamed my name, and it was like a bucket of ice dumped over my head. Attackers blocked my path, but I plowed through them, with my own soldiers and some of Lily’s suitors at my back. Like a madman I charged forward, slicing and stabbing, not caring who I took down to rescue my beloved.
As the clash of weapons echoed through the forest, I manage to cut down one of the men holding Lily, then kicked the other one back, setting her free.
“My hands!” she cried, as I took out her other captor.
I quickly cut the rope tying them together, then shoved her behind me as more of those shadowy illusions came toward us. But then I heard Malren behind us, and knew we were surrounded.
“You’ll never escape! Hand over the princess!” Malren said with a cackle.
I spun around, trying to protect Lily from attackers on all sides, my sword between us, but there were too many. Shadowy bandits leaped at me and I blocked them, but then Malren lunged at me with his sword. I turned to block it, but was too slow, and prepared myself for the blow.
Then Lily raised her hand and drew a rune in the air, and a blast of ice shot out toward Malren, knocking him back. He fell to the ground, and it gave me enough time to take out some more of the illusions. Lily kept drawing runes, shooting sharp bolts of ice at the illusions and at Malren, and as she continued her magic. One struck him in the arm and he screamed, dropping his sword, before slipping away into the forest.
When all the illusions were gone and Malren’s soldiers had either fled or been defeated, I took Lily’s arm, wishing I could do more. “Are you all right, Your Majesty?”
“Yes,” she said, though she sounded breathless.
Admiration for Lily crept through me as I realized what she’d done with her magic, then but she stumbled like she was weakening, and I caught her just snow began to fall from the sky.
“Just a little tired,” she added quickly, as she straightened up.
“Understandable. Your magic has grown stronger.”
“Yes, I’ve been practicing in my spare time.”
“It was most impressive.”
“Let’s not discuss it here.” She glanced around the area, taking it all in. “Where’s Malren?”
My hands clenched into fists. “He got away. Again.”
“Princess Lily!” The shout came from behind us, and I released Lily’s arm as I turned to find the source.
Grimelda hurried down the path in our direction. Well, as much as the woman could hurry while she hobbled.
“Princess Iris came to find me when she spotted your attack out of the window. She’s quite safe in the castle, Your Majesty. Do not fear.”
Lily nodded, her usual serene expression back in place as my men examined the dead soldiers and dragged the living ones toward the back of the castle, to an old jail cell.
Grimelda huffed and puffed at my side. “I’ve come to see you safely to the castle.”
“Oh, I can manage, thank you,” Lily said.
“You should go.” My tone left no argument as to whether I was offering my opinion or issuing a command, and she narrowed her eyes at me in such a way I expected an argument.
But she turned to Grimelda and nodded her head. “Thank you. Yes, I should check on Iris and Vasso.” Then she turned her head, glancing around our group, and her lips parted. “And Lasloe. Is Lasloe all right?”
“I’m here, Princess Lily. Here and perfectly safe.” Lasloe waved his arm from where he stood beside Gusten, his arm wrapped around the pink-cheeked man’s waist.
“Thank you all for coming to my aid,” Lily told her suitors, who moved close to fawn all over her. They began to lead her back to the palace, and though Lily glanced back at me once, I was already forgotten.
I signaled for a couple of my guards, taking in their ashen faces. “Go with them and ensure the safety of Princess Lily. Secure the castle while I check the grounds.”
Their dumbfounded expressions didn’t change as they nodded. Most of them had never seen magic like that before—that had probably shocked them more than the attack Lily had thwarted. Lily had tried to hide her forbidden magic for years, but now she’d used it openly.
And she’d done it to save me.
Twenty-Four
Lily
As soon as we returned to the castle, I thanked all my suitors again and sent them on their way. Though I appreciated their help in stopping the kidnapping, I had little interest in spending any more time with them tonight.
I found Iris in Vasso’s room, watching out of the window alongside him. He’d carried a large broadsword, and even though he was weak, I knew his Mesner training would make up for that. It was probably the safest place Iris could have been.
“Lily!” Iris leapt on me. “Are you all right? I saw the ice flying through the air! Was that you? It had to be you, right?”
“Yes it was me, and yes I’m fine.” I hugged her back tightly, relieved to see she was unharmed in the attack. At least Malren seemed to have no interest in my sister. Then I turned my attention to Vasso. “I believe you’re supposed to be in bed, Lord Vasso.”
He bowed his head. “I would never let anything happen to Princess Iris.”
“Thank you.” I placed a hand on his broad shoulder, and he gave me a warm smile.
“An honor, Your Majesty.”
“Come, Iris.” I placed my hands on her shoulders and steered her in front of me. “It’s time to let Lord Vasso rest. He’s still recovering.”
Iris wanted to talk about my magic, but I told her I needed to be alone to recover after the ordeal. With a dramatic sigh, she retreated to her room, and I returned to my own.
I stood by my window, my hand on the smooth stone surrounding it as I looked out into the garden below. I could see the area where Lasloe had been sitting, the
candles still glowing like we might return to continue our meal at any moment. The ice bolts I’d created had long since melted, leaving no evidence of my magic, but enough people had seen me that I couldn’t pretend I hadn’t broken Talador law.
I suppressed a sigh. Breaking the law had saved Keane’s life, so it was worth it. If only I’d been able to capture Lord Malren too.
A knock at the door broke me from my reverie, and I looked up as Grimelda came into the room, bearing a tray with a steaming bowl of soup and a plate with thick slices of bread.
“I thought you might be hungry.” Her frizzy hair had strayed across her face, but she didn’t have a spare hand to brush it aside.
“Thank you, Grimelda. You’re very kind, but I really couldn’t.” My stomach lurched at the idea of food, the stress and anxiety tangling together to take up all the available space. “I can’t eat much when I have a lot on my mind, and I have many things to think about this evening.”
She stood still and looked at me like she was unsure what to do. “You should really try to eat, Your Majesty. You need to regain your strength.”
“Yes, you’re right,” I said, hoping she’d leave. “I’ll try to eat a little something once my nerves have calmed.”
“I’ll just put this here in case you’re hungry later.” She set the tray down on the desk nearby.
As the door closed behind her, I looked at the soup she’d left, wondering if I could force down a few mouthfuls. She was trying to be helpful, and I probably did need to eat something, but my stomach roiled at the smell of the soup. I picked up the bowl and opened my window to empty the contents into the courtyard below. Hopefully the birds and whatever vermin came out at night would clear away the evidence of my subterfuge.
I secured my window, locking it tight and folded my arms around my body like I was holding myself together. Blowing out a long breath, I closed my eyes. I wasn’t safe here. Dahlia’s plan had failed twice over—I was no closer to finding a husband, and Malren had nearly captured me for a second time. Worse, I was fairly certain Riala was involved now, and closer than I’d like. She had to be nearby to control the illusions, since Malren didn’t possess the ability himself. Illusion magic was Riala’s specialty, and no one did it better.
I chewed on my lip I debated what to do. Sit here like vulnerable prey and just wait to be killed or captured? Or return home an endanger my sisters? And what would I do with Iris? Selfishly, I wanted her nearby so I could ensure her safety, but that put her too close to Riala.
I sat on the edge of my bed. I had nowhere left to go—I was fast running out of options. I could go to Ilidan, perhaps. Rose wouldn’t turn me away, and I’d be safest with her than anywhere else in the kingdoms, but I was the future Queen of Talador. I couldn’t claim asylum in another kingdom, nor would I run away from the danger to my throne.
I gazed at the fire, but it didn’t hold any of the answers I needed. Tomorrow I would send a message to Dahlia telling her about the attack. She’d consult with Garon and they could tell me what they thought I should do next.
A knock sounded on my door, and instead of just calling for the person to enter, I stood up and walked closer. I even put my hand on the wood like I might be able to feel the intent of the person outside.
“Who is it?” I called softly.
“It’s Captain Keane, Your Majesty.” He cleared his throat, and I opened the door as he spoke to the guard outside. “You can finish your shift now. I’ll guard Princess Lily now.”
The guard nodded and walked away.
“How are you doing?” Keane leaned against the stones surrounding my door, with dark shadows under his eyes.
“Maybe I should be asking you that,” I murmured as I reached out and touched his fingers. He didn’t have his gloves on and I jolted at the contact. His eyes met mine and something passed between us, an unspoken need.
Without speaking, I stepped back and opened my door wide in silent invitation to the man I wanted by my side. He entered, his movements a little hesitant, but I closed the door firmly behind him and turned to face him.
Suddenly Keane wrapped his arms around me, folding me into the comfort and safety of his embrace. I melted against him, wondering how he knew exactly what I’d needed at this moment.
“I feared I’d lost you tonight,” he said, his mouth pressed into my hair.
“I knew you’d come for me,” I whispered.
“Always.”
He smoothed the loose wisps of my hair back from my forehead before pressing his lips against my skin. He drew back a tiny fraction, and I uncovered my face and met his gaze. A question lingered in his eyes…a hesitation, a request for permission, and I answered it by pressing my lips to his, softly at first and then harder.
He gasped in a breath and tightened his arms around me as his mouth moved over mine, seizing control of the kiss. I inhaled at his unexpected display of dominance, but it felt good not to be the one in control for once, and he coaxed my lips apart, sliding his tongue against mine.
The bulge in his pants pressed against my hip and he drew back, his eyes focused on mine. “Lily, we should stop this now.”
“I don’t want to stop.” I kissed him again, feeling desperate for more of him. “In fact, I command you to keep going.”
“Good.” He swept me into his arms, before laying me on the bed. He shucked off his jacket and undid the top button of his shirt, and my eyes were drawn to the slight hint of skin he revealed. Then he leaned down and kissed my jaw and my eyes fluttered shut.
He trailed more kisses down my neck, then along my collarbone and to the edge of my bodice. His palm pressed flat at the side of my breast, and I arched toward him as a wave of desire rushed through me. He murmured wordlessly as he moved his thumb and strummed it over my nipple until it hardened under his touch.
My bodice fastened at the front, and I reached for the laces, but Keane nudged my hands away and replaced them with his own, his nimble fingers making light work of the ties. I turned my attention to the buttons on his shirt, tugging it open. I pressed my greedy hands against his muscular chest, and he tensed at the first touch, as a jolt of energy seemed to pass through me. Sparks danced through my body, and heat simmered at my core.
Cold air skated across my breasts as Keane spread my bodice open, and I resisted the urge to press his head to me. I wanted his kisses everywhere.
I’d never let a man hold me or touch me this way. I’d never tolerated kisses the way I enjoyed and longed for Keane’s. I wanted more from him—I wanted to share all I had with him.
I shifted underneath him, the sound a ripple of silk skirts, and slid my fingers into his soft blond hair, tugging at it as he gazed at me. He met my eyes, his expression a kaleidoscope of confusion and desire.
“Lily.” My name was a plea on his lips, and my heart hammered in my chest.
“I think you should take your shirt off,” I said, my voice steady when all it wanted to do was shake.
I watched every movement he made as he undid the last buttons I’d missed. Then I grew impatient and helped him push the shirt off his shoulders, running my palms over his strong arms and down his hard stomach. I’d been surrounded by handsome men for days, but he was the only one who made my heart race, especially as I took in his soldier’s body, with muscles he’d earned by training to protect me.
I wanted to savor every moment, but Keane’s hesitation dropped away at my touch. He grew bolder, lifting me toward him, crushing my breasts to his chest as his mouth sought mine again, his passion open-mouthed as his tongue found mine.
He stroked his hands over my bared skin, lingering over my pebbled nipples, and I shivered at the intimate touch. Heat pooled at my core, leaving me with a burning need for more.
Keane pressed me against the pillows as he covered me with his body. My skirts tangled around my legs, but I could still feel him, his hard length jutting forward, like it could seek me all on its own. I reached down, clutching the fabric of my dress and tryin
g to move it out of the way of my…of my… I stopped.
Keane lifted his head. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, I was just…” I hesitated.
His hand found mine, covering my fingers with his own as I bunched the fabric. “Are you feeling a little overdressed?”
Heat flooded my face, and my skin prickled. “I’m suddenly very hot.”
“Mmhmm.” He lowered his head and his mouth moved along the tops of my breasts, his tongue flicking over my skin.
“That isn’t helping,” I moaned as my hips moved, seeking something I didn’t quite understand but that only Keane could provide. “Maybe if we remove my dress…”
My voice faded after the suggestion, but Keane didn’t hesitate. With gentle hands, he pushed my bodice from my arms and slid my skirts from my legs before he sucked in a breath.
“Lily.” This time my name wasn’t a plea, it was an act of worship. He quickly removed my underwear, leaving me bared before him. I was tempted to cover myself up, feeling nervous about being so exposed for the first time, but I restrained myself because I knew there was more. And I wanted it all.
When Keane lay over me again, his body fitted against mine automatically, his length pressing against me, even through his trousers. I moved a little, testing the pressure there. It felt good I moved again and he groaned a little. “Lily.”
I’d never tire of the many ways he could say my name. “I think now you’re the one who’s overdressed,” I pointed out, some embarrassment prickling in my cheeks at being so forward.
“It seems so.” Then he hesitated as he trailed his fingers down my body. Each of my muscles tensed as he passed over them, all the way to my hip. “Have you ever…?”
I shook my head quickly, not wanting him to finish that sentence. He knew the answer anyway. He’d been outside my door for the last few years, and I’d never have any nighttime visitors other than my sisters. Still, I appreciated his concern.
Kiss Of Snow (Royal Hearts Book 2) Page 12