by Lisa Kumar
She turned her head and rested her face against his shoulder. Her nose nuzzled the crook of his neck. “Mmm, you make a great pillow.”
Her sleepy voice caused him to smile. “Go to sleep.”
“Okay.” She yawned, the action puffing air across his skin.
He shivered at the sensation, one part of his tired body jumping to life. But even with that discomfort, something approximating tranquility settled over him.
Chapter 10
“Where are you taking me?” Maggie demanded once again. The blindfold obscured the world from her view. But she couldn’t complain and say the fabric itched. It was silk, so that excuse wouldn’t work. Heat kindled in her core when she remembered just what the silk tie was from. She’d had so much fun divesting Talion of his robe and tying his wrists with its cord. Sometimes, she surprised even herself. Had it only been two days since their new accord? Two days of secret whispers and trysts? Two days of countless climaxes and impossibly good sex. He must’ve worked his elf magic on her because she wasn’t even that sore.
“Patience, my dear,” he said near her ear as he guided her along.
She shivered at the sensation of his breath against her skin. One breath, and she was about to topple. He could undo her easily, not that she’d ever tell him. She should be a lot more panicked than she was.
“Are you sure no one will see us?” He’d carted her off to his chambers after lunch with the promise of something memorable. She bit back her snort. As if every moment with him weren’t memorable.
“We are in the corridors of the private royal wing. Only those who have permission come here.”
“And I’m worried those people will see us. I know you have cleaning maids in this area because I see them occasionally when I visit Cal.”
“I’m king. The cleaning staff comes and goes at my will.”
“So you told them to take a hike this afternoon?” She aimed a scowl at him but knew he wouldn’t feel a smidgeon of it. Stupid blindfold. “Isn’t that kind of obvious?”
“They do as I bid. I care not if it’s obvious.”
“Talion,” she growled.
“But this is not the first time I’ve ordered them out of the wing, nor will it be the last.”
He sounded so damn arrogant when he spoke like this. Too bad it turned her on. “And I’m sure I don’t want to know why for the previous times.”
“More than likely.”
She stiffened. When he played, he dismissed the staff for the day? Really, he couldn’t keep it confined to the one room he had set aside for such activities? Horny bastard.
He sighed, exasperation clear in it. “Sometimes I just want complete privacy to relax—by myself.”
Though she was a little placated, jealousy still burned a nasty hole in her chest. He didn’t deny he sometimes cleared out the wing so he could entertain a lover. Right now she hated—wanted to hate—him so badly.
“Talion, if we don’t get there soon, I’m taking the blindfold off.” She was pouting but didn’t care.
He tsked. “So reckless and hasty. You’ll spoil your surprise.”
Only he could make her feel like a recalcitrant child. “Fine.”
“But I’ll let you tie me once we get there.”
Oh, God. Blood rushed downward to fan the flames always flaring up in his presence, but she’d play it cool. “Who says I want to do that again?”
“I want to do it again.”
“Can’t always get what you want.”
He laughed softly. “I’ve got you.”
She was all he wanted? Please, she wasn’t that naive. “You don’t have me.
“Oh, but I do.”
“Not in every way.”
“Maybe not right now, but I will,” his silky voice countered.
The retort on the edge of her tongue died as he turned to the right, pushing her through an exit of some kind. The smooth marble that had been beneath her feet gave way to rougher stone mosaics. Even the air seemed to prove her conclusions. The brisk breeze raked goose bumps up on her arms, her gown’s filmy sleeves offering no protection.
She was about to say she needed a shawl, but Talion beat her to it by placing something warm over her shoulders. Damn, how did he know her needs before she voiced them? He had a way of reading her that no other person ever had, well, except for Cal. He knew how to make her laugh, how to make her angry, how to make her horny. She didn’t want him—didn’t want any male—knowing her that well. What was worse, he used his knowledge to full effect. And now she relied on him to lead her blind through the halls and paths of the palace. What the hell was she doing?
She wasn’t the kind to play house or commit to serious relationships, even though she’d been doing that for the last two days and was happier then she’d ever remembered. The realization ran over her like a semi, and she drew in a panicked breath. There had to be a logical reason for her behavior. She just had to find one. Now.
To her relief, she pounced on one quickly. The crack in her defenses had to be caused by the endorphins from their mind-blowing sex, not any true emotion. And the fact they hadn’t had time to grow tired of each other. Yeah, that was it. All very plausible explanations and ones that had a rational beauty to them. So why wasn’t she feeling the joy? Those simple answers should’ve calmed her nerves like a dose of Valium.
She stumbled over her own feet. Talion’s hands tightened around her waist, steadying her. He stayed quiet as if realizing she needed to be left alone to her thoughts.
Her legs felt heavy, and a headache formed behind her eyes from all the contradictions colliding inside her skull. Surely, she didn’t want him for anything but the bond? If so, her explanations should’ve been enough. They weren’t.
Somehow, she’d grown lax and let him creep into her life. She didn’t know how to get him out. Didn’t know if she wanted him out. Little things grabbed and held onto her. Like how he could make her laugh in spite of herself…how he could turn anger into desire in less than a heartbeat. How, in her weakest moments, she could almost imagine a future for them.
Then there was what she discovered about him and how it gave her a sense of power she’d never experienced before. When he was stressed, her touch could soothe him. Talk about a heady feeling. And when his voice took on a certain timbre, she knew he would hedge about whatever they were discussing. If she pushed him, he’d just shut down. That she even knew this of him was worrisome. She’d never been this interested in any guy. Never.
It was fine for other people to do relationships. If that was what they wanted, she encouraged them. She even believed in happily-ever-after—just not for herself. Her parents and Justin had taught her that. Call her disillusioned, but she couldn’t bring herself to trust anyone to this extent. Even Talion.
She bit her lip in frustration but continued to let him guide her through the palace. Why was she even drawn to him? His position didn’t impress her. Hell, it terrified her. Responsibility and authority was so not her thing. No, those kinds of positions fell to people like Cal. Good, dependable Cal. Her friend might avoid the limelight, but that whole package came along with Relian. She’d fulfill her role because duty demanded it—and because she loved her husband. Maggie had no such motivations. Desire always died in the end, and left only ashes behind. That was what she had with Talion.
When Talion came to a stop, her thoughts abruptly slid into the present. “Are we there now?”
He remained silent, but the blindfold glided over her face and gave way to a sight that stilled the air in her lungs.
If she thought she’d already seen the most beautiful gardens in Eriannon, this particular spot proved her wrong. Some parts ran wild while others were beautifully manicured. But the most stunning feature of the massive walled space was a stream. A real stream from the looks of it, not a man—or elf-created—one. Two grates, each on a separate wall, let the water flow unimpeded.
The stream meandered through the wild and perfectly kept portions alike.
Maggie swung her gaze back and forth between the juxtaposition. White stone statues stood tall on their pedestals among the hedges. Trees towered over the palace and rested roughly in a fourth of the walled area, small wildflowers dotting the ground underneath. And these were only a small sample of what flooded her senses.
“It’s beautiful.” She turned to Talion, who watched her with an intensity that unnerved her. No small feat there, but he managed it with alarming frequency.
“Yes, it is,” he said, never removing his gaze from her.
She ignored the compliment inherit in his words. It was one of the oldest tricks a man could use. Just as she was about to change the subject, a flash of black and white streaked from some shrubs ahead of her and into a bed of flowers. The cat poked its head out of the cover of the flowers and stared at her and Talion, its gaze unwavering. An expression that looked curiously like satisfaction flitted across its face, and the cat’s lips almost seemed to grin.
Maggie took an involuntary step back and bumped into Talion. That cat wasn’t normal. She whirled around and grabbed Talion’s arm. “Did you see that?”
“See what?”
“The cat?”
“My attention was on something much more interesting.”
She shook her head impatiently and pointed to the flowerbed that now lie behind her. “There’s a cat over there.”
He gazed in that direction. “I don’t see anything.”
She twisted around, and her heart skipped a beat. The cat wasn’t there. “Where did it go?”
“It’s a cat. They come and go as they please.” The amusement in his voice did nothing to calm her nerves.
“This one is different.” As she said this, she almost cringed. She sounded insane.
He arched an infuriating brow. “It is?”
“Yes, it’s creepy and watches me.”
“How is that different from any other cat?”
Good question. “I don’t know—it just is. The cat suddenly appeared one day. I’d never seen it before that time.”
“It’s probably a stray that sneaked in from town.”
“No, it had a collar on, a fancy one at that.” She bit her lip, knowing she should drop the subject before he thought her completely loony.
“I’m sure the owner will find the cat, or the cat will track down its master or mistress. Don’t worry so.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” The cat still bothered her, but maybe he had a point.
“This rankles you to admit it, doesn’t it?” He grinned, and the action lent him a carefree air she’d never noticed he was missing.
“Even you can be right occasionally.”
“You are too kind,” he drawled.
She laughed at his sarcasm before motioning to the area around them. “Why hasn’t Cal ever mentioned this place?”
“Because Relian doesn’t come here. It’s my own private hideaway.”
And he showed it to her? This was kind of flattering. She lifted her brows. “Well, someone comes here. It’s immaculately maintained.”
“A small crew does care for the garden. In my spare time, I offer a hand.”
“You help?” Incredulity laced her voice.
His mouth quirked. “What? You seemed surprised.”
“I would’ve never thought playing in dirt was your style.”
“There is much you don’t know about me.”
The truth of his words froze her tongue. Something like fear clamped down on her mind. A chill slicked her spine. No, nothing would come of getting to know him, so why bother? But wasn’t that what they were doing at the moment? Getting to know each other?
That unwelcome revelation plummeted to her stomach like lead. She had no other option but to spend time with him because of the bond—and because of boredom. Talion relieved that affliction with just a glance. His wicked humor kept her dancing on her toes, and his touch made her body sing. After one of their physical or mental workouts, she was often exhausted, but she always felt acutely…alive.
She had the same effect on him. He’d told her so more than once, but even without his confirmation, his desire for her company was the one thing she didn’t doubt. A bubble of happiness stirred within her, but she quashed it. She was just a novelty he had to play with, nothing more. She couldn’t forget that.
Anyways, brooding about this wouldn’t give her the answers. Plus, his expectant gaze was wearing a hole through her. Wanting to forget about everything for the moment, she forced a teasing smile to her face and sidled up to him. “Too much talking and not enough action.”
A flash of disappointment shone on his face, only to be replaced with a look of desire. A slight flush covered his high cheekbones. “Maybe I should tie you this time?”
Oh, she liked the way he thought. “Only if you can catch me.” She stuck out her tongue and darted away. An unwelcome thought intruded, and she lurched to a stop, holding him off with one upraised hand.
“What is it?”
“I’ve heard Cal’s tale of almost performing for an audience while she was with Relian in a garden.”
He waved her concern off. “No sentries are posted here.”
“They aren’t?” Surprise and relief trickled through her. Guards often followed him at a distance while he was in public places. She’d even seen sentries posted outside whatever room he happened to be in.
He shook his head. “Unless there’s a viable threat, I don’t permit them in the private wing. They are, however, stationed at every entryway to the wing.”
Her gaze went to the grates and the walls holding them. “So, they’re stationed outside the walls?”
“Of course.”
“Won’t they hear us?”
A wicked smile spread over his lips. “Not unless I make you scream.”
“Very sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
He reached for her. “There’s only one way to find out.”
***
Maggie listened with half an ear to Kenhel’s yammering. “And then Relian….”
She glanced around the great hall and looked for Talion, trying not to be obvious. Even her senses sought him out. Fortunately, they stood in a relatively empty corner of the cavernous room, along the edge of the makeshift dance floor. The position afforded a good view of the people there.
From somewhere behind her, musicians tuned their instruments. While there was usually music in the evenings after the meal, dancing wasn’t often a part of the festivities unless there was a feast of some sort. Tonight’s entertainment, for a lack of better words, was an after-supper dance. Servants had pushed the tables against the walls, and were now bringing out refreshments.
Talion walked into her line of vision, and her alarm-o-meter blared to life. She followed his trek like she was a needle to his magnet. As if he felt her gaze, he turned and lifted a brow. It was so subtle a movement, most wouldn’t notice the action unless they knew to look for it. And nobody did. Well, except for Avrin maybe. He’d been giving them strange stares for days now. She would have to see what was eating at him. Hopefully, it was nothing that concerned her.
With an internal shrug, she put Avrin from her mind and traded a smile with Talion. A shiver of excitement peeled down her spin before he turned back to the person he talked with. This secret rendezvous stuff was exciting, and she’d enjoy it while it lasted. Talion had been visiting her room at night for the last week and a half. He even showed her a secret passage to his chamber. She laughed hysterically when she saw it. How cliché. Talion hadn’t seen the humor.
Oddly enough, their relationship had settled into a kind of absurd normalcy. Who would’ve figured an elvin king and a loud-mouthed woman could have so much fun in bed…and out of it. He challenged her in every way. After their romps, they would often have a light meal and discuss matters ranging from the most inconsequential things to ones of weighty importance. At least, it was what Talion called them.
But they both shied away from speaking of anything person
al from their pasts, and she liked it that way. This idyllic time would end. It always did. Their obsession with sex had created too many near misses of almost being caught. That man wanted to christen every empty room with her, not that she really minded. She was almost as crazed about getting into his pants as he was getting into hers.
Plus, the sex relaxed him in a way no mere kiss could. He wouldn’t discuss matters of state with her, but by the tension coiled in him when he came to her, she knew he was under great stress.
If their romps didn’t out them, then Talion would do it himself. She had about a month and a half until he spilled the beans to everyone about their bond. Bands of panic tightened around her chest. Two and a half months until her life was no longer hers. It would be controlled by Talion, by his subjects…her subjects. A wave of lightheadedness swam over her. She grimaced, gulping in a lungful of air. Damn it all, she was so allergic to the idea of being responsible she could barely stay conscious. Not good for her possible future role as queen.
No way could she ever be up to that duty. She’d been lax about looking for an escape clause. So far, she’d done diddlysquat toward that end. Geez, it was almost like she didn’t want an escape from— She cut the ridiculous thought short. No way she wanted to be caged into marriage and become Queen of Elflandia. She would be a royal screw-up.
The sight of Cal marching toward her and Kenhel yanked her back to the present. Maggie smothered a groan. She’d been avoiding Cal as much as possible. Since she hated lying to her friend, hiding from her had seemed the safest idea. Now, she wasn’t sure. Her auburn-haired friend had her determined face on. This meant trouble, but it was too late to run away.
“There you are. You’re one hard woman to pin down lately.”
At Cal’s slightly chiding words, Maggie’s blood pounded through her veins, setting her on edge. How much did Cal suspect? Without asking her outright, there was no way to tell. Yet.
Maggie pasted a smile to her face and shrugged. If she didn’t act normal, she’d only be giving Cal more ammunition. “I’ve been here and there.” Which was true—omission didn’t count, so she wasn’t lying. “Anyway, you’re not free like you were. How is it being a princess?” Because if that sucks, being queen will suck even more.