Relinquish(85)

“A fine choice, my king, but I stand by my request. This prisoner will be my slave and that binds him to me until death. A soldier, no matter how great he might be, will never have that sort of bond with me.”

Aloysius strokes his beard, tugging it into a point as he deliberates. “Yes, you do make a solid argument.”

“Sire!” Drakon splutters a few feet away. “I highly protest this idea. Don’t you know who this boy is?”

His protest cuts off into a gargled cry as Aloysius bears down upon him. “You dare question my judgment? Do you think me a fool not to know the longings of her heart and mind?”

I frown, wondering what my heart has to do with this.

Don’t give in. You’ve got him convinced. You can save his life.

I press back my shoulders as Drakon flings himself to the ground in an act of humiliation. “No, my king. Never!”

“Malek.” The seven-foot-tall guard jogs forward, his body armor clanking together. “Remove Drakon from my sight. See to it that he learns how to mind his tongue.”

Drakon’s pleas for mercy turn to wailing cries as Malek grabs Drakon by the scruff of his neck and drags him from the room, kicking and shouting. Aloysius turns his back on the scene and clasps my hands in his. “Are you sure you want him?”

I nod, feeling my curls bounce about my cheeks. “His eyes look honest,” I say, turning to search the young man for any sign of deceit. “I believe we can trust him with my life. He is the one I choose, if you are willing.”

A kind smile spreads across Aloysius’s face as he leans in and places a kiss upon my cheek. “Then let this prisoner be my first gift to you.”

I grin as I tuck my arm into his, pleased with how proud he looks. Placing his hand over mine, he addresses the man. “What is your name?”

The wounded man hesitates, casting a wary glance between us. He pushes up to his feet, wincing as he holds his side. He wavers slightly on his feet but stands up tall. “Bastien, my… king.” His gaze shifts toward me and I feel heat rise from the bodice of my dress.

Bastien… I’m here!

“I promise I will give my life to protect my future queen,” the man announces boldly.

Aloysius dips his head. “And so you may, someday. For now, leave us. Alesta will see to it that you are cleaned up properly.”

He struggles to offer a bow. Aloysius waves him off and ignores him as he returns his attention to me. He raises a hand and slowly trails a finger across my cheek, staring intently into my eyes. “You are even more beautiful than I imagined.”

His eyes dip low, lingering upon my chest. I can feel a blush rising into my cheeks.

What I wouldn’t give to knee him in the groin.

My smile wavers as he suddenly steps back. “How rude of me to keep you so long. I’m sure you are exhausted from your journey. Alesta will see to it that you have time to rest and freshen up. I would be honored if you would join me for a tour of the palace this evening.”

“Of course.” I smile, pleased that he is so attentive. I had hoped he would be.

“One last thing before you leave.” He tugs back on my hand as I start toward the door. I frown, sure that I have somehow displeased him, but when he dips his head and presses his lips against mine, I realize his intent. I slip my arms around his neck, drawing him close as I sink into his embrace. His arms tighten around me, unwilling to leave an inch of space between us.

Oh, gross! Get him off me!

“You taste like the sweetest honey,” he murmurs against my lips. His hands rise along my spine, pulling me closer as his lips explore my cheekbones and dip to my jaw

“I’m glad you find me pleasing.”

His hands splay across my back, his fingers digging into my flesh. I can feel a sense of urgency within him and laugh, pulling back from him. He frowns. “So much that I fear I may compromise our wedding night if you remain.”

I laugh and lean in to him. “It has been very nice meeting you,” I whisper and kiss him once more. “But I really would like a bath.”

“Of course.” He finally releases me and watches as I walk toward the exit. A guard pushes open the door for me. I turn back in the doorway and wave. Aloysius seems pleased as he waves back.

The instant the doors close behind me, I double over, feeling as if I’ve been punched in the gut. I gasp, frantically wiping at my lips.

“My lady? Are you ill?” The guard rushes forward.

“No.” I shake my head, rising up as I fight to compose myself. I offer him what I hope to be a convincing smile. “I’m just tired from my journey. Could you please take me to my room?”

“I’ll take her,” a familiar voice calls out.