Total pages in book: 182
Estimated words: 171176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 856(@200wpm)___ 685(@250wpm)___ 571(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 171176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 856(@200wpm)___ 685(@250wpm)___ 571(@300wpm)
“I do it because it is my duty,” I told her, entering the hallway leading to each of our chambers.
“You do it because you enjoy doing your duty. You enjoy making sure your kingdom is safe.”
“Yes.”
“I love you for that. It’s one more thing on the list of reasons I appreciate you. I feel like I’ve found my dream man.”
I waited by her door as she opened it, and took her hand as I led her inside. Only Leala’s scent filled the air, but I kept Aurelia by the door as I checked the interior anyway, ensuring there were no surprises.
“And I feel like I’ve found true love,” I told her when I returned, wrapping her in my arms and kissing her deeply. “I love you.”
She squeezed me tight, the feelings mirrored in the bond and overflowing.
“Just give me a few minutes, okay?” she said, backing off a little. “I just need to write in my journal and get ready and all that. I’ll just be a moment." She gifted me a saucy smile. "And then you can take me back to your chambers, and we can give my wolf a run for it when it comes to talking dirty.”
Chapter 32
Aurelia
“Time to seize the day, Captive Lady,” Vemar said a few days later, standing just outside Weston’s door. He wore a sunny disposition and plain gray attire.
“You look fresh-faced,” I said, closing the door behind me. “Why the drab attire?”
“These are my new work clothes.” He smoothed the fabric down his large torso. “If I accidentally blow something up and ruin my clothes, new ones will be quick and easy to make.”
“Makes sense.”
“So, I hear you’re the quickest wolf in the pack.” He kept pace as I started walking.
I glanced at him. “Where’d you hear that?”
“A little wolfie told me. Apparently, it is a big secret.”
“That you will keep, hopefully.”
“Of course.” He put his hand on his heart. “I am very discreet. Everyone says so.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Is that why you are so sunny this morning? Did you get properly laid last night?”
“Getting properly laid yesterday was more of an afternoon delight. No, I tested your new sleep product last night.”
I frowned at him. “You know the rules. I’m supposed to test that first.”
“You did test it first. You did it last night, right? I’m sure you popped it before I did.”
I gave him a flat stare.
“Anyway, it worked like a charm. I slipped softly into z-land and didn’t wake up until the usual time. No sleep hangover, no grogginess, nothing. I wouldn’t make a habit of it because I don’t like sleeping that soundly in case something happens, but for a one-off, I think you nailed it.”
I nodded as we walked. I thought I’d nailed it too. The first change had made it so it took too long to get to sleep, but this time it had seemed natural and just right.
“I think I’ll make one that doesn’t pull you so deeply under—”
“Hello.” Farther up the hall, Calia, dressed in a beautiful sort of shimmering robe with tassels down the front, pushed off the wall. Her hair was done up in blonde braids with little wisps of hair falling around her face. She smiled, always a beautiful sight. “Good morning.”
“Good morning.” Her presence confused me, and I slowed as we reached her. “You’re up early.”
“Yes. I wanted to catch you first thing. Word came in late last night from my king. I wondered if you had a minute?”
Vemar pointed at me, stepping away. “I’ll catch you later, Captive Lady.”
He walked off down the hall.
“Yeah, sure.” I entwined my fingers as nervousness simmered within me, the conversation with the queen the other night coming to the forefront of my mind.
“Fantastic.” She turned, holding out her hand in the direction we’d just come from. “Please, this way. I have a lovely pastry setup in my chambers.”
“Oh. Sure.” I let her escort me down the hall, turning a few corners and winding toward the backside of the castle. Near the end of the corridor, she unlocked then opened a door and stepped aside, allowing me to enter the lavish space with a large sitting room and decorated walls.
A table displayed various pastries, like she’d said, with tea laid out in a delicate porcelain pot with cute little teacups.
“Please, help yourself.” She gestured at it, stopping behind the teapot. “Would you like tea?”
“Yes, please.” I took a pastry out of politeness, setting it on a little plate that matched the tea set that I was worried I would inadvertently break.
Once the tea was poured, she crossed the room, her robe swishing around her legs. She sat on the couch, and I took a seat opposite her. The furniture was white and easy to stain. I leaned forward and set the plate down on the polished coffee table.