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 watched the dust motes float lazily through the stream of light, feeling his heartbeat against my back and the steady rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. I felt . . . peaceful. Cared for. Cocooned in his strength, held close to him like I was something precious. A lump formed in my throat, this blissful feeling creating a deep warmth within me, suffusing my body.
In the next moment, though, my thoughts drifted to yesterday, to the dragons, the interrogation, the fairy, all that had happened with Granny . . .
My heart sped up, and I slipped from his embrace, scared to lose myself in that feeling, unable to really process my life right now. I had precious little time for anything beyond work; the dragons had started the clock.
“Where are you going?” Weston asked sleepily, reaching for me.
I avoided his grasp. “Time to get to work. I need to grab a few books before heading out to the garden. I need to make sure my flower is planted properly today. I just want to dash into the library before that terrifying king gets there. Can I assume I’m allowed to enter now?”
He propped up his head with his elbow, watching me dress. “You were always allowed to enter. He’s intense, but he’s fair, Aurelia. He’s a good king. He won’t hurt you just to watch you squirm.”
“I’d rather not accidentally prove you wrong, thanks. That guy is a dangerous sort of unhinged. Even my wolf is fine keeping our distance.”
“Yup,” my wolf intoned.
“Vemar is the one commonly thought to be unhinged, you know.” Weston grinned as I slipped into the washroom, needing to clean myself up a little. He’d made good on his threat to thoroughly mark me with his scent, and I knew today would be . . . interesting. “He thought he was going mad down in the dungeons.”
Weston had rolled to his back when I returned, his hands folded behind his head.
“Then again, I think we all did,” he said. “Vemar just admitted it.”
“Vemar has zero fear of things that should make him wary. He’s not mad, he’s courageous. And fun. I don’t really know him, but so far I like his company.”
Emotions flitted through the bond, turbulent but reflective. I waited for his comment. When it didn’t come, I said, “What?”
He looked at me for a moment. “Nothing. I’ve requested to have all your things rehomed. Your glass . . . contraptions will go out to the work sheds, as you call them. You’ll be working in a shed alongside the queen so she can keep an eye on you, as promised. The former queen is in that shed, as well. I know you are new to all this, but it is considered a huge privilege and great honor to work alongside those women. They are the best at what they do, not to mention they are royalty. Please be respectful.”
“Of course I will be. I’m used to minding my own business and ignoring hostile stares from my coworkers. I doubt this will be any different.”
“Maybe not, but I suggest you remain mindful about challenging the queen. You saw how eager she was to meet the last one.”
“I’ll say,” I mumbled. She’d been downright excited that I should show a little fight. She would not be as easy to manhandle as Raz. I’d need to learn to fight before I messed with that woman.
“Your journals will be in your new room. The room will be prepared this morning and will be available for you this afternoon. I’ll take you to it once I receive word it’s ready. We can make any adjustments as needed.”
“What sort of lock does it have?” I grinned at him.
His smile was a thing of beauty. The man was a stunner. “Probably one you’ll have no trouble picking. It won’t be locked from the outside, though. You are free to move around the castle. That does not include the grounds, however, and it certainly does not include the Royal Wood. You are being given time by the royals, but that is more time for Granny to locate you and make plans. You are safer here than anywhere else, but you are not safe, Aurelia. Not until we’ve dealt with Granny.”
I sobered, a chill running through me. “I know,” I murmured.
He surprised me when he said, “Later today we’ll shift together.” My wolf leapt for joy.
Good. Maybe she could take over things for a while. I could use the break.
He leveled me with a look. “Be careful until I see you again, okay? Stay out of trouble. Don’t stick any more scissors into dragons.”
I couldn’t fully stifle my answering grin, so I leaned over quickly and pressed my lips to his in goodbye. There I paused, startled, not actually having meant to do that. Once there, though, it felt like the natural thing to do. I softened my lips, drawing out the contact.