Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 81261 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81261 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
“Oh.” Warmth creeps up my neck by what that means. “Okay.”
Then Amell bends distance to somewhere else, and I’m alone.
CHAPTER 13
Amell
The Bridge of Judgment is cleared of all souls. Another day that not one is worthy of reincarnation, and the Crimson River’s hunger has been sated.
There are a dozen things I could be doing in my capacity as ruler, but I choose to go to my suite in the hope of finding Nyssa there. I know the chances are low because she legitimately prefers spending her days working in the kitchens to alleviate her boredom. For the past two weeks, she’s headed there after breakfast, returning just before dinner so she’s available to serve me.
I’ve not made particular efforts to seek her out during the days, forcing myself to be satisfied with having her in my bed at night, but I’ve had Calix keep a close eye on her. He’s advised me that she works hard and without complaint under Rhynda’s keen and merciless watch. More importantly, he’s told me that Rhynda has kept her ravager side in check and hasn’t lifted a hand toward Nyssa.
Calix says that Rhynda will barely make eye contact with Nyssa. Word has gotten around that I threw the incubus who went after her into the Crimson River, so most beings give Nyssa a wide berth in the castle. It appears she’s moderately safe for now, but I haven’t loosened my control of where she goes. My suite, the laundry, and the kitchens, and that’s it.
I can tell she’s not arrived yet the minute I step into my rooms. Nyssa puts off a vibration I can feel when I’m near her. No clue what it is, but it’s been there since we first fucked.
Walking through to the bedroom, I happily note that Calix has come through for me. I sent him on errands this morning, and he’s left the bounty laid out on the bed.
More clothing for Nyssa from the First Dimension. I specifically had him buy for comfort, although I’m not in the least bit put out by the pile of sexy lingerie. I’ll make sure to reward him for his extra effort.
In addition to the clothes is a pile of books. I don’t know what she likes to read, so I instructed him to get a variety.
I also had him get chocolate because while Nyssa tends to be very closed off about her human life, she mentioned a few days ago how much she misses chocolate.
I’d have preferred to procure all this stuff myself, but given my inability to leave the Underworld, I have to rely on Calix for now.
Reaching out, I pick up a black lacy bra and study it. We don’t have such things in the Underworld, but I’m looking forward to taking this off Nyssa.
“That’s a little too frilly for you.”
I jolt, recognizing Zora’s voice but turn slowly to look at her. She’s the only being who has the power to sneak up on me.
“You could knock,” I say dryly, tossing the bra back on the bed.
She shrugs, moving forward to examine the items laid out. Zora looks as lovely as ever with her white hair and exotic eyes, yet now she emanates power. A side benefit of being a god.
“Are you still mad at me?” she asks, facing me with her hands clasped placidly before her.
“Are you going to open my prison doors?” I ask.
“No.”
“Then I’m still mad at you,” I reply, walking into the main living area. As expected, she follows.
“Interesting… all the things you’re providing for your new acquisition.” Her tone is playful, not condescending. Zora doesn’t like me being mad at her. We’ve shared too much.
I ignore the jab. “Would you like something to drink?”
“No. I won’t be staying long. Just checking in.”
“You never just check in.” I pour a glass of wine from the sideboard and move to the couch. Without invitation—she doesn’t need one as her welcome is always implied—Zora settles in on the opposite side.
“True. But I did want to make sure you were okay after your dustup with Maddox.”
“Dustup?” My laugh is mirthless. “We tried to kill each other.”
“Which is impossible. The extra powers I gave you for taking the throne makes you Maddox’s equal in terms of immortality and strength. You two attacked each other knowing nothing would come of it.”
We attacked each other over Zora, and she knows it.
“I don’t know what you see in him,” I grouse, not from jealousy but pure consternation. “He’s arrogant and pigheaded.”
“Sounds a lot like you.”
I sip my wine, noting she doesn’t deny seeing something in him.
“Did he ask you about reincarnating Lucien?”
“He did,” I reply with a genial smile. “And I declined to look into it.”
Zora nods her acceptance of my edict, though not without a slight flattening of her lips. She won’t ask me to reconsider—she respects my decision as king of the Underworld. It’s born from the fact I didn’t want this job and took it only because she begged me to.