Page 138 of Journey to the Elderoak
She drank it, wincing at the bitter taste. “What now?”
“Well, you continue to rest.”
“I need to start training my magic as soon as possible,” she said. “She’s obviously getting nervous. Desperate if she sent someone to the ball to assassinate me. We don’t have time for rest.”
He shook his head. “A few more days won’t make a difference. You can’t train if you can barely walk.”
“Fine. We could…do other things…” she suggested. She wanted to touch him. To hold him. To feel his skin against hers.
His eyes darkened. “No. You’re too weak. Soon, though.” He leaned in and kissed her, then pulled away. “In the meantime, you need a bath.”
She smacked him on the shoulder, and he chuckled. “Rude.”
Over the next few days,everyone visited. Ava’s brother had rushed in the moment he got word she was awake and had hugged her so hard, she thought her ribs would break. When he pulled away, he had tears in his eyes and was smiling with joy at her recovery.
Fanya came and gossiped with her, keeping her company whenever Casimir had to work and even Queen Thalia dropped by. She and her husband were staying at the castle now. Thorne had offered them an empty wing until they could reclaim their conquered kingdom.
Jorrar and Quinn had come, the latter chastising her for not hiding a dagger under her dress for protection, and the former sitting with her calmly as he did with most people. Pax had stopped by several times, trying to hide the worry on his face as he told her funny stories to keep her entertained.
She knew she was missing out on the meetings andplanning the King and Queen of Igneothenia were now a part of. Casimir informed her they had almost finalized their plan to retrieve the book and rescue Isolde and were developing a strategy to take back the volcanic kingdom. There was an abundance of work ahead and she could sense the anticipation and dread.
Cirilla had helped her bathe, and she was able to move around, feeling stronger each day. Raine told her he’d start training with her in a couple of days and she was ready. Ready for revenge for all she and her friends had gone through. Ready to face her enemy.
Ava and Casimir had briefly spoken about the soulbond. He wanted to wait until she was well enough, but she was done waiting. She was well now and ready to make that commitment to him. Ready to bind her soul to his.
Tonight, she was nestled on the couch in her robe after bathing, a soft white blanket pulled up to her chest as she read a book. Casimir was in another war council meeting, and she had promised Kai she would rest for one more day before venturing about.
Unable to focus, she slammed the book shut and leaned her head back on the sofa, releasing a frustrated groan as Casimir walked in.
“What’s wrong?” he said, sitting next to her, slinging his arm across the back of the couch and toying with her hair.
“I’m so bored. I can’t wait to get out of this room.”
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Completely fine.”
She raised her hand and cupped his face, her eyes roving over his features. She wanted him now. Didn’t want to wait any longer. Casimir’s hand moved to the back of her neck and brought her lips to his, cautiously parting them as if he was afraid she’d break.
Ava deepened the kiss, plunging her hands into his hair asshe climbed into his lap and straddled him. He groaned into her mouth and gripped her hips as they continued their eager exploration.
She pulled away, her forehead pressed to his.
“Are you trying to seduce me, princess?” he said with a smirk.
She placed a kiss on his jaw as she ground herself into his hard length. “Yes,” she whispered into his skin, continuing her path down the side of his neck. “Is it working?”
“Yes,” he moaned. “Are you sure you’re alright?”
“Positive.” She gripped the hem of his shirt and lifted, but in one fell swoop, Casimir reached behind him, grasping the collar, and removed it, tossing it on the floor. Leaning back, she let her eyes explore every dip and cut of muscle, running her hands along his abs, the dusting of hair on his chest. Exploring each and every scar with the brush of her fingers.
His breath caught as he watched her, raw need blazing in his eyes.
He stood, set her down and picked her back up, throwing her over his shoulder. He smacked her ass, and she shrieked as he carried her through the living room.
“Did you just spank me?”
“Yes,” he replied as he pinched her rear and she yelped. “I’ve been wanting to do that since you taunted me in those tight pants the day we left for Saxumdale.”
