Page 42 of Kronos’ Consort

“Lost interest?” Her heart pounded faster at his verdict. “That doesn’t bode well for me, Master.”

“Nonsense.” His digits relaxed in her hair. “You are unique, little one, unlike any before you. You want to learn as much as you long to serve. You’ve mesmerized me.”

“I’ve mesmerized you?” She chuckled softly. “I think it’s the other way around, Master.”

“A mutual magnetism, then?” He arched a brow at the compromise. In all of those eons, he’d never once desired to negotiate before. His urge to placate her was just another omen of how significant she was, a mark of how there was no future that didn’t include his gorgeous blonde.

“Maybe.” She pressed a gentle kiss on his leg. “I still think it’s more you than me, though. I am not magical, after all.”

She was correct, although looking at her, he felt compelled to disagree. He couldn’t remember anyone as magical as her.

“And you said you’ve made vows to each of those women,” she went on, apparently unaware of his internal debate.

“I did,” he confirmed, having already gone over the matter with her at some length. “And I always honor my commitments, little one.”

Not that he’d always been so honorable, but, thankfully, Kristina would never need to know the monstrous king who’d been hellbent on destroying his own family in pursuit of his lust for power. Thanks to her influence and the ages that had passed since, he was quite literally a different being.

“But if there are so many of them, and you’re bound to answer their calls at any time, Master, how does that work?” She rose higher on her knees. “What happens if they all need your help at the same time? What will happen to me if you need to go to them?”

“You will be safe.” His hand shifted to cradle the side of her face. Trust his little one to catastrophize the potential of the vows he’d made. “I will never again risk losing you.”

He ensured his focus drilled into her before he continued. “And remember, in all my years, only two mortals have ever called on me to make good on my promise. Most lead happy lives after they leave me and die wiser, more gratified women.”

“Yes.” Her breath was warm on his shin. “That’s true.”

“I won’t leave you again, Kristina.” Resolve echoed in his voice. “And I don’t want to go back to resorting to locks and chains, either. If I’m bound to go to them, then you shall accompany me.”

“Thank you, Master.” Tension sagged from her shoulders as she snuggled closer to him again. “After last time, I especially do not relish the idea of being alone here, and I don’t want the bondage, either.”

“Unless you deserve the fetters, of course.” He threw her a playful wink, aware of the way his cock throbbed between them at the thought. “I am not averse to binding you, but only when required.”

“Yes, Master.” She rested against his shin. “Can I ask more about your magic?”

He sniggered at her convenient change of subject. “Go on.”

They had reached a harmonious equilibrium, and while they were in the cloud garden, he was keen to answer her queries.

“It’s about your sleep charms. I don’t know why they haven’t worked so well on me, Master.” She flushed guiltily, as though she’d somehow worked out how to repel his magic.

“For some reason, you are increasingly immune to them.” He glanced out at the never-ending expanse of azure sky stretching out around them. The hue was practically the same color as Kristina’s exquisite eyes, though he more often likened her gaze to the wondrous depths of the oceans. “It has long been the cause of some agitation in me, and it was why you got into trouble at the door in the first place.”

“No.” She shook her head by his knee. “That was my fault, Master. I shouldn’t have gone there.” She motioned to the exit only a few feet from where they were sitting. “If I’d just stayed in bed and waited for you, I would have been all right.”

“You are all right,” he reminded her in a firm tone. “You always will be.”

“Thanks to you.” Blue, watery eyes met his. “Thank you again.”

“No need to thank me,” he assured her. “I will always be there for you, Kristina.”

Watching her rest her head upon his knee, nothing had ever seemed more absolute. He would always be there for her, because he loved her, and being with her made him want to do better.

To be better.

His chin rose as that thought resonated. The Kronos of old was no longer an acceptable replacement for the considerate and responsive master who was happy to give her all the authority she required, while still making the rules.

“You’re the first man who’s ever really been there for me, and you’re not even a man at all.” She snorted lightly, tilting her head as she answered. “Maybe we’ll solve the sleep charm riddle together, but either way, I’m grateful to be yours.”

His lips tugged at the confirmation. “I’m sorry you’ve not had a man in your life to give you what you needed.” He brushed away the loose strands of hair from her cheeks. “You deserved better, little one, and now you’ve got him.”