Page 141 of Queen’s Gambit

‘Tova,’ I said, stepping closer and reaching out to embrace him.

He… bowed. It was a perfect, formal bow that broke my heart into pieces.

‘Your Majesty. I’m happy you’ve returned.’ His words were hollow—an empty politeness that had nothing to do with the brother of my heart. Tears pooled in my eyes, but I blinked them away. I couldn’t force what wasn’t there. Tova couldn’t remember me, but that didn’t mean I’d forgotten the kind dwarf who called me his Drah’sa.

This one-sided love was my punishment for breaking the Veil.

‘How are you settling in?’ I asked.

‘Good. The house is comfortable and spacious. I packed your belongings and sent them to the palace. It wouldn’t be appropriate to resume any previous arrangement.’

‘You’re right. Are you still working at the university?’ I asked, trying to prolong the moment.

‘Yes, it’s very rewarding. The mages kept my old work. I’m re-learning what I lost,’ he said, glancing towards the side and fidgeting. ‘May I take my leave?’

I nodded. Inga sent me an apologetic look as she rushed after the dwarf, and my joy at being home dimmed.

‘He’ll come around. Just give him time,’ Rey whispered, embracing me from behind. I wished I could find the hope in those words, but I knew better.

‘He won’t. Some things can’t be undone. As long as he’s alive, he’ll find his happiness.’ I placed my hands on his and exhaled. ‘Let’s go to the bath chamber before my skin crawls away on its own.’

‘I had to fly low to help you breathe,’ Cinared grumbled behind me before nudging me with his nose. ‘Take her, Rey. Take her before I change my mind and lock her in my lair.’

‘In your dreams. You had her for a month straight while I had an empty bed and a head full of worries,’ Rey retorted. The dragon glared, but I’d had enough.

‘Stay here and argue. I’m going to bed… alone.’ I turned and marched toward the palace. In one swift motion, Rey scooped me into his arms.

‘I can walk,’ I said with a chuckle, though my arms already encircled his neck.

‘Good for you.’ He groaned when my lips touched his neck, my teeth scraping the soft skin over his jugular. ‘And for god’s sake, stop it. I can’t walk through the palace with a rock-hard cock.’

My laughter filled the corridors and grew even louder when Reynard broke into a run.

We burst into the royal wing, laughing like crazy. Even from a distance, I heard Danka snapping commands like a military sergeant as the servants, with fear in their eyes, ran back and forth with trays and towels.

‘Your maidservant promoted herself to chief housekeeper, and since I don’t fight wars I can’t win, I left her in the position,’ he whispered, and I grinned.

‘That doesn’t surprise me.’

Our bedroom was spotless; it was also nothing like the destruction I’d left behind. Riordan must have hired craftsmen because the wild forest my magic had created was now carved and chiselled into intricate designs, giving the bedroom an otherworldly yet cosy feel.

‘My lady, everything is ready for your return.’ Danka bowed. ‘Everything is as you prefer.’

A hint of a challenge edged her tone, but I knew better than to rise to it. I only nodded.

‘You’ve done well. Now, I want to be alone with the king. Please ensure we’re not disturbed.’ I smiled. ‘And tomorrow we’ll talk about your new position. I’m in need of a trusted lady-in-waiting.’

A maid gasped, and Danka’s growing smile made it clear everyone understood the comment. The chief maid, whilst important, was still a servant; becoming a lady-in-waiting meant gaining a noble title and power rarely given to commoners.

‘Thank you, my lady,’ she said with a curtsey before turning to the rest of the servants. ‘You heard the queen. Out, now.’

When we were alone, Reynard burst out laughing. ‘Can I borrow her for the New Year manoeuvres? That woman would leave my generals trembling in their boots.’

Instead of answering, I hooked my fingers inside the neckline of my dress and pulled it off my shoulder. ‘You’re talking about another woman right now?’

Rey fell silent, hypnotised as the fabric slid off my body. He swallowed hard.

‘Sana, we don’t have to…’ That was an interesting statement. One that contradicted the hunger burning in his eye and his balled fists.

‘Oh, I know that,’ I teased, ‘but the question is… do you want to?’

Reynard nodded so vigorously I feared his head would drop off.

‘Perfect. Give me half an hour to wash Tangra’s desert off my skin, then I expect worship…’

My voice caught. Amid the chorus of voices whispering in my mind, a soft baritone offered not a prayer but a pledge spoken with such conviction that it could force even gods to yield.

I’ll worship you, Sanika. To the end of time, with all I am, here, beyond the Veil, I’ll kneel to the woman forever in my heart.