Page 142 of Queen’s Gambit

Chapter 40

Reynard

There wasn’t enough wine in this damned kingdom to calm my nerves. My hand tightened on the delicate crystalline glass as I stared out of the window, listening to the running water and the soothing song from the next room.

When Cinared told me what happened in the grotto and below Tangra’s palace, my first reaction was to charge to the bathroom and question her. I wanted an explanation, and, if I was being honest, reassurance. Cinared stopped me.

She chose you. She could have ascended, become one of them, but she chose you. Above power, above her wings, above the adulation of worshippers. Do you have any idea how few resisted this temptation? Let her live as she wants, and when the time comes, I’ll take care of the rest.

I was still mulling it over when the humming stopped, and Sana walked out wrapped in a soft, fluffy towel.

I stared at her body, her skin, normally pale, now tanned by Tangra’s sun, blonde strands that had grown and were now curling on her shoulders, but most of all at her radiant smile as she towelled her hair. I had to preserve this happiness, whatever it took.

My woman, my Sanika, had already gone through too much.

‘Rey, you’re staring.’

‘I know.’ I crossed the room in a few quick steps and reached for the towel.

I tugged on it, and Roksana chuckled, raising her arms and letting it fall. Her skin glowed, and I forgot how to breathe, though not for long.

The scent of lilac and honey hit my nostrils. With a soft groan, I slid my nose over her neck; my addiction to her sent the sensation straight to my loins.

‘Please tell me you’re not too tired,’ I whispered, helpless against my desire.

‘Not that tired at all,’ she purred when I pulled her closer. Sana’s hand slid inside my shirt, nails scraping over my skin. ‘But tired enough you’ll have to do most of the work. I’ll just lay there and think of Dagome… like a queen.’

There was a teasing tone in her voice, but also an undercurrent of doubt. She knew Cin had told me everything. My dragon wouldn’t betray her trust. What I didn’t understand was what she was doubting.

‘I’ve planned our wedding and your coronation for the Summer Solstice. If you still want it.’ I picked her up and carried her to the bed, turning towards her as I lay on my side.

‘Didn’t I already agree?’ She frowned. I slid my finger across the crease between her eyebrows.

‘That was before everything went mad. So I want to ask again,’ I said, pulling her closer, my heartbeat pounding. ‘I’m not a good man, my love. I schemed, threatened and killed people to win this war. My hands are bloody, my conscience is tainted, but I can promise you two things. First, whatever you choose, I’ll love you. Second, I’ll never push you into something you don’t want. No heirs, no power, no magic. All I want is you.’

Sana’s hand drifted to my face. I leaned into it, closing my eyes, waiting for the verdict.

‘Summer Solstice sounds nice, and I was hoping we’d start our dynasty now, unless you don’t want to…’ Her voice trailed off, and my eyes snapped open.

Was she teasing me? In such a moment?

‘You don’t have to. Erenhart babies are hard on women. Annika almost died delivering her babies. You don’t have to…’

Sana shrieked, sitting straight and staring at me with a blinding grin. ‘Ani had her baby? Boy or girl, and who’s the father… I mean, this time. What does the little treasure look like?’

I ran my hand through my hair, shaking my head before a slow smile spread across my lips. ‘Babies. A little half-fae princess and… well, I don’t know how to explain, but the boy looks like the gods took Ani, Orm and Vahin and mixed them all together.’

Cinared’s mind flashed like a sun flare, and I groaned, realising he’d heard it all.

Sana’s eyes widened, and before I knew it, I was on my back with her straddling my hips.

‘Rey,’ she purred my name while waves of her power caressed my skin.

‘Yes, my light?’

‘You’re very restrained for a man who supposedly missed me.’ Roksana’s fingers danced through the hair on my abdomen. ‘Love me, Rey. We’ve lost so much. Show me our future was worth all those sacrifices.’

All questions disappeared under her touch. Sana closed her eyes when I pulled her closer, lips parting. Our breath mingled when she exhaled, her tongue sliding into my mouth, timidly questing, testing my restraint.