Page 6 of Queen’s Gambit

‘I would be grateful if you’d allow me to observe as you work. And not use your skills when my wife is near,’ he answered, and I nodded, moving to my workbench.

I had a few ingredients on hand, so I quickly mixed peppermint with cucumber water and added a hint of ginger. It was tempting to enhance the mixture’s potency using Vivamancy, but under Alaric’s watchful eye, I didn’t dare.

The pale yellow liquid sloshed in the flask when I passed it to Alaric. He poured a few drops onto the back of his hand, tasting it before nodding.

‘That should help her stomach. Thank you, Roksana, and… if you could refrain from mentioning this to Ani, I would be in your debt. My Domina already thinks I’m overbearing.’

‘You are,’ I scoffed, but for some reason, he reminded me so much of Irsha I gave in. ‘You have my word but be careful. Being in debt to the Deadly Nightshade can be dangerous. I may call in your tab one day. In fact, why not call it now. What do you know about blood-activated keys?’

Something dangerous flashed in his eyes. Alaric placed his hand on his chest. ‘I will happily repay my debt as long as my Domina is safe and happy, but this is not the time or place to discuss it. How about we talk about it later? Tomorrow, perhaps?’

‘Why not now?’

‘Because I have a tired woman who hasn’t kept a morsel of food down since yesterday, and before I answer your question, I too would need some answers, and I prefer to have time for this.’

Trust a five-hundred-year-old fae to put me in my place.

‘Fine.’ I nodded, pointing to the door. ‘Shall we?’

A strange silence enveloped us as we walked to the guest quarters. Reynard and Ormond talked in hushed tones as they stood by the window. Rey noticed us first and placed a finger to his lips, pointing to the bed.

Annika was asleep, buried under a mountain of blankets. I bit my lip, unsure what to do. Rey nodded to his brother, then took my hand and led us away from the bedroom.

I didn’t relax until we were back in the royal wing. The fire was already burning brightly, coating the bedroom in warm, flickering light. Rey exchanged a few words with the servants before sending them all away, and I exhaled with relief. I rolled my shoulders back and hunched as I crunched my neck, relaxing the stiff muscles.

‘Annika is a remarkable woman,’ I said, gesturing for him to help with my laces. Rey threw his caftan on the chair and came closer.

‘Yes, she is, but even she never had two dragons fighting for her attention. That single-handedly made my day,’ Rey chuckled, lips so close to my ear his breath caressed the skin.

‘They weren’t fighting. Cin was a little possessive, that’s all,’ I said as his hand slid under the dress and caressed my back in slow, lingering strokes.

‘Are you sure? I was ready to punch Orm when his massive arms wrapped around you,’ he teased, nipping at my neck. ‘Who would have thought I was such a jealous man.’

‘Hmm, what a sight that would’ve been. I would even bet Ormond could win that fight.’ I chuckled as he nipped my shoulder a little harder.

‘Oh, you are such a mercenary. Fine, should I prove I would always win for you? Do you want me to fight for you, Viper?’ Rey’s tone was so delightfully guttural my back instinctively arched for him.

This was a welcome change. Since my return from Tivalaran, I’d been the one to initiate anything more than a casual cuddle. Reynard behaved as if his desire would leave me broken and crying. He meant well, holding me countless times when I woke screaming from the nightmares. Still, each avoidance reminded me of the dungeon.

His teasing, his obvious desire, was so normal, so affirming. I needed it like I needed air.

‘If I say yes, would you fight for me?’ I answered, turning to face him.

He studied my expression while I trailed a finger across his chest.

‘I would tear the world apart for you, Viper,’ he breathed, a hand sliding to the back of my head as he held me and leaned in for a kiss. ‘I’m obsessed with you. I’m dreaming of the moment I crown you my queen and take you as my wife. And when I do, I’ll be a fool shouting from the rooftops that I’ll always be yours.’

The heat awakened by his kiss slid downward, leaving my skin tingling and sensitive before it pooled between my thighs. Rey’s tongue slid into my mouth, exploring with a possessiveness that made my entire body yearn to be his.

‘Then love me like that. Like a fool, like a war king, like a berserker chained to my soul. You’ve been gentle long enough. Please make me feel alive,’ I moaned, fingers tangling in his hair, pulling on the silken strands.

His hands landed on my shoulders, yanking down, and before I knew it, my dress pooled around my feet.

‘You don’t know what you’re asking for, Viper. I’m a weak man. Seeing Annika… do you think we can… Fuck, I want you so much I can barely think straight.’ Rey grasped my butt, lifting me off my feet, and I wrapped my legs around his hips.

‘And if I don’t want to, or can’t have a child?’ I asked.

It wasn’t a serious question. By agreeing to be his wife, I accepted the king needed an heir. I wasn’t against the idea, but I wanted to know if he’d still choose me, and only me, if I couldn’t provide an heir.