I ignored Thor’s growl from the bed.
I looked the consort over. He was young, eager to please. I recognized him from the news reports about Trinity’s kidnapping and remembered that he had helped save her on the night of the royal reception, when the traitor Zel had kidnapped her. “Thank you for your assistance in saving my sister’s life.”
He blushed like a teenager. “Thank you, Your Highness. Anything to assist, you need only ask. Anything at all,” he repeated, although he gave a furtive glance at Thor.
Thor practically growled from the bed and I was surprised that he had not risen to greet me. Had not shoved the consort’s hand from mine.
As tactfully as I could, I slid my hand free and placed it behind my back so the young man would not see me wipe his touch from my skin on the back of my dress. “Thank you. And yes, there is something you can do.”
“Anything, Princess.”
“Leave us, and tell the guards to block the door. No one gets in here. Not even my sister.”
His eyes widened and he was quiet for a moment. “Are you sure, Your Highness—“
I cut him off with a wave of my hand, my eyes on my mate now and nothing else. “Leave. Now.?
??
He bowed and scurried out of the room like a chastised puppy with his tail between his legs. I waited to hear the door click, then walked over to lock it before returning to the side of the bed. It was then I saw the restraints, saw the sheet that covered him, the way his cock tented the thin material. I swallowed, my skin heating.
“They had to tie you down?”
“They did.” Thor’s gaze devoured me as if he’d been starving for the sight of me. I felt the same. But him being cuffed to the bed, bothered me.
“Why? Are you so desperate to be free of me?” The words hurt. A lot.
“I should not be here.” He tugged at the ropes around his wrists, to no avail. But he didn’t take his gaze off me. My body. My breasts. My neck. Lips. And finally, my eyes. I caught his gaze and willed him not to look away. The time for games was over.
“You’re mine, Thor.” I put every ounce of royal conviction into my voice. Maybe him being tied up was a good idea. He had to listen, to hear reason, the stubborn fool. If I had to keep him restrained until he listened to reason—well, that wasn’t ideal, but I was desperate. He couldn’t leave me. I needed him.
“You should choose another,” he replied. “I am not worthy. My family is tainted.”
I shook my head, put my hand over my heart. “You’re mine. I need you. You promised me, Thor. You promised me forever.”
He shook his head, and I noticed the salty remains of tears streaking the side of his face. My heart stuttered.
“That was before—“ His voice broke and I choked down pain so I could speak.
“Before what? Before I fell in love with you?” Stubborn, stubborn man. I leaned over and kissed his temple, the remnants of his tears. Then I released the tie on his wrist.
He didn’t move, confusion in his eyes. “You have never spoken of love.”
I walked around the end of the bed, slowly, the gown I wore making me feel like a phantom wearing a shell as his gaze followed me. This royal beauty was not me. I was simple and plain and preferred to curl up in front of a fireplace with a good book. I was not this complicated, seductive, posturing princess. This gown was not me. This made up face was not mine. I was an imposter. A fake that I’d shown to all of Alera.
The only time I felt real was in his arms. With his cock buried deep inside me. With my name on his lips and his heartbeat pressed to my ear. He made me feel alive. Real. Whole. And I didn’t want to give that up.
Regardless, I was not going to force him. This was not going to be a repeat of the dungeon. I was not ruled by the Ardor any longer. There would be no coercion. No more lies or secrets between us. I released the restraint on his opposite wrist and he was free. I held my breath. Waited. He stared at me. His cock tented the sheet but neither of us moved for long moments, staring at one another.
I wondered what he was thinking, but I didn’t dare ask. I’d put my heart on the line, told him the truth, set him free. I was in love with him. That I needed him. If he left me now, he would destroy me, but I would know he wanted honor over me. The Jax name was important to him, but I had to hope I was even more valued.
“Why did you lie, Faith?” he asked. “About my mother. About all of it.”
He spoke of my announcement to Alera. He’d seen it.
“I protected what was mine, Thor,” I told him. “And you are mine.”
He shook his head again. “But what of Trinity? Leo? The royal guard?”