A growl brewed in Micah. Norok had a big mouth when he imbibed.
“I see,” Red repeated, pensive.
As the festivities continued, one female coming forward at a time to select her companion, Micah stared straight ahead, his eyes slitted. Red watched him. He sensed it—gloried in her awareness in the marrow of his bones.
To his amazement, she edged closer and rasped in his ear, “If there were truly no obstacles today, I would pick you for the night.”
His head whipped in her direction. Then he recalled her propensity for snuggling. “This, I know. You like to use me for warmth.”
“Yes, that’s true. But tonight I would demand so much more.”
He swallowed hard. Would she now? “Tell me the obstacles I must overcome.” What would he do to have her, if only for a few short hours?
He thought he might do anything.
She leaned forward and brushed the tip of her nose against his. “End your war with Kaysar before it begins. Offer your surrender, and I’m yours.”
CHAPTER TEN
STIFFNESS INVADED MICAH’S LIMBS, his deepest suspicions flaring. He glared at Red, who continued to hold his stare, unwavering. Kaysar was the type of male who punished anyone for any perceived crime. If he knew this female had killed his parents, he would not stop pursuing her until her head decorated his mantel—or Micah removed his head.
He easily imagined what had happened with Red and the depraved king’s sires. No doubt belua had murdered the couple in defense of their sleeping beauty, and now Vee carried the blame. But why request this?
“You wish to spare the sadistic king who swore revenge against you?”
“No, you big dummy.” She cupped his cheek, keeping his face angled toward hers. A willing touch, offered of her own free will. Soft and gentle, yet also demanding, with her sharp nails ready to pierce his skin at the slightest provocation. “I wish to spare you.”
Oh. Ohhhh. Air burst past his lips, a sun seeming to dawn inside his chest. She sought to protect his life. His. Because she considered him delicious and hoped to...be with him? An outcome beyond his wildest imaginations.
Intoxicated by the notion, he nuzzled into her palm. Not enough. Want more. He turned in his chair and bracketed her legs with his own, caging her in. “You have nothing to fear from Kaysar. Not for yourself, and not for me. I’ll win the war against him, I assure you.”
As he spoke, she ogled his mouth as if she craved a taste. “Should you be indulging your confidence, Your Majesty? I believe your former oracle tried to advise you otherwise.”
Did she crave his kiss? Without payment? Every cell in his body became hyperfocused on fulfilling such a desire. He must make her understand his viewpoint immediately. “Free will affects an oracle’s visions. Meaning, those visions are constantly subject to change.” Gripping the flare of her hips, he urged her closer. Closer. “Ask anything else of me, and I’ll do it.”
Bending into him, she brushed her nose against his. A show of affection he relished—the first he’d ever received. “Why don’t I explain your reward first, if you decide to indulge me?”
He nuzzled his stubbled cheek against her smooth skin. “Are you attempting to bribe a king?”
“Yes,” she whispered, unrepentant. Jade eyes sparkling, she toyed with the ends of his hair. Perhaps the greatest sensation of all. “Is it working?”
It must be. His mind fogged. Red...rewarding him...kissing him. More? “What do you offer? Exactly?” Best to be clear.
She grazed her lips against his. “Anything you desire.”
He sucked air between his teeth, one word rolling through his mind again and again. Anything...
Accept! His next inhalation scraped his lungs. No, no. He must think of more than his own yearnings. How to make this female understand? “Trust me, sweet Red.” Please. “There are legions of trolls awaiting my command. Their numbers are incalculable, their ability to destroy unfathomable. When the truce with Kaysar ends, there won’t be a war. There will be an annihilation.” He combed his fingers through her silken hair. “The moment I accepted responsibility for your well-being, the Unhinged One ceased being a threat to you. He has no defenses against me—he just doesn’t know it yet.”
* * *
MICAH’S THREAT ECHOED in Viori’s head. Her first instinct? To strike out and stop him now, now, now. Let him harm her brother? Never! But. This was the Feast of Remembering. She was a mighty fae, and nothing was impossible for her. And, if nothing was impossible, she had no reason to cave to anger. Anger wasn’t the best path to take, anyway. Especially on a day without obstacles.
No obstacles, no fears to shield her deepest desires. In a perfect world, she would...what?
Easy. Forge a lasting relationship with Kaysar. Save her children. Promote peace with the male she suspected she might...like. Micah wouldn’t loathe her when he discovered her connection to Kaysar and the “monsters” he wished to slay. No, her delectable host would want only to make her happy. She could belong to him, and he could belong to her.