Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 119158 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119158 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
“What she said about poisons is true. Nearly every known poison is made in Lockeheim. While anyone can purchase most of them, there are some incredibly potent and lethal ones that only high-ranking military officials and members of the royal family can possess.” He stopped and I could feel him shake his head. “I have someone trying to identify the poison found on my sword, but I haven’t heard from him yet.”
“While all might be well between your two kingdoms officially, there are always greedy people in the shadows who want more. I’d be willing to bet someone inside West Vale castle made a deal with someone in Lockeheim to get their hands on that poison. If you and Orian are eliminated, I’m sure a lot of new opportunities arise.”
Nylian pressed a kiss to my shoulder. “There are times when I cannot fault your logic.”
“I’m always logical.”
That kiss turned into a bite. “Not even close, precious one.”
There was that endearment again.
He’d first used it when we’d been putting on a show for the queen’s helper while hiding in the closet. I’d shrugged it off as more padding for their performance, something to make it all seem more convincing. But to hear him say it with such a mix of tenderness and joy, it squeezed my heart and wouldn’t let go. Had anyone else given me a nickname like that? I couldn’t recall.
Now that he’d used it, I wanted to hear it over and over.
This was a slippery slope. This didn’t feel like fun and games. So not a harmless fling. I wanted to stay in these arms and bask in his shameless grin. I wanted to be his person—his one and only—forever.
But how was that going to work? I didn’t belong here. Was this place even real? Would it all disappear when we reached the end of the story? Would I be thrown into my old body?
I wanted to stay with Nylian. These arms were where I belonged. Everything I’d built in my world felt fleeting and temporary. Well, everything except for Georgie and Jack. Other than them, I had no family. My own readers had probably moved on at this point, found a better story to entertain them.
But here, I was needed. Nylian needed me. Not just to clear his name, but also his heart and soul needed me like I needed him.
“Have your things ready to go tomorrow morning,” Nylian instructed, pulling me from my rambling thoughts.
“My things?”
He grunted and his hands resumed their course over my body, working their way lower. “I noticed a servant brought our belongings to the room. Make sure everything is there and packed. I have a few ideas about how we can escape.”
“Will it require one of my special distractions?”
Nylian hummed. “Not at first, but probably eventually. Since it’s just two against all the Ulmenor guards, sneaky will be best.”
I turned my head toward him, trying to see him out of the corner of my eye. “Sorry I’m not more useful with a sword.”
The elf pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Even if you were the best swordsman in all the world, I still don’t think we’d have much of a chance. Plus, I’ve not had much chance to train you. When we get on the road, there will be more opportunities.”
I nodded and faced forward again, losing myself to his touch. It was critical that I learn how to use this damn weapon I’d been carrying around for weeks. Without Adeline, I was the only one who could protect Nylian.
“Do you think Jasper and Adeline are doing okay?” I inquired.
A yelp escaped me as those wandering hands slipped between my legs. I snatched the soap away from him and darted out of his arms.
“I was being thorough,” Nylian argued at my look.
“Uh-huh.” I was not buying that bit of nonsense. Thorough or not, I couldn’t have an intelligent conversation with him while his hands were on my cock. It had enjoyed more than enough exercise for one day, and we needed to make sure things were settled for our grand escape.
With the soap in my hands, I motioned for Nylian to swap places with me so I could soap up his arms and shoulders while we talked. This was not the best idea, since all that perfect pale skin was a hell of a distraction.
“And you’re done trying to match me with Adeline?” Nylian asked, his voice full of caution.
“Oh my God, yes!” I moaned. “I’m sitting naked in a goddamn bathtub with you, soaping up your back. Do you seriously think I’d let you near anyone now—man or woman? I’ve never been good at sharing, Nylian. If you—”
There was no chance to finish. Nylian spun in my arms and captured my mouth in a deep kiss, making me forget what we’d been talking about. The important thing was that there was no room for anyone else between us. Nylian was mine for as long as I could keep him.