Page 108 of Chosen By the Fae King
Nox stirred behind me, his breath tickling the sensitive skin of my neck. “How do you fare this morning, my mate?”
Heat flooded my cheeks at his intimate address, though I couldn't deny the thrill those words evoked. I turned in his arms to find his gaze solemn, a hint of uncertainty lurking in the depths of his smoke-gray eyes.
“Well-enough, though I may require assistance rising at first.” I flashed a teasing smile, easing the tension in his expression. “You were rather enthusiastic in your attentions last night.”
Nox's lips curved in a wicked grin. “And did I not warn you we had only just begun?”
His gaze turned predatory, sending a delicious shiver down my spine. “There are many more nights ahead for me to explore every inch of you, love.”
I sighed, loving how easily he used that word, nuzzling into the warmth of his chest. It wasn't a declaration, but it was close.
“As enjoyable as that sounds,” I said, “we have more pressing concerns. We have trials to finish and conspirators to find before they act again.”
Nox tensed, his arms tightening around me almost painfully. “No. I will not allow you to be harmed again, Aeryn. The trials are over.”
I pushed up onto my elbows, staring down into his stubborn expression. “We can't stop now. Whoever killed your father is still out there, Nox, and until we find them, none of us are safe. Not you, not your siblings, and certainly not me.”
“And what if the next attack kills you?” Nox demanded, his control slipping to reveal the fear lurking beneath. “I cannot lose you, Aeryn, not when I've only just found you.”
My chest ached at the anguish in his voice. I cupped his cheek, forcing Nox to meet my gaze. “I'll be careful. I have the ability to help, so let me.”
I leaned down, brushing my lips over his in a sweet, lingering kiss. “Please.”
Nox sighed, the fight leaving him as he pulled me close once more. “Stubborn, maddening female. The trials are over. I am ending them for good. Our children will never be part of such nonsense.”
I blinked, dumbfounded. I'd never given thought to having a family, never believed it was possible for me. I'd never bring a baby into the world to work the tiny acreage of land and wonder if that was all there was to life.
“However,” he continued. “As tradition dictates, I have invited the families to retrieve their daughters from Falcondale. I'll talk to Lorne about how to best introduce you to them. I don't think you'll be a target once I tell them I'm ending the tradition. Their sights will be back on the Scullbrook line.”
I didn't like how casually he said that. But it was his reality. Our reality. So I'd help him.
“By introduce you mean for me to touch hands with them.”
“I'm considering it. Lorne and I will discuss and see what we can come up with. Though my umbral is riding me hard about locking you up so don't push. Understood?”
Victory swelled in my chest, filling me with purpose. “Perfectly, Your Majesty.”
Nox nipped my neck and spent the next hour proving that he was the one in charge.
Nox insisted I remain confined to his chambers for another day while my chest finished healing completely. Though the urge to continue investigating gnawed at me, I couldn't deny the appeal of being surrounded by Nox's scent and presence.
We talked for hours, curled up before the fireplace, exchanging stories of our childhoods and learning more about each other beyond the surface details. Nox traced idle patterns over my skin, his touch both soothing my body and igniting my blood.
When he thought I wasn't paying attention, I'd catch Nox gazing at me with wonder, as if he couldn't quite believe I was there with him. Each time our eyes met, his lips would curve into a besotted smile that made my heart skip.
Being with Nox felt natural in a way I never expected. We fit together seamlessly, balancing each other in our playful banter and more serious discussions. A deep bond was forging between us, solidified by our physical intimacy and growing affection.
Though still struggling to believe this was my new reality, I found myself imagining a life with Nox. Not the distant someday future, but a real future, one already begun where we faced each challenge side by side.
I was terrified it would be taken from me.
Nox brushed his knuckles down my cheek, snapping me from my thoughts. “Aeryn, I can almost see the gears turning in that clever mind of yours. What are you thinking?”
I tilted my head up, meeting his gaze. “That I'm happy here with you.”
Nox's eyes softened, glimmering with emotion. “As am I, love. You have brought light back into my world.”
I didn't know how to respond when he said things like that.