Page 109 of Chosen By the Fae King
“You blush so beautifully, little mate, especially when I compliment you.”
He cupped my face in his hands, his kiss demanding. I responded in kind, clutching at his shoulders as our tongues dueled.
Nox slid his hands down to grip my hips, hauling me up against him. I wrapped my legs around his waist, craving the hard press of his body against mine.
“Bed,” Nox growled against my lips. “Now.”
I nodded, beyond words. Nox carried me to the bed, laying my back on the soft linens. He followed me down, blanketing my body with his.
“My fierce female,” Nox purred, trailing hot kisses down my neck. “I'll never get enough.”
Our joining was as all-consuming as the future I dreamt of. And when the fires of our lust died down, I fell asleep in Nox's arms, more content than I'd ever been.
I wouldn't allow anyone to take him from me.
Twenty-Two
Aeryn
Knots formed in my shoulders as Nox led me through the halls of Thornewood. His grip on my hand was firm, possessive. I tried not to notice the warmth of his calloused palm against mine or the way his strides matched my own, as if we'd walked this path together a hundred times before.
Ahead, guards stood at attention to the left and right of the primary entrance used for official visits to the castle. A battle of nerves was waiting for me on the other side.
Before we reached the exit, Nox halted and turned to face me. His eyes, stormy and endless, peered into my own. “Are you ready?”
I swallowed. “As I'll ever be.”
“Stay by my side,” he ordered. “No matter what.”
“Always,” I promised, earning a soft kiss and a sensual purr from his umbral.
Nox squeezed my hand and continued our journey. As we approached, the doors opened and we, as one, stepped out into the bright light of the sun.
We walked forward, across the veranda, halting at the top of the stairs. Below us was a large courtyard framed with an arched entrance along the outer wall. This was where official visitors were typically welcomed to Thornewood.
The gates were wide open for the horse drawn carriages bringing families or their representatives to retrieve their contestant, or former contestant I supposed.
The trial-bound females stood at the base of the stairs, lined up and waiting for their kin to arrive. Many were clad in fine silks and velvets, adorned with jewels that glinted under the sun.
They believed the king had been generous with their parting gifts. Really, it had been Lorne who suggested throwing some shiny things at them to ease their egos and make it less likely the shallow ones would act out.
A few chose to wear what they'd arrived in. I knew Sofiya had plans to sell the clothing and jewels, though I told her to hang on to some of the shoes she adored so much.
In comparison, Nox and I were dressed for battle in dark leathers, identical to the royal guards at our back. I may not have been a seasoned soldier, but looking the part had given me a much needed boost of confidence.
No jewels or finery, not even for ornamentation, were part of our uniform. The only things adorning our bodies were a variety of blades.
Instead of giving me back my family's dagger, Nox had it cleaned and hung on the wall in his quarters. It was right next to the royal sword his father had passed down to him.
The memory of discovering it yesterday while I lounged in his arms helped strengthen my resolve. I focused and took in the activity of the newcomers in the courtyard below.
A couple of the more prominent families had arrived early. They milled about, equally as lavish and ostentatious as their daughters.
I gritted my teeth against their curious stares and whispers, forcing myself not to fidget beside Nox.
“Pay them no mind,” Nox said under his breath, leaning close. His breath stirred the fine honey-brown hairs at my temple and I resisted the urge to shiver. “Remember the plan.”
I tipped my chin up, steadying my nerves. Nox was right. I would not let their judgment and scorn distract me from my purpose. I had a duty to fulfill and I aimed to see it through.