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“Now,” Theron says, brooking no argument.
Thalindor bows before retreating to the corridor, the door closing behind him.
Theron steps closer, bringing with him a scent of winter pine that clings to his robes. “We will bring my brother home.”
The simple declaration hits me with unexpected force. For a moment, I glimpse the brother beneath the king, the man who raised Elionn, who protected his siblings through centuries of court politics and danger.
“How?” I hate how vulnerable the question leaves me. “You can’t go with me. The Silver Sithe needs its King.”
“And it will not lose me.” Fierce determination hardens his features. “Not with you at my side.”
Theron moves to a sideboard, pouring dark liquid into two goblets, and the quiet clink of crystal fills the void between us. My hands hang empty and useless at my sides. The rage that propelled me through the corridors has ebbed, leaving behind an exhaustion that threatens to buckle my knees.
He returns, offering a goblet. “This will help restore your strength.”
I accept it, our fingers brushing, and an unexpected jolt races through my system.
The liquid inside smells of night-blooming flowers and starlight. “What is it?”
“Moonwine. From my personal stores.” He drinks from his own goblet. “I brought it as a diplomatic gift.”
I take a cautious sip, and sweetness blooms on my tongue, followed by a cool fire that spreads through my chest. “You came prepared for a long stay.”
His lips curve. “I came prepared to find my brother.”
The simplicity of his answer disarms me.
Theron sets his goblet aside and reaches for my hand, movements slow enough that I could pull away if I wanted.
His fingers hover over mine, not quite touching. “May I?”
“You may,” I say, my throat suddenly tight.
His fingers close around my wrist, turning my palm upward, and his thumb traces the blood tattoo, sending ripples of sensation up my arm. “You’ve consummated the bond with Elionn.”
Heat creeps into my cheeks. “How do you know that?”
His touch moves to my racing pulse. “I can feel it through the blood we share. This is why we do not take such unions lightly. Among Royal siblings, you do not just bond with one of us. And now that you’ve accepted the union, it will seek to grow.”
“The fuck it will,” I whisper.
“Yes, there will be more consummations in our future.” His silver eyes meet mine, and they shimmer like moonlight on water. “You know it. You know us. It’s not just Elionn inside you. Caelan and I are there, too.”
I flex my wrist within his hold. “Bullshit.”
“I do not know why you put so much weight behind bovine excrement, but I speak the truth.” Theron cups my jaw again, bringing my focus back to him.
I lean into his hand, drawn to his steadiness when everything else in my life is unstable. The air between us thickens, and I sway toward him, close enough for the heat of his body to wash over me, to see the way his pupils expand.
A knock shatters the moment.
I step back, breaking contact, and the loss of his touch leaves me colder than before.
Theron’s royal composure slides back into place. “Enter.”
The door swings open, revealing two Dark guards. Between them stands a slight figure in healer’s robes, head bowed so low I can only see the top of his dark hair.
“Healer Nyt’Fall,” one guard announces.
